Complete Guide to Applying for a Vietnam Visa for Chinese Citizens Living in Japan (Tourist/Business/Urgent)

Whether you live in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Kobe, or Kyoto, traveling to Vietnam from Japan for tourism or business is incredibly convenient. Vietnam not only offers tempting street food and fascinating natural scenery, but there are also direct flights from multiple cities in Japan (Narita, Haneda, Kansai International Airport, etc.), with frequent discounts on airfares. For Chinese passport holders living in Japan, this guide will clarify how to apply for a Vietnam visa, covering all details for tourist, business, and urgent applications to ensure a smooth trip.

Important Note: Chinese ordinary passport holders must hold a valid visa to enter Vietnam, regardless of which country they are departing from. Vietnam has not yet opened up general visa-free entry to mainland China. Visa-free entry is limited to special cases (e.g., diplomatic or official passports); ordinary travelers must prepare their visas in advance.

📌 I. Quick Overview of the Three Main Application Methods Before diving into the details, here is a table to help you understand the core differences between the three methods:

MethodSuitable ForPassport Mailing Required?Port of Entry Restrictions
Embassy/Consulate VisaThose who want a traditional sticker visa, are not in a rush, or want a physical visa.Yes (or in-person submission)Any port (Airport, Land, Sea)
Visa on Arrival (VOA)Air travelers, those seeking cost-effectiveness, or those who don’t want to mail their passport.No (only Approval Letter needed)Vietnam International Airports ONLY (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc.)
E-visaThose who want to complete the process entirely online or enter via land/sea borders.NoSupports multiple ports (including airports and land borders)

Next, we will break down the detailed steps, costs, timelines, and precautions for each method.

🏛️ II. Method 1: Traditional Visa via Vietnam Embassy/Consulates in Japan

🎯 Suitable for:

  • Travelers who prefer a traditional sticker visa.
  • Those who need to enter Vietnam via land or sea borders.
  • Those less comfortable with online processes and prefer a physical document for peace of mind.

📍 Contact Information for Vietnam Representative Offices in Japan

🇻🇳 Embassy of Vietnam in Tokyo

  • Address: 50-11 Motoyoyogi-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0062
  • Phone: +81 3 3466 3311 / +81 3 3466 3313
  • Fax: +81 3 3466 7652 / +81 3 3466 7612
  • Email: vnembasy@blue.ocn.ne.jp (General), vnconsular@vnembassy.jp (Consular)
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30-12:30, 14:00-17:00

🇻🇳 Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka

  • Address: 4-2-15 Ichinocho-higashi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka, 590-0952
  • Phone: +81 7 2221 6666
  • Fax: +81 7 2221 6667
  • Email: tlsqvn.osaka@mofa.gov.vn
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00

🇻🇳 Consulate of Vietnam in Fukuoka

  • Address: 5-3-8 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 810-0801
  • Phone: +81 92 263 7668
  • Fax: +81 92 263 7676
  • Email: tlsqvn-fukuoka@mofa.gov.vn
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00

💡 Tip: Chinese citizens residing anywhere in Japan can submit their applications to the Tokyo Embassy. While Osaka and Fukuoka also accept applications, their scope may vary, so please call ahead to confirm.

📝 Application Process (Example: Tokyo Embassy)

  • Step 1: Prepare Documents
    • Original passport (at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages).
    • Visa application form (with one 3.5cm x 4.5cm white-background photo attached).
    • Entry approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department (usually arranged by your inviter in Vietnam; for tourist visas, you can use a professional agency).
    • Round-trip flight itinerary (recommended).
    • Hotel booking (for tourist visa) or Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company (for business visa).
  • Step 2: Submission
    • In-person: Visit the embassy during office hours to submit documents and pay fees.
    • By Mail: Send all materials and a pre-paid return envelope (using Yu-Pack cash-on-delivery “chakubarai” service is recommended) to: 〒151-0062 東京都渋谷区元代々木町50-11 ベトナム大使館 御中 (ビザ申請書類). Only use “Cash Registration” (Genkin Kakitome) for visa fees; ordinary mail is not accepted.
  • Step 3: Fees
    • Tourist Visa (1 month, single entry): Approx. 50-70 USD
    • Business Visa (1 month, single entry): Approx. 60-80 USD
    • Note: These are estimates; please confirm the exact amount with the embassy.
  • Step 4: Collection
    • Usually takes 5-7 business days. You can pick it up in person or have it mailed back if you provided a return envelope.

⚠️ Note: Embassies are closed during both Vietnamese and Japanese public holidays. Check the holiday schedule in advance to avoid peak times.

✈️ III. Method 2: Visa on Arrival (VOA) — The Most Popular Choice from Japan

🌟 Why recommend it? No need to mail your passport. You apply online for an “Approval Letter,” and upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, you get the visa stamped. With numerous direct flights from Japan to Vietnam (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu), VOA is highly convenient.

⚠️ Important Reminder: VOA is only applicable for arrival by air at international airports (e.g., Hanoi Noi Bai, HCMC Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Nha Trang Cam Ranh). It cannot be used for land borders.

📝 Application Steps

  1. Visit the agency website 👉 https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/
  2. Fill in personal info: Name (must match passport exactly), passport number, entry date, visa type.
  3. Pay the service fee (online via Credit Card/PayPal).
  4. Receive the “Approval Letter” via email within 1-2 business days.
  5. Print the Approval Letter (electronic versions are NOT accepted; paper is mandatory).
  6. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter.
  7. Submit: Approval Letter + Original Passport + 2 photos (4x6cm, white background).
  8. Pay the “Stamping Fee” (USD cash) → Receive visa sticker → Enter the country.

💰 VOA Fee Structure 📌 Total Cost = Online Service Fee + Airport Stamping Fee (USD Cash)

Tourist VOA Fee Table

Visa TypeService Fee (Online)Stamping Fee (Airport)
1-month Single Entry45 USD25 USD
1-month Multiple Entry50 USD50 USD
3-month Single EntryN/A (Choose E-visa)25 USD
3-month Multiple EntryPlease contact support50 USD

Business VOA Fee Table

Visa TypeService Fee (Online)Stamping Fee (Airport)
1-month Single Entry60 USD25 USD
1-month Multiple Entry70 USD50 USD
3-month Single Entry80 USD25 USD
3-month Multiple Entry90 USD50 USD

Urgent Service

  • 1 business day: +60 USD
  • 2 business days: +40 USD
  • 3 business days: +20 USD
  • For same-day urgent service, contact LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa

VIP Fast-Track Service (Airport skip-the-line)

  • Fee: 45 USD/person.
  • Service: Staff meets you at the VOA counter with a name sign, handles the stamping process for you, and clears you through in 15 minutes.
  • Note: Does not include the 25/50 USD stamping fee.

💻 IV. Method 3: E-visa — Best for Self-Service & Land Borders

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam E-visas have been open to all countries and territories. Chinese citizens (including those with the new E-series passports) are eligible for up to 90-day multiple-entry visas.

🖥️ Official vs. Agency Channels

ProjectOfficial Website (evisa.gov.vn)Agency Website (Recommended)
Processing Time3-10 business days1-4 business days (Urgent options)
Fees25-50 USD (Non-refundable)Varies (See table below)
Success RateApprox. 85-90% (No refund if rejected)100% guarantee or full refund
SupportEnglish/Vietnamese onlyChinese customer support assistance

👉 Agency Website Link: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/ (Select “E-visa”)

📊 E-visa Fee Table (Agency, Guaranteed) (Consult the original text for the detailed pricing table for Tourist/Business E-visas)

📝 Steps (via Agency)

  1. Go to https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/, select “E-visa.”
  2. Fill in info, upload passport bio page + white-background photo (4x6cm digital).
  3. Choose type/urgency and pay.
  4. Check email, verify info (VERY IMPORTANT!).
  5. Receive PDF E-visa within the promised time.
  6. Print E-visa and present it at the border with your passport.

🎯 E-visa Advantages

  • Supports 42 ports of entry (including land borders like Friendship Pass, Mong Cai, and all airports).
  • No need to queue for stamping at the airport; use the “E-visa” lane.
  • Ideal for land entry (e.g., crossing from Cambodia or Laos).

🧭 V. Which method should you choose?

Your SituationRecommended MethodReason
Living in Japan, flying direct, want to save time/moneyVisa on ArrivalNo mailing, cheap, fast (1-2 days).
Urgent (flight tomorrow/next day)VOA Urgent or E-visa UrgentE-visa can be done in 4 hours.
Returning to China via land borderE-visaSupports land borders, no queueing.
Need 3-month Multiple EntryE-visaMore stable and flexible.
Want physical sticker/don’t trust online payEmbassy VisaTraditional, physical copy for peace of mind.

📋 VI. Important Tips

  • Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
  • Photos: VOA requires 2 paper photos (4x6cm); E-visa requires digital copy.
  • Stamping Fee: VOA fees are CASH ONLY (USD). Bring small change.
  • Business Invitation: Some business VOA types require company invitation details.
  • From Japan: When checking in at Narita/Haneda/Kansai/Chubu, show the VOA Approval Letter or E-visa; airlines recognize these documents.
  • Phu Quoc Island: If staying ONLY in Phu Quoc, it’s visa-free for 30 days. If visiting other parts of Vietnam, a visa is mandatory.

VII. FAQ

  • Q1: Can I fly from Japan with an E-visa? Yes.
  • Q2: What if I lose my VOA Approval Letter? Contact the agency to resend it.
  • Q3: Does having Japanese Permanent Residency (PR) affect the visa? No, it’s based on nationality (Chinese passport).
  • Q4: Which website is the safest? The one linked in the guide (yuenanyuenan.com) provides Chinese support and a 100% guarantee.
  • Q5: Do I need to go to Tokyo if I live in Nagoya/Sapporo/Fukuoka? No, VOA and E-visa are 100% online.
  • Q6: Do I need a visa for transit in Tokyo to Vietnam? If you enter Japan, you need to ensure you have the required documents; if strictly airside transit, you don’t enter Japan, but still need a Vietnam visa.
  • Q7: Can I extend a business visa? Yes, but it’s complex. Better to apply for a long-term visa initially.

Contact: LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa Agency Website: https://www.yuenanyuenan.com/apply/

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