Getting a Vietnamese Passport: Complete Guide

Published on May 4, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Getting a Vietnamese passport can seem like a daunting challenge, but with the right information, this process can be simplified. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to demystify obtaining your Vietnamese passport.

Whether you are a resident or an expatriate, understanding the nuances of the Vietnamese administrative system is crucial. We will cover the required documents, methods to avoid common pitfalls, and how to navigate bureaucratic procedures with efficiency and peace of mind.

Get ready to take this step with confidence thanks to our comprehensive and detailed guide.

Steps to Obtain a Vietnamese Passport

Essential Steps to Obtain a Vietnamese Passport:

1. Prepare the Required Documents:

• Passport application form (TK02 2022 or M02-LS depending on the diplomatic mission)
• 3 recent passport photos, 2×2 inches (5×5 cm), white background, bare head
• Vietnamese ID card, certificate of nationality, or birth certificate
• Curriculum vitae
• Expired passport (for renewal)
• Copy of the main pages and visas of the previous passport
• Proof of residence (residence permit, foreign passport, proof of domicile, etc.)
• Family record book or citizen registration certificate, if available
• For children under 14: birth certificate and parents’ documents

2. Submit the Application:

• Submit the file to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the country of residence
• Possibility of postal submission (life certificate with passport photo, power of attorney if submitted by a third party)
• Submission hours vary by mission (e.g., Monday morning, Wednesday morning, Thursday afternoon)

3. Review and Verification:

• Checking and verification of documents by the embassy/consulate
• Transmission of information to the competent authorities in Vietnam for background and citizenship verification
• Possible request for additional documents if the file is incomplete

4. Payment of Fees:

• Passport issuance fee
• Possible translation and copying fees
• Document authenticity verification fees
• Postage fees for passport return
• Payment by check for postal submissions (check holder: applicant or immediate family)

5. Processing Time:

Generally between 6 and 8 weeks for applications abroad, varying by case and country of submission

Contacts and Assistance:

• Embassy of Vietnam in France:
  Official website – form and instructions: ambassade-vietnam.com/fr/passeport/
• Consulate of Vietnam in the country of residence
• Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam
• Immigration Management Department of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam

Specifics for Applicants Abroad or Special Cases:

• Vietnamese residing abroad must provide additional proof of citizenship and residence
• Postal submission accepted under conditions (certified life certificate, passport photo, power of attorney)
• For children under 14: joint application with parents, limited passport validity
• Individuals with special needs (lost documents, international adoption, etc.) must attach all available supporting documents and may be asked to provide additional certificates or documents

Good to Know:

Bring your completed application form and ID card to the competent office in Hanoi or submit your application online; check the website of the Vietnamese embassy abroad for specific procedures for expatriates. For quick assistance or questions, contact the consular services directly via the contact information provided on the Vietnamese government website.

For any questions or specific situations, it is advisable to contact the competent Vietnamese embassy or consulate directly, which can provide updated and tailored information for each case.

Cost and Required Documents for a Vietnamese Passport Application

Passport Application Fees

Fees vary depending on the applicant’s age. For an adult, the cost is €96. Children aged 15 to 17 benefit from a reduced rate of €52, while children aged 0 to 14 pay €27.

Regarding additional fees, you should budget for translation and document copying fees if necessary, document authenticity verification fees if needed, and postage fees for the return of the passport.

Payment Methods

Two payment options are available:

Online Payment: It is possible to purchase an electronic tax stamp on the platform timbres.impots.gouv.fr. Payment is made exclusively in euros.

Payment at the Consulate: Payment can be made in cash in Vietnamese dong (equivalent of consular fees) or by local bank card. For files sent by mail, only checks are accepted, and the check holder must be the applicant or a family member (spouse, parents, children).

Required Documents

Putting together the file for a Vietnamese passport renewal application requires the following items:

• The passport application form (TK02 2022) accompanied by 3 passport photos
• The passport that is about to expire (original)
• A copy of pages 2 to 7 of the passport and pages containing stamps from the Vietnam Immigration Department
• A copy of a document proving legal residence in France, Monaco, Andorra, or Portugal (residence permit, national ID card, foreign passport, Circulation Title, Republican Title, Proof of Domicile, etc.)
• Copies of documents issued by Vietnamese authorities, such as ID card, birth certificate, or residence booklet, if available

For applications by proxy: A power of attorney letter and a life certificate certified by the town hall are required.

For applications by mail: A life certificate with a passport photo, certified by the town hall of the place of residence, must be included.

Processing Times

At the French consulate, expect an average of 6 to 8 weeks between submitting the application and the passport being available.

Practical Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

To ensure a smooth processing of your application, follow these points:

• Check the completeness of the file: Make sure all listed documents are included before submission, especially the duly completed form and the three passport photos meeting the standards.
• Use the correct copies: Copies must be clear and legible, especially for passport pages and Vietnamese identity documents.
• Document authentication: If Vietnamese documents are included, verify they meet authenticity requirements.
• Accuracy of personal information: Any error in the application form can cause delays. Carefully check the spelling of first and last names.
• Passport photos: Ensure the three photos meet official identity standards.
• Life certificate: For applications by proxy or mail, obtain the life certificate from your town hall well in advance, as this document is mandatory.

Where and How to Submit the Application

In person at the Embassy: Applications can be submitted on Monday morning, Wednesday morning, and Thursday afternoon. An online appointment must be made via the Embassy’s appointment booking platform.

By mail: Applications can be sent by post. In this case, the life certificate certified by the town hall and bearing a passport photo must be included.

By proxy: A third party can submit the file to the Embassy, but it must be accompanied by a notarized power of attorney letter and a life certificate certified by the town hall.

Useful Contacts and Additional Information

For Vietnamese citizens residing in France, Monaco, Andorra, or Portugal with a passport valid for less than 6 months, it is possible to apply for a passport renewal.

Children, regardless of age, must be present when applying for a passport concerning them, accompanied by one of the holders of parental authority (father, mother, or legal guardian).

To check the exact rates and current fees, as well as for precise information tailored to your specific situation, it is recommended to contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate directly for the most up-to-date details.

Good to Know:

Fees for a Vietnamese passport range from 200,000 to 400,000 VND, and payments can be made by bank transfer or in cash; make sure to submit the required documents in person at the regional office, including the completed form, passport photos, proof of residence, national ID card, and check the immigration website for information on standard processing times and acceleration options.

Processing Times and Application Tracking

Factors Influencing Processing Times:

• Time of year: Peak periods (holidays, school vacations) extend processing times.
• Accuracy and completeness of the file: An incomplete or erroneous application leads to requests for additional documents and verifications, lengthening processing time.
• Background checks: Some files may require additional checks, especially for special cases or renewal applications after loss or theft.
• Technical issues: Malfunctions of the website or registration system.

Application Status Tracking:

• Online: Use the official Vietnamese immigration portal (evisa.gov.vn) to track progress using the registration code provided upon submission.
• Phone: Possibility to contact Vietnamese immigration services or the competent embassy/consulate for information.
• Email: Some services notify by email about the progress of the file or the availability of the passport.
• In person: For physically submitted applications, it is possible to inquire at the counter where the file was handed in.

Tips to Avoid Delays:

• Check the list of required documents before submitting the application.
• Fill out all forms carefully, especially personal information and contact details.
• Provide recent passport photos that meet standards (usually 4×6 cm, white background, no glasses or headwear).
• Apply early, especially during peak periods.
• Check passport validity (at least 6 months remaining at the date of entry into Vietnam).
• Keep the registration code or file number for tracking.

Acceleration Options or Emergency Cases:

• Urgent procedure: Some services offer expedited issuance within 3 business days for an additional fee.
• Emergency situation (loss/theft): Contact the embassy or immigration service immediately. Minimum time of 5 business days to obtain an exit document, which can take up to several weeks for complex cases.
• Special cases: For verified medical or professional situations, attach supporting documents to the acceleration request.

Summary of Key Points to Remember:

• Average time for a Vietnamese passport: 7 to 15 business days, expedited procedure possible.
• Time of year, file accuracy, and additional checks are the main factors causing delays.
• Tracking possible via an online portal, phone, email, or in person.
• Careful file preparation and early application recommended.
• Emergency procedures accessible under conditions and with supporting documents.

Good to Know:

The time to obtain a Vietnamese passport ranges from three to four weeks, influenced by factors such as the time of year and necessary checks; tracking is done via a dedicated online site. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are complete and compliant before submitting the application.

Benefits of Holding a Vietnamese Passport

Travel Opportunities

Holders of a Vietnamese passport benefit from increased freedom of movement, allowing them to enter several Asian countries without a visa, including ASEAN member states like Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. This significantly facilitates business and tourist travel in the region.

Practical Aspects

Possessing a Vietnamese passport simplifies administrative procedures for traveling and residing long-term in Vietnam:

• Simplified formalities: Holders of Vietnamese or foreign passports can benefit from more flexible visa procedures, facilitating access to extended stays.
• Access to local services: Residents can access various local banking and administrative services, which is particularly useful for those wishing to settle permanently.

Financial Benefits

The Vietnamese passport offers several financial advantages:

• Investments: It facilitates investments in the country thanks to more flexible regulations for citizens.
• Access to banking services: Vietnamese passport holders can open local bank accounts and access loans, which is crucial for entrepreneurs and investors.

Sense of Cultural and National Belonging

Possessing a Vietnamese passport strengthens the sense of cultural and national belonging. Citizens feel more connected to their home country and its culture, which can be particularly important for those living abroad.

Dual Citizenship

If allowed, dual citizenship can offer additional benefits, such as the ability to travel more easily between the two countries, benefit from the social and tax advantages of each, and have increased legal security.

Security and International Recognition

The Vietnamese passport enjoys growing international recognition, with significant improvement in global rankings in recent years. This strengthens document security and the confidence of foreign partners in the Vietnamese system, thanks to modern technologies like biometric passports.

Comparative Table of Benefits

List of Visa-Free Countries

Holders of a Vietnamese passport can travel visa-free to various countries, including:

• Southeast Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines.
• Africa: Burundi, Cape Verde, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Tanzania.
• South America and Central Asia: Bolivia, Suriname, Panama, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan.
• Others: Maldives, Iran.

Good to Know:

A Vietnamese passport offers visa-free entry to several Asian countries, simplifies procedures for residing or investing in Vietnam, and strengthens national cultural identity for its holders.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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