Last Updated: March 2026
As of March 2026, Vietnamese citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Europe — ETIAS does not apply. Here is everything you need to know about requirements, costs, and how to apply.
⚡ Vietnamese Citizens: Europe Visa — Quick Facts
| Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Europe? | Yes — a Schengen short-stay visa (Category C) is required |
| Does ETIAS apply to Vietnamese citizens? | No — ETIAS is for visa-exempt nationalities only. Vietnam is not on the EU visa-exempt list. |
| How much does a Schengen visa cost for Vietnamese citizens? | €90 (~₫520,000) for adults · €45 for children aged 6–11 · free under 6 |
| How long does processing take? | 15 business days standard; up to 45 in peak periods |
| How long can I stay? | 90 days in any 180-day rolling period across all Schengen countries |
| Which countries are covered? | 29 Schengen member states — one visa covers all |
| Where do I apply? | VFS Global centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City |
| Does a Schengen visa cover the UK? | No — a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa is required |
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa (Category C) lets you enter and move freely across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It covers tourism, business, family visits, and transit. You apply through the embassy or VFS Global centre for your main destination country — once issued, the visa is valid across the entire Schengen Area.
Schengen Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens
- Valid Vietnamese passport — issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure, with at least 2 blank pages. Bring old passports showing prior Schengen visas.
- Completed visa application form — from the relevant embassy or VFS Global website.
- Two recent passport photographs — taken within the last 3 months, ICAO standard (white background, no glasses).
- Round-trip flight itinerary — confirmed reservations with dates and flight numbers.
- Proof of accommodation — hotel bookings, rental confirmation, or host invitation letter.
- Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 coverage across the entire Schengen Area, including emergency medical and repatriation.
- Proof of financial means — bank statements from the last 3–6 months.
- Cover letter — stating your purpose of visit, planned countries, and dates.
- Proof of ties to Vietnam — employment letter, property ownership, or family ties showing your intent to return.
🛡️ Travel Insurance Is Required for Your Visa Application
Schengen embassies require proof of travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance meets the requirement and covers the entire Schengen Area.
Get Schengen-Compliant Insurance →How to Apply: Step by Step
Need Help With Your Schengen Visa Application?
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Start Your Application →Which Countries Does a Schengen Visa Cover?
One Schengen visa covers all 29 Schengen member states, with free movement between them.
Countries Not Covered by Your Schengen Visa
| Country | What Vietnamese Citizens Need |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | UK Standard Visitor Visa (separate application required) |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | Irish visa (separate application required) |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | Cyprus visa (accepts valid Schengen visa holders) |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | e-Visa available online |
The 90/180-Day Rule
Your Schengen visa limits you to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area — not per country. Use our free Schengen Calculator to track your days. See our 90/180-Day Rule Guide for the full explanation.
Dual Nationality: Vietnam
Vietnam does not permit dual nationality. Vietnamese citizens who acquire a foreign nationality are generally required to renounce their Vietnamese citizenship. If you hold a foreign passport with visa-exempt Schengen access, seek legal advice before travelling on it to clarify your status under Vietnamese law.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for Europe?
Yes. As of March 2026, Vietnamese passport holders require a Schengen short-stay visa (Category C) to enter any Schengen country. Apply through VFS Global centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Does ETIAS apply to Vietnamese citizens?
No. ETIAS is an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationalities only. Vietnam is not on the EU visa-exempt list — a full Schengen visa is required instead.
How much does a Schengen visa cost for Vietnamese citizens?
€90 (~₫520,000) for adults · €45 for children aged 6–11 · free for children under 6. VFS Global service fees are additional.
How long does Schengen visa processing take?
15 business days standard; up to 45 during peak periods. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel. You may apply up to 6 months in advance.
Can I visit the UK on a Schengen visa?
No. The UK is not part of the Schengen Area and requires a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa.
Which embassy do I apply to when visiting multiple countries?
Apply to the embassy of your main destination. If time is split equally, apply at the country of first entry into the Schengen Area.
Can I extend my Schengen visa?
Only in exceptional circumstances — medical emergency or force majeure. For stays over 90 days, a national long-stay visa (Category D) from the specific country is required.
What causes most Schengen visa refusals?
Incomplete documentation, insufficient proof of funds, and weak ties to Vietnam. A well-prepared, thorough application significantly improves approval chances.
📚 Related Articles
- How to Apply for a Schengen Visa — Complete step-by-step guide
- Schengen Visa vs. ETIAS — What’s the difference?
- ETIAS 2026: Complete Guide — For visa-exempt travelers
- Schengen 90/180 Day Rule Explained
- Free Schengen Calculator
- Europe’s Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Best Travel Insurance for Europe in 2026 — Required for all Schengen visa applications
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