Europe for Vietnamese passport holders: Schengen visa, routing via Middle East, VND tips
Vietnamese passport holders need a Schengen visa — apply at the European embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City at least 5 weeks before travel. Vietnam Airlines flies direct Hanoi to Paris. Wise provides the best VND-to-EUR rate.
Visa requirements
Vietnamese passport holders require a Schengen visa. Apply at the French, German, or Italian embassy in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Fee: €90. Processing: 15 calendar days minimum. Travel insurance mandatory (€30,000 minimum Schengen coverage). Apply at least 4 weeks before travel.
Documents required
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity, issued within last 10 years)
- ✓Completed Schengen visa application form
- ✓Two recent passport photographs
- ✓Return or onward flight tickets
- ✓Hotel / accommodation bookings for full stay
- ✓Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 coverage across entire Schengen area (mandatory)
- ✓Bank statements — 3 months (demonstrating sufficient funds, approximately €100/day)
- ✓Employment letter with salary confirmation, or proof of enrolment/business registration
Flights from Vietnam to Europe (Schengen)
Money, cards & forex fees
Best VND→EUR rate — load with VND, spend in EUR
Zero forex weekday VND→EUR
ATMs in Europe (Schengen)
Best ATMs: Use ATMs attached to local banks: BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, ING, Crédit Agricole, Rabobank. Avoid Euronet ATMs (the standalone machines in tourist areas, airports, train stations) — they add 3–5% markup and poor exchange rates on top of their own fees.
Typical surcharge: €2–5 at local bank ATMs; €5–10 at Euronet standalone ATMs — avoid Euronet
Withdrawal tip: Most of Europe (especially cities) is card-friendly — Visa/Mastercard contactless accepted almost everywhere. Keep €50–100 cash for markets, smaller restaurants, and rural areas. Some restaurants in Italy and Greece still prefer cash.
Top cities in Europe (Schengen)
Paris
The world's most visited city — the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral (now restored), Montmartre, and some of the world's finest restaurants. Paris demands at least 4–5 days and rewards slow exploration. The RER and Métro connect every arrondissement. Museum queues are long; pre-book everything.
Amsterdam
A city of canals, world-class museums, and cycling culture. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are among Europe's finest. The Anne Frank House requires timed tickets booked weeks ahead. Amsterdam's compact size makes it ideal for walking or cycling. Vibrant nightlife and exceptional food scene.
Rome
Two thousand years of history in a single walkable city. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon are all within reasonable distance. Rome rewards those who get lost in its neighbourhoods — Trastevere and Pigneto offer the most authentic dining. Book Vatican tickets at least 2 weeks ahead.
Barcelona
Gaudí's architectural masterpieces define Barcelona — Sagrada Família (still being completed after 140+ years), Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera make it unlike any other European city. The Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market, and Barceloneta beach complete the picture. Famously late dining culture — restaurants don't fill until 9–10pm.
Berlin
Europe's most fascinating city for 20th-century history — the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Holocaust Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie tell the story no textbook can. Berlin is also Europe's club capital and has a thriving contemporary art and tech scene. Comparatively affordable by Western European standards. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Schengen visa from Vietnam: Hanoi and HCMC embassy options
Vietnamese nationals apply for Schengen visas at European embassy visa sections in Hanoi (embassy district around Lieu Giai and Dang Thai Mai) or Ho Chi Minh City (District 1 consulate offices). The French Embassy in Hanoi processes France-bound applicants; German Embassy on Tran Phu Street for Germany; Italian Embassy on Le Phung Hieu. Apply 4-6 weeks ahead — peak season capacity at Hanoi embassies fills quickly. Required: €90 fee, completed application, photos, flight bookings, hotel bookings, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum — mandatory), 3 months bank statements showing sufficient funds.
On-arrival tips
- 1Vietnam Airlines Hanoi-Paris direct is 11 hours — the most convenient routing
- 2Apply for Schengen visa 5-6 weeks before travel — Hanoi embassy capacity is limited
- 3Travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa — get it first
Key takeaways
- ✓Schengen visa required — €90, 15 days processing, apply in Hanoi or HCMC
- ✓Travel insurance minimum €30,000 Schengen coverage is mandatory
- ✓Vietnam Airlines direct Hanoi to Paris CDG in 11 hours
- ✓Use Wise for VND→EUR — standard Vietnamese cards charge 3%
Related visa guides
Visa information is based on publicly available government sources and official embassy data. Entry requirements, fees, and procedures change frequently — always verify with the official embassy or consulate of Europe (Schengen) before travelling. ForexFee is not a legal adviser.