Located geographically close to Mainland China, Vietnam offers short flight times and affordable living costs, making it a perennial favorite for Chinese travelers seeking quick weekend getaways or long holiday escapes. From the vibrant Cafe Apartments and Bến Thành Market in Ho Chi Minh City, to the pristine waters of Mỹ Khê Beach and the iconic Golden Bridge in Da Nang, and through to the bustling charm of Hanoi’s 36 Old Quarter streets—every destination delivers a distinct travel experience. However, for Chinese passport holders, securing a visa is the paramount first step before departure.
This comprehensive guide is tailored specifically for Mainland Chinese citizens, detailing the latest 2027 Vietnam tourist visa regulations, exclusive passport instructions, application procedures, and entry guidelines to ensure a seamless journey.
I. Do Mainland Chinese Passport Holders Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes. As of 2027, Vietnam has not granted comprehensive visa-free access to ordinary Mainland Chinese passport holders. Whether traveling for tourism, family visits, or business, Chinese citizens must obtain a valid visa prior to entry.
1.1 Two Key Visa-Free Exceptions for Chinese Passport Holders
1. Phu Quoc Island Visa Exemption (Phu Quoc)
Phu Quoc is currently the only region in Vietnam offering visa-free entry to ordinary Chinese passport holders for stays up to 30 days, provided all the following conditions are met:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months upon entry.
- Confirmed onward or return ticket to a third country or home country.
- Direct arrival at Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)—if transiting through or entering via Mainland Vietnamese cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the visa exemption does not apply.
- Itinerary strictly limited to Phu Quoc Island.
Note: If your itinerary includes Mainland Vietnamese cities such as Da Nang, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City, you must apply for a full Vietnam visa in advance to avoid denied entry.
2. Khánh Hòa Province Group Tour Visa Exemption (Nha Trang Area)
Under Resolution No. 325/NQ-CP for the 2026–2027 Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year, Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports traveling in organized tour groups (2 or more people) to Khánh Hòa Province enjoy visa-free entry through December 31, 2027.
Must satisfy all conditions:
- Organized as a group tour (2 or more people) by an authorized Vietnamese international travel agency.
- Entry and exit strictly limited to Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) via the same port.
- Travel area strictly restricted to Khánh Hòa Province.
- Direct flight from Mainland China to Cam Ranh International Airport.
- Duration of stay not exceeding 30 days.
3. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Chinese citizens holding a valid ABTC card with a Vietnam entry clearance can enter Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 90 days, offering exceptional convenience for business professionals.
1.2 Crucial Special Requirement for Chinese Passports: Loose-Leaf Visa
This is the most critical distinction between Mainland Chinese passport holders and those from Hong Kong or Taiwan.
Mainland Chinese passports (especially E-series electronic passports issued since 2012) feature the “nine-dash line” map watermark on internal pages. Because Vietnamese authorities do not recognize this territorial claim, they do not stamp or place visa stickers directly inside Mainland Chinese passports.
Practical Implications:
- After receiving an approved Vietnam E-Visa online, Chinese passport holders arriving at Vietnamese airports must proceed to the “Visa on Arrival” counter to collect a Loose-Leaf Visa free of charge.
- You must carry two 2-inch white-background physical photos (approx. 4×6 cm).
- The exchange is free, but waiting lines may be lengthy.
- The Loose-Leaf Visa is a separate paper document containing the visa sticker. You must hold the original loose-leaf page during immigration check-in and check-out; never stick it onto your passport.
- Both G-series (legacy) and E-series (electronic) passport holders are eligible for E-Visa, but E-series holders must collect the Loose-Leaf Visa upon arrival.
II. 2027 Vietnam E-Visa Policy Highlights (Applicable to Chinese Citizens)
Vietnam’s E-Visa system underwent major enhancements via Resolution No. 127/NQ-CP and continues to run smoothly in 2027. Key policy features include:
| Policy Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Open to Global Citizens | Vietnam E-Visa is open to citizens of all countries and territories. Mainland Chinese passport holders qualify fully; select “China” as nationality. |
| Up to 90 Days Stay | E-Visa validity extends up to 90 days with single or multiple-entry options, lifting the previous 30-day restriction. |
| 83 Designated Ports | Applicable entry ports expanded to 83, including 15 international airports, land borders, and seaports. |
| Business Visa Without Invitation | Business E-Visa applications do not require a formal guarantee letter or invitation from a Vietnamese company; only the target company’s name and address are required. |
| Custom Effective Date | Applicants can specify their visa start date during application for flexible travel planning. |
| 100% Online Process | Application, payment, and PDF visa delivery are completed entirely online without embassy visits. |
Major International Airports include: Nội Bài (HAN, Hanoi), Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN, Ho Chi Minh City), Đà Nẵng (DAD, Da Nang), Cam Ranh (CXR, Nha Trang), and Phú Quốc (PQC, Phu Quoc Island).
III. Essential Guidelines for Chinese Applicants
3.1 Name Formatting Rules
The Vietnamese immigration system enforces strict rules regarding full name entries. Common errors made by Chinese applicants include reversing Last Name and First Name, adding commas or hyphens, or mismatching the machine-readable zone (MRZ).
Correct Format:
- Last Name Field: Enter family surname (e.g., ZHANG, LI, WANG).
- First Name Field: Enter given name(s), including middle names (e.g., WEI, XIAO MING).
- Use UPPERCASE letters matching the English pinyin on your passport.
- Ensure complete consistency with the ICAO machine-readable line at the bottom of the passport page.
Example: Passport shows
ZHANG WEI. Fill Last Name asZHANGand First Name asWEI. Never reverse toWEI ZHANG, which is the leading cause of rejection.
3.2 Photo Requirements (Second Leading Cause of Rejection)
Upload requirements specify a 4×6 cm standard passport photo with a pure white background, taken facing forward without glasses or headwear, showing clear facial features, in JPG/JPEG format under 2MB.
| Requirement | Correct Standard | Common Errors |
|---|---|---|
| Background | Pure white, shadowless | Off-white, shadows, selfie background |
| Dimensions | 4×6 cm, head occupies 70-80% | Incorrect ratio, head too small or large |
| Facial Expression | Neutral, open eyes, full face visible | Glasses, hats, masks, tilted head |
| File Format | JPG or JPEG, clear resolution | File size too large/small, blurry scan |
3.3 Passport Validity
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended arrival date, with at least 2 consecutive blank pages for entry stamps. Both legacy G-series and modern E-series passports qualify for E-Visa applications.
IV. Pre-Application Document Checklist
Prepare the following digital files (clear mobile photos/scans accepted) prior to starting:
- Passport Scan: Clear image of the entire bio page; minimum 6 months validity from entry date; no glare or finger coverage.
- ID Photo File: Taken within the last 6 months, white background, no glasses, ears visible, 4×6 cm ratio, JPG format under 2MB.
- Vietnam Contact Address:
- Tourism: Hotel name and address for the first night.
- Business: Target company name and address in Vietnam.
- Entry Port: Specific code for arrival airport/border (e.g., SGN, HAN, DAD).
- Active Email Address: To receive application confirmation codes and visa PDFs.
- Credit Card: Supporting Visa, Mastercard, or JCB for payment.
V. Step-by-Step Application Guide (7 Steps)
Step 1: Visit the Portal
Access the official Vietnam Immigration e-visa system or apply via an expedited professional agency.
- 🌐 Apply Online via Agency: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
Step 2: Read Instructions & Begin
Review terms, accept conditions, and proceed to the electronic application form.
Step 3: Upload Photo & Passport Scan
Upload compliant document files. The system automatically inspects upload quality.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Input personal bio-data, passport details, entry port, visa type, and effective dates. Spelling must match the passport 100%. Chinese applicants must re-verify Last Name and First Name fields and select “China” as nationality.
Step 5: Review & Submit
Double-check all entered information before final submission.
Step 6: Online Payment
Complete payment using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Payments are processed in USD, with automatic currency conversion by your bank.
Step 7: Receive E-Visa & Print
Once approved, the visa PDF will be delivered to your email. Print it out on standard A4 paper in color.
⚠️ Special Note for Chinese Passport Holders: After receiving your E-Visa PDF, you must still present it at the “Visa on Arrival” counter upon landing at a Vietnamese airport to collect your physical Loose-Leaf Visa (Loose-leaf Visa) free of charge. Bring two 2-inch white-background photos with you.
VI. E-Visa Fee Structure
When applying through a authorized service agency, the fee structure covers processing and official government fees. Service guarantees successful processing or a 100% full refund.
🌐 Apply Online via Agency: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
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 Entry
| 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 |
Note: Agency fees listed above serve as reference rates. Official base government fees are $25 USD for single entry and $50 USD for multiple entries.
VII. Urgent Processing Solutions
7.1 Emergency Scenarios
Common emergencies experienced by Chinese travelers include arriving at the departure airport without a visa, lingering “Pending” official portal statuses, assuming visa-free arrival applies, or administrative delays.
7.2 Vietnamese Public Holidays
The Vietnam Immigration Department does not process applications on weekends or public holidays. Submissions sent on Friday afternoons or holidays commence processing on the next working day.
2027 Key Public Holidays in Vietnam:
- Tết (Lunar New Year)
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day
- Reunification Day & International Workers’ Day (April 30 – May 1)
- National Day (September 2)
Travelers setting off around holidays are strongly advised to apply early or use expedited processing.
7.3 Expedited Services
Even during weekends or Vietnamese national holidays, emergency visa approvals can be processed within 15 minutes via dedicated agency channels.
| Processing Speed | Best Suited For |
|---|---|
| Standard (3-5 Working Days) | Applying at least 1 week prior to departure |
| Expedited (1-2 Working Days) | Departure within 2-3 days |
| Urgent (2-8 Hours) | Departure within 24-48 hours |
| Super Express (15 Mins – 1 Hour) | Airport emergency / extreme urgent cases |
7.4 Application Boosting Service
If your official portal status remains stuck on “Processing”, an application boosting service can intervene to fast-track pending approvals or clarify missing document queries.
VIII. Electronic Arrival Card System (PAI)
In 2026, Vietnam fully rolled out its mandatory pre-arrival electronic arrival card system (PAI – Pre-arrival Information) across major international airports.
Crucial Difference: The Electronic Arrival Card (PAI) and E-Visa are entirely separate requirements. You must complete the online PAI declaration even if you already hold an E-Visa. Order: Obtain E-Visa → Receive Visa Number → Complete PAI Declaration.
Mainland Chinese passport holders holding an E-Visa must exchange for their Loose-Leaf Visa at the airport counter before completing immigration clearance.
Mandatory PAI Declaration Airport Implementation:
| Airport Code | Airport Name | Implementation Date |
|---|---|---|
| SGN | Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) | Effective April 15, 2026 |
| PQC | Phú Quốc International Airport | Effective June 1, 2026 |
| HAN | Nội Bài International Airport (Hanoi) | Effective June 10, 2026 |
| DAD | Đà Nẵng International Airport | Effective June 15, 2026 |
| CXR | Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang) | Effective June 22, 2026 |
The PAI system is 100% free and hosted on .gov.vn domains. Completing PAI prior to arrival reduces airport queue times by over 30 minutes.
IX. 5 Key Tips for Chinese Travelers
- Verify Official Domains vs. Authorized Services: Official sites end in
.gov.vn. Authorized service agencies offer full customer support guarantees, fast delivery within 4 days, or 1-day express turnarounds. - Follow Photo Guidelines Strictly: Photo mismatches remain the single largest reason for visa rejections. Check for the green checkmark (✓) after photo upload.
- Passport Validity Checks: Ensure 6+ months validity remaining and at least 2 consecutive blank pages.
- Select Entry Count Carefully for Multi-Country Trips: If your route is China → Vietnam → Thailand → Vietnam → China, you enter Vietnam twice. A single-entry visa becomes invalid the moment you leave Vietnam the first time. Choose a multiple-entry visa for complex Southeast Asian itineraries.
- Loose-Leaf Visa Requirement: Chinese passport holders (especially E-passports) must collect their Loose-Leaf Visa at the “Visa on Arrival” counter upon landing. Keep two 2-inch white-background photos easily accessible, and keep the loose-leaf sheet tucked neatly inside your passport—do not paste it.
X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a visa to transit through Vietnam international airports?
If staying strictly inside the international transit area under 24 hours without collecting baggage or clearing border control, a visa is generally not required. If you must clear immigration to collect luggage, transfer to domestic flights, or stay longer than 24 hours, an entry visa is mandatory.
Q2: Can a Vietnam E-Visa be extended while inside Vietnam?
E-Visas cannot be extended within Vietnamese territory. To extend your stay, you must depart Vietnam and re-apply for a new visa to re-enter.
Q3: Can I travel to Da Nang with a Phu Quoc visa exemption?
No. Phu Quoc visa exemption applies exclusively to Phu Quoc Island. Traveling to mainland cities like Da Nang, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh City requires a full Vietnam visa in advance.
Q4: Are financial statements required for Chinese E-Visa applicants?
No. Proof of funds, employment certificates, or flight itineraries are not required for Vietnam E-Visa processing.
Q5: What is the difference between legacy G-series and electronic E-series Chinese passports?
Both are eligible for E-Visa applications. Because E-series passports feature the map watermark, Vietnamese border officers issue a separate Loose-Leaf Visa sheet instead of stamping directly inside the passport. Legacy G-series passports follow standard procedures.
Q6: What is the difference between “Effective Date” and “Issue Date”?
The “Effective Date” indicates the first day you are legally permitted to enter Vietnam, which depends on the date requested during your application. Always verify that your visa’s effective period covers your flight’s arrival date before boarding.
Q7: Who qualifies for the Khánh Hòa group tour visa exemption?
Under Resolution No. 325/NQ-CP (valid through Dec 31, 2027), Chinese passport holders traveling in group tours (2+ people) organized by recognized Vietnamese travel agencies, flying direct from Mainland China to Cam Ranh Airport (CXR), qualify for a 30-day exemption. Independent travelers must apply for a visa.
XI. Pre-Departure Final Checklist
Before heading to the airport, complete a quick verification check:
- [ ] Full Name spelled accurately
- [ ] Passport Number matches exactly
- [ ] Date of Birth & Gender correct
- [ ] Visa Validity Period covers arrival & departure dates
- [ ] Entry Count matches itinerary (Single vs. Multiple)
- [ ] Printout of approved E-Visa on A4 paper
Mainland Chinese Passport Additional Checklist:
- [ ] Two physical 2-inch white-background photos packed in carry-on bag
- [ ] Clear understanding of collecting the Loose-Leaf Visa at the “Visa on Arrival” counter upon landing
- [ ] Original Loose-Leaf Visa kept unattached to passport pages
XII. Contact Information & Support
For urgent assistance or specialized visa processing, reach out to visa support specialists directly:
- 📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk
- 💬 WeChat: vietnam-visa
- 💬 LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX
- 🌐 Online Application: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
- ⚡ E-Visa Boosting Service (Stuck Applications): https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/boost-evisa/
For Mainland Chinese travelers, navigating Vietnam tourist visa rules simply comes down to logical planning: map out your itinerary, verify entry options, assemble accurate documents, submit early, and double-check approval details. Remember to pack two physical white-background photos for collecting your Loose-Leaf Visa upon arrival. With your visa organized, you can focus on the exciting parts of travel planning—like deciding whether to add an extra night in Da Nang or save that day for exploring Hoi An!
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