If you are a Chinese citizen currently residing in the USA and planning a trip to Vietnam for tourism, business, or visiting family, this guide is tailored for you. Vietnam offers stunning landscapes and rich cuisine, and with convenient flights from major US cities (like LAX, SFO, JFK, SEA) via hubs in Korea, Japan, or Hong Kong, the journey is seamless. To ensure a smooth trip, the most critical step is securing your visa.
Below is a detailed walkthrough of the three primary ways to apply for a Vietnam visa from the USA, including fee schedules, urgent services, VIP Fast Track, and essential contact information.
I. Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. Regardless of whether you hold a standard Chinese passport (E-passport starting with “E” or old version starting with “G”), you must obtain a valid visa before traveling from the USA to Vietnam, unless you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country (China is not currently exempt).
✅ Pro Tip: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank visa pages.
II. Three Ways to Apply for a Vietnam Visa (Available in the USA)
Chinese citizens in the USA can apply through these three main channels:
- Traditional Visa via the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in the USA.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Requires a pre-approved letter; valid for air travel only.
- E-visa (Electronic Visa) – Fast and convenient; supports single and multiple entries.
🏛️ Option 1: Apply for a Traditional Visa at the Embassy/Consulate
If you prefer a physical sticker in your passport or need a long-term multiple-entry visa (e.g., 6-month/1-year business visa), you can apply directly.
- Vietnam Embassy in the USA (Washington D.C.)
- Address: 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036
- Phone: +1-202-861-0737
- Email: vietnamembassy.usa@mofa.gov.vn
- Website: https://vietnamembassy-usa.org
- Vietnam Consulate General in San Francisco serves applicants in the Western US.
📋 Required Documents
- Original Passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed Visa Application Form (Download from official website)
- Two 2×2 inch white background color photos
- Round-trip flight itinerary (Recommended)
- Hotel booking or invitation letter (Mandatory for business visas)
- Visa Fee (Cash or Money Order; approx. $80 – $120)
⏰ Processing Time
- Standard: 5-7 business days
- Urgent: 2-3 business days (Extra fee applies)
✈️ Option 2: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA)
VOA is one of the most popular and hassle-free methods for Chinese citizens flying from the USA. You don’t need to mail your passport; you receive an approval letter online and get your stamp upon arrival at the airport.
📌 Important Prerequisite VOA is only applicable for international flights arriving at major airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.). It is NOT valid for land or sea border crossings.
🚀 Application Steps (Via Agency)
- Visit agency website: 👉 https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/
- Fill out personal details (Name, Passport No., Entry Date, etc.).
- Pay the Service Fee online (See fee table below).
- Receive the Visa Approval Letter via email (1-3 business days).
- Print the Letter + Entry/Exit Form.
- Upon arrival at the airport, present documents at the “Visa on Arrival” counter:
- Original Passport
- Printed Approval Letter
- Two 2×2 inch photos
- Stamping Fee (Paid in USD cash)
💰 VOA Fee Breakdown (Service Fee + Stamping Fee)
Tourist Visa on Arrival (Tourist VOA)
| Visa Type | Service Fee (Online) | Stamping Fee (At Airport) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Single Entry | $45 | $25 |
| 1-Month Multiple Entry | $50 | $50 |
| 3-Month Single Entry | N/A | $25 |
| 3-Month Multiple Entry | N/A | $50 |
| 6-Month Multiple Entry | N/A (Not for CN) | $95 |
| 1-Year Multiple Entry | N/A (US Passport only) | $135 |
| Note: For 3-month options, service fees range from $70-$90. Please contact customer service. |
Business Visa on Arrival (Business VOA)
| Visa Type | Service Fee (Online) | Stamping Fee (At Airport) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Single Entry | $55 | $25 |
| 1-Month Multiple Entry | $65 | $50 |
| 3-Month Single Entry | $75 | $25 |
| 3-Month Multiple Entry | $85 | $50 |
⚡ Urgent VOA Services (Add-on Fee)
- 1 Business Day: +$60
- 2 Business Days: +$40
- 3 Business Days: +$20
- Super Urgent (Few hours): Contact via LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
👑 VIP Airport Fast Track ($45 per person) An agent meets you at the airport, handles the VOA paperwork and customs, and assists with luggage—perfect for skipping long queues.
💻 Option 3: Vietnam Electronic Visa (E-visa)
Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam E-visas are valid for up to 90 days and support multiple entries. Chinese citizens (including HK/Macao) are eligible.
✅ E-visa Advantages
- 100% online; no passport mailing.
- Supports Airports, Land Borders, and Seaports.
- Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
🌐 Application Channels
- Official Gov Site (Cheap but slow): https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn ($25, 3-10 days, no refunds).
- Professional Agency (Recommended): 👉 https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/ (100% success or refund, urgent options).
📊 Agency E-visa Fee Schedule (Total Fee)
Vietnam Tourist E-visa
| Visa Type | 4 Business Days | 3 Business Days | 2 Business Days | 1 Business Day | 4 Business Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Mo Single | $70 | $90 | $110 | $150 | $180 |
| 1-Mo Multiple | $100 | $120 | $140 | $180 | $220 |
| 3-Mo Single | $90 | $110 | $130 | $170 | $210 |
| 3-Mo Multiple | $120 | $140 | $160 | $200 | $240 |
Vietnam Business E-visa
| Visa Type | 4 Business Days | 3 Business Days | 2 Business Days | 1 Business Day | 4 Business Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Mo Single | $80 | $100 | $120 | $160 | $200 |
| 1-Mo Multiple | $110 | $130 | $150 | $190 | $230 |
| 3-Mo Single | $100 | $120 | $140 | $180 | $220 |
| 3-Mo Multiple | $130 | $150 | $170 | $210 | $250 |
🆘 Emergency Visa Guide – “I fly tomorrow!”
If your flight is imminent, use the “Super Urgent” service (2-4 hours):
- Visit: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/
- Select VOA or E-visa.
- Note: “Ultra urgent – need within X hours”.
- Contact LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa immediately.
💡 Important Reminders
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry.
- Photos: VOA requires 2 physical prints; E-visa requires digital uploads.
- Cash: Stamping fees at the airport must be in USD cash (bring crisp, new bills).
- Ports: VOA is for airports ONLY; E-visa covers airports and most land/sea borders.
📞 Contact Info
- Embassy (DC): +1-202-861-0737
- Consulate (SF): +1-415-922-1707
- 24/7 Agency Support: LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
🏆 Summary: Which Option to Choose?
- Traditionalists: Embassy Sticker Visa.
- Air Travelers: Visa on Arrival (VOA) for simplicity.
- All-Rounders: E-visa (via Agency) for speed and border flexibility.
Safe travels and enjoy your time in Vietnam! 🌴🍜
