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Vietnam Visa Guide 2025 for Chinese Citizens: Visa-Free Conditions, Application Steps & Travel Tips

Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country with a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and unique cuisine, has become one of the most popular travel destinations for Chinese tourists. From the limestone pillars of Ha Long Bay to the ancient lanterns of Hoi An, from the French colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City to the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam is full of charm. However, before planning a trip to Vietnam, Chinese citizens must fully understand Vietnam’s visa policies to ensure a smooth journey.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s visa requirements for Chinese citizens, including visa-free conditions, detailed application procedures for different visa types, required documents, and practical travel tips to help you easily complete your visa application and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Vietnam.

1. Vietnam Visa Requirements for Chinese Passport Holders

Chinese citizens traveling to Vietnam for tourism typically need to apply for a visa in advance. Unlike some Southeast Asian countries that offer visa-free entry for Chinese citizens, Vietnam has specific visa requirements for Chinese passport holders, meaning you cannot enter Vietnam with just your passport.

Regardless of the visa application method, all Chinese passport holders must meet the following basic requirements when entering Vietnam:

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry
  • Must have a return ticket or proof of onward travel to a third country
  • May need to show hotel reservations or travel itinerary

These are the minimum entry requirements for Vietnam. Even if you qualify for visa-free entry, you must ensure your passport meets these conditions. Failure to comply may result in denied boarding or entry.

2. Vietnam Visa-Free Policy: Special Cases for Chinese Citizens

While Chinese citizens usually require a visa to enter Vietnam, there are special cases where visa-free entry is allowed:

A. Phu Quoc Island 30-Day Visa Exemption

To promote tourism, Vietnam offers a 30-day visa exemption for Phu Quoc Island to citizens of several countries, including China. However, strict conditions apply:

  • Must fly directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)

    • Entry must be from an international location (China or a third country)

    • If transiting through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must stay in the international transit zone without entering mainland Vietnam (check with airlines, as some may require a visa for boarding).

  • Stay limited to Phu Quoc only – Traveling to other parts of Vietnam (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) is not allowed under this exemption.

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months (if less, you must apply for a visa).

  • Must have a confirmed return or onward ticket.

Important Notes:

  • If you plan to visit other parts of Vietnam from Phu Quoc, you must apply for a visa in advance.

  • Traveling by land or sea from Phu Quoc to mainland Vietnam is considered illegal entry.

  • Airlines may require proof of a return flight before allowing boarding.

B. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders

Chinese citizens with a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) can enjoy 60-day visa-free entry to Vietnam:

  • Duration: Up to 60 days
  • Purpose: Business activities only (not for tourism)
  • Additional benefit: Access to APEC fast-track immigration lanes

C. Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders

Chinese citizens with diplomatic or official passports can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days.

  • Note: Ordinary private passports do not qualify for this exemption.

3. Vietnam Tourist Visa Application Methods

For Chinese citizens who do not qualify for visa-free entry, there are three main visa application methods:

A. Vietnam E-Visa (Recommended)

Since August 2023, Vietnam’s e-visa validity has been extended to 90 days, with options for single or multiple entries. This is the most convenient choice.

Advantages of E-Visa:

  • Entirely online—no need to send your passport
  • Valid at all international entry points (air, land, and sea)
  • Fast processing (usually 3-5 business days, with urgent services available in 2 hours)

Application Steps:

  1. Prepare documents:

    • Scanned passport bio page (clear JPG format)

    • White-background passport photo (4×6 cm, JPG)

    • Vietnam accommodation address (hotel or friend’s address)

    • Entry/exit dates and port of entry

  2. Apply online:

    • Visit the official Vietnam Immigration e-visa website or authorized agency: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/

    • Fill out the form and upload documents

    • Pay the visa fee (credit cards accepted)

  3. Receive e-visa:

    • An approved visa will be emailed

    • Print 2 copies for backup

  4. Enter Vietnam:

    • Present the printed e-visa, passport, and 2 photos at the Visa on Arrival counter to receive a stamped visa.

Important Notes:

  • The e-visa must match the actual port of entry.

  • Double-check all details for accuracy.

B. Visa on Arrival (VOA) – For Air Travel Only

Suitable for last-minute travelers or those unable to apply for an e-visa. This is a two-step process:

Step 1: Obtain Visa Approval Letter

  • Apply through a Vietnamese travel agency or online service (Apply here)
  • Provide passport details, entry date, and port of entry
  • Processing time: 3-4 business days (urgent service: 1 hour)
  • Cost: $45–$155 (approval letter only)

Step 2: Get a Visa Stamp at the Airport

Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport:

  • Go to the “Landing Visa” counter

  • Submit:

    • Approval letter

    • Passport

    • 2 passport photos (white background)

    • Completed entry form

  • Pay stamping fee ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple)

Applicable Airports:

  • Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN)
  • Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN)
  • Da Nang (DAD)
  • Other international airports

Important Notes:

  • No approval letter = No boarding
  • Long queues possible (allow 1-2 hours; VIP fast-track service available for 10-minute processing)
  • Photos must meet requirements (or pay extra for on-site photos)

C. Embassy Visa (Traditional Method)

Best for long-term stays or special visa types.

Application Process:

  • Submit at Vietnamese embassies/consulates (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanning, Kunming, etc.)

  • Required documents:

    • Original passport (6+ months validity)

    • Completed visa application form

    • 2 passport photos (4×6 cm, white background)

    • Travel itinerary (flight/hotel bookings)

  • Processing time:

    • Standard: 5-7 business days

    • Express: 1-3 business days (higher fee)

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which is better—e-visa or visa on arrival?

  • E-visa is recommended (cheaper, valid at all entry points, avoids airport delays).
  • Visa on arrival is for last-minute trips or if e-visa fails.

Q2: Can I enter Vietnam by land?

  • E-visa allows land entry (must specify port in application).
  • Visa on arrival is only for air travel.

Q3: What if my visa is rejected?

  • Check for missing/incorrect info.
  • Reapply via a different method.
  • Contact an agency for assistance.

Q4: Do children need a separate visa?

  • Yes, every traveler (including infants) needs their own visa.

Q5: Can I extend my visa in Vietnam?

  • Yes, tourist visas can be extended through local agencies.

5. Vietnam Travel Tips

A. Best Time to Visit

  • North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): Sep–Nov (cool autumn) or Mar–Apr (spring)
  • Central (Da Nang, Hoi An): Jan–Jul (avoid rainy season)
  • South (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc): Dec–Apr (dry season)

B. Essential Travel Documents

  • Passport & visa (original + copy)
  • Flight itinerary (printed/digital)
  • Hotel bookings (may be checked on arrival)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)

C. Money & Payments

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – ¥1 ≈ 3,600 VND

  • Payment methods:

    • Cash (essential for markets/small shops)

    • Credit cards (hotels, malls, restaurants)

    • Mobile payments (not widely accepted)

D. Transportation Tips

  • Airport to city:

    • Hanoi: Airport bus (40,000 VND) or Grab (~300,000 VND)

    • Ho Chi Minh City: Bus (20,000 VND) or taxi (~200,000 VND)

  • City travel:

    • Grab (like Uber) is safest

    • Use Mai Linh/Vinasun taxis (avoid scams)

    • Motorbike rental (risky due to traffic)

E. Safety Advice

  • Theft prevention:

    • Keep passports/cash secure

    • Beware of motorbike snatching (especially in Ho Chi Minh City)

  • Food safety:

    • Eat at busy restaurants

    • Avoid raw food/street ice

  • Road safety:

    • Walk slowly when crossing streets

    • Avoid night buses/motorbikes

F. Cultural Etiquette

  • Temples: Cover shoulders/knees

  • Tipping: Not mandatory (20,000–50,000 VND for porters/massage)

  • Bargaining: Expected in markets (not in fixed-price stores)

6. Emergency Contacts

Conclusion

Vietnam is a captivating destination, offering a diverse range of experiences from the northern mountains to the southern beaches, bustling cities to peaceful villages. This guide has covered all visa options and travel tips for Chinese citizens.

Whether you choose the convenience of an e-visa or the Phu Quoc visa exemption, early preparation is key. We recommend applying 2–3 weeks in advance to avoid delays.

Wishing you a fantastic trip to Vietnam! For visa help, contact professional agencies anytime.

Vietnam Visa Guide for Chinese Citizens. Visa-Free Conditions, Application Steps & Travel Tips

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Visas to Vietnam have been made very simple.
Here’s why:
  • We do all that is necessary when you apply for a visa.
  • You made the form online, we send the result straight to your email.
  • You arrive in Vietnam, the visa is ready for pick up.
  • We have a 100% guarantee refund policy.
  • (see our refund policy)
Disclaimer: This website is not a government one and we are not affiliated with the embassy. We are in business to help and support those who need to get a visa for Vietnam.