Complete Guide to Traveling from Mainland China to Vietnam: Visa, Transportation, and Entry Requirements (2026-2027)

I. Do Chinese Citizens Need a Visa for Vietnam?

Answer: Yes. As of 2026, Vietnam has not implemented comprehensive visa-free entry for holders of ordinary PRC passports. Whether you are traveling for tourism, visiting family, or for business, you must obtain a visa before entry.

The Only Visa-Free Exception: Phu Quoc Island (Phú Quốc) PRC passport holders flying directly to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) are entitled to a 30-day visa exemption, provided they meet the following conditions:

• Passport validity of at least 6 months.

• Confirmed return ticket or ticket to a third country.

• Must fly directly to Phu Quoc without transiting through the Vietnamese mainland (e.g., Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City).

⚠️ Most Common Misconception: If you fly to Ho Chi Minh City first and then take a domestic flight to Phu Quoc, the visa exemption does not apply, and you must obtain a visa in advance. If you travel from Phu Quoc to any city on the Vietnamese mainland, you must also have a pre-arranged visa.

Special Visa-Free Channel: APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Holders of an APEC Business Travel Card can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days.

II. Which Visa Type Should You Choose?

① E-Visa (⭐ Highly Recommended) Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has opened its E-visa program to all citizens. PRC passport holders (both old-version G-series and new E-series electronic passports) can apply online.

• Validity: Up to 90 days (Single or Multiple entry).

• Entry Ports: 83 international entry points (15 international airports, land borders, and seaports).

• Application: Completely online; no need to visit a consulate.

• Entry Process: Print the PDF visa and present it at immigration.

Required Documents:

• Clear scan of the passport data page (valid for at least 6 months from the date of exit).

• Recent digital photo (white background).

• Vietnam accommodation address (first hotel is sufficient).

• Credit card or PayPal.

• Apply at: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/

⚠️ Important Note for PRC Passport Holders: Upon arriving at a Vietnamese airport with an E-visa, you must proceed to the “Visa on Arrival” counter to receive a Loose-leaf Visa free of charge. Please carry two 2-inch white-background photos.

② Visa on Arrival (VOA) ⚠️ Crucial Concept: “Visa on Arrival” does not mean you can simply fly to the airport without prior arrangement. You must obtain an Approval Letter in advance; otherwise, the airline will deny boarding at your departure point.

③ Embassy Visa Traditional visa application through an embassy or consulate. Recommended only for special cases where an E-visa is not applicable.

III. Visa Fees and Processing Times (2026-2027)

PRC Passport Holders – Tourist E-Visa Fees are all-inclusive (government fees + service fees); no further payment required upon arrival.

Visa on Arrival (VOA) Fee Structure Paid in two parts: Service fee online, Stamping fee in cash at the airport.

IV. Transportation: Getting to Vietnam

✈️ Flight Information (2026 Update) The flight network has expanded significantly. VietJet Air announced five new routes in April 2026: Hangzhou—Hanoi, Enshi—Hanoi, Huangshan—Hanoi, Huangshan—Ho Chi Minh City, and Guilin—Ho Chi Minh City. Beibu Gulf Airlines has resumed the Nanning—Hanoi route (3 flights/week).

🚌 Land Travel: Possible via border crossings like Youyiguan (Friendship Pass). A valid visa is required for land entry. 🚗 Local Transport: Grab (highly recommended), Mai Linh/Vinasun Taxis, public buses, and motorbike rentals.

V. Mandatory Entry Requirements (2026)

📋 Electronic Pre-Arrival Declaration (Mandatory from 2026) All Chinese citizens with ordinary passports must complete an electronic pre-arrival declaration within 72 hours before arrival.

• Official Platform: prearrival.immigration.gov.vn

• Note: Only use the official site; do not use third-party links to avoid scams. Ensure information matches your passport and itinerary perfectly.

📄 Essential Checklist: Valid passport (6+ months), blank pages, printed E-visa or VOA approval letter, return/onward ticket, hotel booking, and the Pre-Arrival Declaration QR code.

🛃 Customs Regulations:

• E-Cigarettes: Strictly prohibited per Decree No. 371/2025/ND-CP. Possession or use may lead to heavy fines, confiscation, or up to 5 years imprisonment.

• Currency: Declare if carrying >$5,000 USD or >15,000,000 VND.

VI. Popular Destinations

• Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay (Best: Sept–Nov).

• Central Vietnam: Da Nang, Hoi An (Best: Jan–Aug).

• Southern Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc (Best: Dec–Apr).

VII. Useful Apps

• Grab: Ride-hailing and food delivery.

• Google Maps: Navigation.

• Google Translate: Language support.

• Zalo: Local messaging app.

VIII. Fast Track Service

With airports in SGN and HAN often crowded, we highly recommend booking our Fast Track Service for expedited immigration and customs clearance. 👉 Apply here: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/fast-track-service-order-form/

IX. Summary of Tips for Chinese Travelers

• No visa-free entry for the mainland; E-visa is the gold standard.

• Phu Quoc direct-flight exemption does not cover mainland transit.

• New E-series passports require a “Loose-leaf Visa” at arrival; bring two photos.

• Pre-arrival declaration is now mandatory 72 hours before arrival.

• Allow at least 10 working days for processing; urgent 2-4 hour options available.

Contact us to ensure a smooth trip! Professional support from Vietnam-Visa.hk for your journey.

• Apply for Visa: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/

• VIP Fast Track: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/fast-track-service-order-form/

• Urgent Processing: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/boost-evisa/

• Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk

• LINE/WeChat: vietnam-visa

#VietnamVisa2026 #ChinaToVietnam #VietnamEvisa #VietnamTravelGuide #PhuQuocVisaFree #VietnamEntryRequirements2026 #VietnamTravelTips #VietnamFastTrack