Flying to Vietnam from Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal is becoming increasingly convenient—with affordable tickets, numerous flight options, and the allure of Vietnamese cuisine and stunning ocean views. More and more Chinese citizens living in Canada are turning their sights to this Southeast Asian hotspot. However, before you pack your bags, you must handle one thing: your visa.
I. Understand the Basics First
Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a visa in advance to enter Vietnam, except for a few special cases. Currently, Vietnam has not opened a visa-free policy for ordinary Chinese passport holders.
Starting in 2026, the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam issued Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC, which fully adjusted the visa fee standards. Therefore, all fees in this guide have been updated to the latest 2026 standards.
Special Policy for Phu Quoc Island: If you hold a Chinese passport and fly directly to and from Phu Quoc Island without leaving the island, you can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. However, if you plan to visit mainland cities (such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang), you must obtain a visa in advance.
II. Three Visa Methods: Which One Suits You?
There are three main ways for Chinese citizens currently in Canada to apply for a Vietnam visa. Let’s compare them:
| Visa Type | Application Method | Validity | Target Group | Embassy Visit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa | 100% Online | Up to 90 days (Single/Multiple) | Tourists, Business Travelers | ✗ |
| Visa on Arrival | Apply for Letter first, exchange at airport | Based on Approval Letter | Emergency, Last-minute travel | ✗ |
| Embassy Visa | In-person or by Mail | Various options | Special requirements | ✓ |
Below are the detailed application guides for all three methods.
III. Method 1: Vietnam E-Visa (Highly Recommended!)
If only one method could be recommended, it would be the E-Visa. Since August 2023, the Vietnamese government expanded E-Visa eligibility to all countries and territories, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. It offers 90-day single or multiple entry options with high flexibility.
✅ Core Advantages of E-Visa
- 100% Online: Complete it from home; applicable from Toronto to Vancouver.
- No Passport Shipping: No need to worry about losing your passport in the mail.
- Broad Entry Ports: Accepted at almost all international airports and major land ports.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees.
📋 Required Materials You only need to prepare two items for an E-Visa:
- Passport Bio-data Page Scan (Clear, no glare, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry).
- Recent Passport-sized Photo (4×6 cm, white background, front view without hat/glasses).
Important Note: Business E-Visas are for business purposes only. Any activity involving employment in Vietnam requires a work permit and a long-term residence visa through a Vietnamese employer.
📊 Vietnam E-Visa Fee Table (Tourist Visa) The following fees are all-inclusive (Government fees + Service fees), ensuring on-time issuance:
| Processing Time | 1 Month Single | 1 Month Multiple | 3 Months Single | 3 Months Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Working Days | $70 USD | $100 USD | $90 USD | $120 USD |
| 3 Working Days | $90 USD | $120 USD | $110 USD | $140 USD |
| 2 Working Days | $110 USD | $140 USD | $130 USD | $160 USD |
| 1 Working Day | $150 USD | $180 USD | $170 USD | $200 USD |
| 4 Working Hours | $180 USD | $220 USD | $210 USD | $240 USD |
📊 Vietnam E-Visa Fee Table (Business Visa)
| Processing Time | 1 Month Single | 1 Month Multiple | 3 Months Single | 3 Months Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Working Days | $80 USD | $110 USD | $100 USD | $130 USD |
| 3 Working Days | $100 USD | $130 USD | $120 USD | $150 USD |
| 2 Working Days | $120 USD | $150 USD | $140 USD | $170 USD |
| 1 Working Day | $160 USD | $190 USD | $180 USD | $210 USD |
| 4 Working Hours | $200 USD | $230 USD | $220 USD | $250 USD |
Fees are referenced from the Vietnam Visa agency platform; for details, visit the official website.
🔧 Application Steps
- Visit the Website: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/
- Fill in Info: Ensure Name and DOB match your passport 100%.
- Upload Files: Upload your passport scan and photo.
- Online Payment: Supports Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards.
- Await Approval: Standard time is 3-5 working days (Expedited available).
- Download & Print: Receive the PDF E-Visa, print it, and present it with your passport upon entry.
⚠️ Special Attention Travelers with Mainland Chinese ordinary passports using an E-Visa must exchange it for a separate leaf visa (free of charge) at the airport counter. This requires a brief wait at a designated window.
IV. Method 2: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (The Flexible Backup)
Visa on Arrival (VOA) requires an “Approval Letter” obtained via an agency before travel. It is suitable for those who decide to travel last minute and don’t have time for an E-Visa.
🚫 Important VOA Restrictions
- Air Travel Only: Only available for those flying into designated Vietnamese airports.
- Pre-approval Mandatory: You cannot board or get a visa without the Letter.
📊 Visa on Arrival Fee Structure VOA involves two separate payments:
| Visa Type | Service Fee (Online) | Stamping Fee (Airport, Cash USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month Single Entry | $45 USD | $25 USD |
| 1 Month Multiple Entry | $50 USD | $50 USD |
| 3 Months Single Entry | N/A | $25 USD |
| 3 Months Multiple Entry | N/A | $50 USD |
| 6 Months Multiple Entry | N/A | $95 USD |
⏰ VOA Expedited Fees (Additional to Service Fee)
| Expedited Time | Additional Charge |
|---|---|
| 1 Working Day | +$60 USD |
| 2 Working Days | +$40 USD |
| 3 Working Days | +$20 USD |
VOA Application Website: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/
V. Method 3: Vietnam Embassy in Canada
If you prefer applying in person or have special requirements, you can visit the Embassy.
📍 Embassy Contact Information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 55 MacKay Street, Ottawa, ON K1M 2B2, Canada |
| Phone | (613) 236-0772 |
| Fax | (613) 236-2704 |
| info@vietnamembassy.ca / visa@vietnamembassy.ca | |
| Website | https://vietnamembassy.ca/ |
💡 Tips Before Visiting
- Call ahead to confirm office hours.
- The embassy closes on Canadian and Vietnamese holidays.
- Standard processing takes 5-7 working days; plan accordingly.
VI. Emergency Visa Services
If your trip is imminent or you discovered a visa error at the airport, use these emergency solutions.
🔥 Three “Same-Day” Emergency Options
| Solution | Scenario | Speed | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOA Letter | No visa or info error | Same day | $165 USD |
| E-Visa Holiday Lane | Stuck in official system | Same night | $210 USD |
| Emergency E-Visa | Special needs/Multiple entry | Ultra-fast | Single $230 / Multiple $290 |
⚡ Urgent Situations If you are departing in a few hours or have a critical data error, contact immediately via: LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa
🛂 VIP Airport Fast Track Avoid long queues at the VOA counter:
- Cost: $45 USD/person.
- Service: Staff meets you with a sign, handles all procedures, and clears customs quickly.
- Note: Does not include the Stamping Fee.
- US Citizens: 6-month to 1-year visas are available; please consult customer service.
VII. Important Reminders from Canada
✅ Pre-departure Checklist
- Passport valid for 6+ months.
- Printed E-Visa PDF or Approval Letter (Digital versions may not be accepted).
- Two white-background passport photos (for VOA).
- Sufficient USD cash for stamping fees.
⚠️ Common Error Alerts
- Inconsistent Info: Names must exactly match the passport to board.
- Passport Number Error: One wrong digit renders the visa invalid.
- Date Errors: You cannot enter before the “Valid From” date.
💰 Fee Summary Comparison
| Visa Type | Total Reference Cost (USD) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (Self) | $25 – $50 | Cheapest | Needs queuing for exchange |
| E-Visa (Agency) | $70 – $250 | Guaranteed, stress-free | Higher cost |
| VOA (Letter + Stamp) | $70 – $100 | Good for emergencies | Airport wait times |
| Embassy | Varies | In-person service | Must visit physical location |
🎯 Summary Recommendation
For Chinese citizens in Canada:
- 90% of cases: Choose E-Visa via a professional platform—it’s 100% online from any city.
- Staying 30+ days: The 90-day E-Visa is the most flexible.
- Last-minute travel: Use the Visa on Arrival Letter emergency service.
- In a rush: Contact the emergency expedited channel immediately.
Vietnam is waiting—from the coffee in Hanoi to the beaches in Da Nang. Get your visa, and let the journey begin!
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