Discovering the Mekong
Ravaged by years of war, Vietnam has come a long way and its vestiges bear witness to this. Northern Vietnam encircles Hanoi, the capital, which reveals its colonial architecture. Continuing through the country in the shape of a dragon, rice paddies follow one another to Ho Chi Minh, a large, bustling city in the south. Offshore, beaches roll past idyllic islands. Prefer the calm of Phu Cuoc to the bustling Baie d’Halong, with its exotic landscapes and gastronomic delights.
GMT+7
Vietnamese Dông
(VND)
+84
Vietnam is at GMT+7, i.e. :
in summer, there is a 5-hour time difference (when it is 12:00 in Paris, it is 17:00 in Hanoi);
in winter, there’s a 6-hour time difference (when it’s 12:00 in Paris, it’s 18:00 in Hanoi)
Sockets are either European type (two round plugs) or American type (two flat plugs). It’s best to take a transformer-adapter with you.
To call Vietnam from France, dial 00 + 84 + your correspondent’s number.
To call France from Vietnam, dial 00 + 33 + your correspondent’s 9-digit number (without the initial 0).
We recommend that you keep your vaccinations up to date. As always, it’s important to be protected against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis A and B, measles and, possibly, rabies. No vaccinations required, except for yellow fever for travellers from infected areas.
As the Vietnamese authorities are very fussy about the importation of psychotropic drugs, it is very important for users to carry a prescription from their doctor (product name, dosage, duration of treatment).
Passport valid at least 6 months after date of return for French nationals. Passport details must be supplied to us for communication to the Vietnamese authorities; the passport must include at least one full blank page. For other nationalities, we’ll be happy to help you with all the formalities.
Until June 30, 2021, French nationals do not need to apply for a visa for a stay in Vietnam of up to fifteen days (including days of entry and exit). A free visa will be granted on arrival. This is a single-entry visa; if the traveler were to leave the country and then return during the fortnight, he or she would need to obtain a second visa (for which a fee would be charged).
Visa required for French nationals spending more than two weeks in Vietnam (60 euros), Belgians (55 euros) or Swiss nationals (70 francs). You’ll need to provide your passport (subject to the validity conditions indicated in the “Passport” section), 2 completed application forms and 2 passport photos (a single form and photo for Belgians and Swiss).
For other nationalities, we are at your disposal to help you with the necessary formalities.
