Vietnam has become a core stronghold for Chinese enterprises expanding into the Southeast Asian market. From the manufacturing supply chains in Ho Chi Minh City and the tech startup hubs in Hanoi to the port logistics hubs in Da Nang, the density of business exchanges between China and Vietnam continues to rise. For business travelers, a visa is not just a necessary formality before departure; it directly impacts travel flexibility and time costs. This article is written specifically for Chinese mainland citizens traveling to Vietnam for business, focusing on business visa selection strategies, application processes, and entry efficiency optimization to help turn the visa process from a “hassle” into a “routine.”
Three Things You Must Clarify Before a Business Trip
1.1 Chinese Passport Holders: No Exceptions for Vietnam Visas
As of 2027, Vietnam has not yet implemented a comprehensive visa exemption for ordinary Chinese passports. Regardless of the length of the business trip, a valid visa must be obtained prior to entry.
The only exception is holders of the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), who can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days. This is the most hassle-free option for business travelers who frequently travel between China and Vietnam. If you do not yet hold an ABTC, an E-Visa or a DN separate business visa is a more pragmatic choice.
While the 30-day visa exemption for Phu Quoc Island exists, its conditions are strict: you must fly directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), and your itinerary is restricted to the island. If your business trip involves Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang, the exemption does not apply. For business travelers, applying for a visa directly is more efficient than compromising on exemption conditions.
1.2 Special Regulations for Chinese Passports: Separate Visa Sheets (另紙簽)
This is the biggest difference between Chinese mainland passport holders and Hong Kong/Taiwan passport holders. Because Chinese mainland passports (especially the new electronic passports starting with the letter “E” introduced in 2012) contain watermarked maps of the South China Sea’s “nine-dash line,” Vietnamese authorities do not stamp or stick visas directly inside Chinese passports.
- Specific Impact: After Chinese mainland passport holders successfully apply for a Vietnamese E-Visa, upon arriving at a Vietnamese airport, they must still proceed to the “Visa on Arrival” counter to receive a separate visa sheet free of charge. Please be sure to bring two 2-inch white-background photos (approximately 4×6 cm). The exchange is free, but the queue may be long, so it is recommended to reserve plenty of time.
- The separate visa sheet is an independent A4 piece of paper. You must hold the original visa page for entry and exit, and never paste it into your passport; keep it safely clipped to the outside of your passport.
1.3 How Many Entries Does Your Business Trip Need?
This is the most easily overlooked issue for business travelers. If your itinerary is “China -> Vietnam -> Third Country -> Vietnam -> China,” or if you need to travel back and forth across the China-Vietnam border to handle business during your trip, a single-entry visa will not meet your needs, and you must choose multiple entries.
The E-Visa offers a maximum duration of up to 90 days with single or multiple entry options, making it a key choice for business travelers who need flexible itinerary adjustments.
How to Choose a Business Visa: E-Visa vs. DN Separate Business Visa
Not all business trips to Vietnam require the DN separate visa process. The key to selection lies in the nature of the business trip, length of stay, and port of entry.
| Comparison Item | Business E-Visa | DN Separate Business Visa |
| Max Validity | Up to 90 days | Up to 12 months, multiple entries |
| Vietnamese Sponsor Required? | Not required | Required (Vietnamese company guarantee) |
| Invitation Letter Required? | Not required | Required |
| Application Method | Fully online | Vietnamese sponsor approval + Consulate submission |
| Applicable Ports of Entry | 83 designated ports, including land ports | Multiple ports including land ports |
| Processing Time | 3-5 working days | Recommended to allow 2-3 weeks |
| Target Audience | Short-term inspections, exhibitions, initial negotiations | Long-term project follow-up, frequent travel, stationed in Vietnam |
2.1 Business E-Visa: The Most Recommended Option for 2027
The major reform implemented since 2026 continues through 2027—business electronic visas completely do not require a guarantee letter or invitation letter from a Vietnamese company. When applying, you only need to fill in the name and address of the Vietnamese company you plan to visit, drastically simplifying the administrative process for business travel.
This policy is especially friendly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and business travelers on their first inspection trip to Vietnam, saving time spent coordinating invitation letters back and forth with Vietnamese counterparts.
Essential Application Documents:
- Passport Scan: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry, complete capture of the information page, no glare or obstruction, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Digital ID Photo: Taken within the last 6 months, white background, frontal view, no glasses, ears visible, 4×6 cm specification, JPG format, file size under 2MB.
- Vietnam Contact Information: Name and address of the Vietnamese company you plan to visit.
- Port of Entry: Confirmed airport code of entry (e.g., SGN, HAN, DAD, etc.).
- Valid Email: To receive the application confirmation code and visa results.
- Credit Card: Supporting international payments like Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc.
2.2 DN Separate Business Visa: The Compliant Path for Long-Term Travel and Land Border Entry
If you are engaged in long-term project follow-up, stationed in Vietnam, need to travel frequently across the China-Vietnam border, or plan to enter via a land port, the DN separate visa is the only compliant and efficient choice. It is guaranteed by a local Vietnamese company and can support a longer stay and multiple entries.
The materials for a DN separate visa are divided into two sets: Vietnamese Sponsor and Chinese Applicant:
- Vietnamese Side Must Provide: An invitation letter or guarantee letter issued by the Vietnamese partner company (stamped with an official seal, including detailed information of both parties, purpose of visit, length of stay, etc.), a copy of the Vietnamese company’s business license duplicate, and the NA2 or NA16 guarantee approval form submitted to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Chinese Applicant Must Provide: Original passport valid for over 6 months with at least 2 blank pages, a 4×6 cm white-background color ID photo taken within the last 6 months (note: not domestic 2-inch size), a fully completed NA1 visa application form, copies of both sides of your national ID card, and a dispatch letter from your Chinese company (printed on company letterhead detailing your position, business trip purpose, and expense coverage, stamped with the company seal and signed by the person in charge).
⚠️ Strict Tax ID Enforcement in 2026/2027: Vietnamese invitation letters must include a 10-digit tax ID and the company must be in a normal tax-paying status. Using generic templates purchased online without a real tax ID will result in direct rejection.
Special Precautions for Chinese Applicants
3.1 Name Entry—The Most Common Reason for Rejection
The Vietnamese electronic visa system has extremely strict requirements for name formats. The most common mistakes made by Chinese applicants include: swapping the order of Last Name and First Name, adding commas or hyphens on their own, or failing to match the passport’s machine-readable zone (MRZ) exactly.
- Correct Practice: Fill in your family surname in the Last Name field (e.g., ZHANG, LI, WANG), and your given name in the First Name field (e.g., WEI, XIAO MING), all in uppercase English letters. Ensure that your name matches the ICAO code line at the bottom of your passport exactly. For example, if your passport shows ZHANG WEI, fill in ZHANG for Last Name and WEI for First Name; do not reverse them.
3.2 Photo Specifications—The Second Leading Cause of Rejection
| Requirement | Correct Practice | Common Mistakes |
| Background | Pure white, shadowless | Gray background, wall shadows, selfie background |
| Dimensions | 4×6 cm, head occupies 70-80% | Incorrect size, head too small or too large |
| Expression | Frontal, hatless, eyes open, natural expression | Wearing glasses, hat, mask, side profile |
| Format | JPG or JPEG, clear and unblurred | File too large/small, blurry scan |
After uploading, the system will automatically compare and display a ✓ if it passes.
3.3 Selecting the Number of Entries—Must-Read for Multi-Country Itineraries
If your business trip involves other Southeast Asian countries, such as China -> Vietnam -> Thailand -> Vietnam -> China, you need to enter Vietnam twice. A single-entry visa becomes invalid the first time you leave Vietnam and cannot be used for a second entry. It is recommended to map out your complete route before deciding whether to apply for a single or multiple-entry visa.
Seven Steps to the Application Process
- Step 1: Visit the Official Application Website. Go to the official electronic visa website of the Vietnam Immigration Department or apply through a professional agency website.
- 🌐 Apply online via agency website: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
- Step 2: Read Instructions and Begin Application. Carefully read the application instructions, check the box to agree to the terms, and enter the official application page.
- Step 3: Upload Photos and Passport Scan. Sequentially upload compliant ID photos and passport information page scans. The system will automatically check if the photo qualifies.
- Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form. Itemize personal details, passport information, port of entry, visa type, and effective date. Please select “China” for nationality, and your spelling must match your passport exactly.
- Step 5: Review Information and Submit. Double-check all entered content before submitting.
- Step 6: Online Payment. Complete payment using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, etc. are supported).
- Step 7: Wait for Review and Receive Visa. Once approved, the visa PDF will be sent via email. Please print it out in color on A4 paper.
⚠️ Special Reminder for Chinese Mainland Passport Holders: After obtaining your E-Visa, upon arriving at a Vietnamese airport, you still need to go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter to collect your separate visa sheet for free. Please carry two 2-inch white-background photos with you as backups.
Fee Overview
The following are reference agency fees (in USD), which already include agency service and visa fees:
1-Month Single Entry
| Processing Time | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
| 4 Working Days | $70 USD | $80 USD |
| 3 Working Days | $90 USD | $100 USD |
| 2 Working Days | $110 USD | $120 USD |
| 1 Working Day | $150 USD | $160 USD |
| 4 Working Hours | $190 USD | $200 USD |
3-Month Multiple Entries
| Processing Time | Tourist Visa | Business Visa |
| 4 Working Days | $120 USD | $130 USD |
| 3 Working Days | $140 USD | $150 USD |
| 2 Working Days | $160 USD | $170 USD |
| 1 Working Day | $200 USD | $210 USD |
| 4 Working Hours | $240 USD | $250 USD |
Official basic government fees are separate ($25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entries).
Emergency Processing Solutions
Business trips are most vulnerable to visa bottlenecks. Common emergency scenarios include: sudden business travel decisions, E-Visa status stuck on “Processing,” or encountering Vietnamese public holidays.
The Vietnam Immigration Department is closed on weekends and public holidays. Major holidays for 2027 include Lunar New Year (Tet), Hung Kings’ Festival (April 16), Reunification Day & Labor Day (April 30 – May 1), and National Day (September 2). If your departure date falls during a holiday period, it is strongly recommended to apply early or use expedited services.
| Processing Speed | Applicable Scenario |
| Normal Processing (3-5 working days) | Apply at least one week before departure |
| Expedited Assistance (1-2 working days) | 2-3 days before departure |
| Emergency Assistance (2-8 hours) | 24-48 hours before departure |
| Urgent Processing (15 mins – 1 hour) | Already at the airport or extreme emergency |
If you have applied on the official website but your status is stuck on “Processing,” you can speed up processing via our rush visa service: ⚡ Rush Visa Service: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/boost-evisa/
Electronic Arrival Card (PAI)—The Business Traveler’s Customs Accelerator
Starting in 2026, Vietnam’s major international airports fully implemented the Pre-arrival Information (PAI) electronic arrival card system. Travelers must complete an online personal data declaration prior to entry.
- Important Reminder: The electronic arrival card and the E-Visa are two completely separate matters. Even if you hold an E-Visa, you must separately complete the electronic arrival card declaration. The order is: “Obtain electronic visa first -> get visa number -> then fill out electronic arrival card.”
Airports with Mandatory Implementation:
| Airport Code | Implementation Date |
| Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) | April 15, 2026 |
| Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) | June 1, 2026 |
| Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) | June 10, 2026 |
| Da Nang International Airport (DAD) | June 15, 2026 |
| Nha Trang Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) | June 22, 2026 |
The PAI system is completely free, and the official website ends with .gov.vn. Filling it out in advance shortens entry inspection times and reduces waiting queues by over 30 minutes. For business travelers with tight itineraries, completing the declaration in advance is the easiest way to boost customs clearance efficiency.
Pre-Departure Final Checklist
- Visa Content Check: Name ✓ Passport Number ✓ Personal ID Data ✓ Visa Validity Date ✓ Permitted Number of Entries ✓
- Additional Confirmations for Chinese Mainland Passport Holders:
- Prepared two 2-inch white-background photos to exchange for a separate visa sheet at the Vietnamese airport ✓
- Understand that upon arrival, you must proceed to the “Visa on Arrival” counter to complete the visa exchange procedure ✓
- Separate visa sheet clipped to the outside of your passport, never pasted into the passport ✓
- Completed PAI electronic arrival card declaration ✓
Contact Information
If you have any visa questions or need emergency assistance:
📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk
💬 WeChat: vietnam-visa 💬
LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX
🌐 Apply Online: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
⚡ Rush Visa Service: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/boost-evisa/
For business travelers, the core strategy for Vietnamese visas is “plan early, choose the right type, and utilize digital tools.” The E-Visa’s no-invitation-letter policy and 90-day multiple-entry options have made short-term business trips extremely convenient; the DN separate visa provides a compliant and efficient solution for long-term stays and frequent travel in Vietnam. Standardizing your visa process turns business travel into one less thing to worry about.
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