Vietnam Visa Policy for Mainland Chinese Citizens: Application Process & Key Notes (2026 Complete Version)

I. Latest 2026 Policy: What has changed for Chinese passport holders?

The Bottom Line: Chinese ordinary passport holders must still apply for a visa in advance to enter Vietnam. Vietnam has not yet opened a full visa-free policy for Mainland China.

The good news is that since August 2023, Vietnam significantly relaxed its E-visa policy, and further optimizations have been made in 2026. Chinese citizens can now enjoy a more convenient process:

Old System (Pre-Aug 2023) vs. New System (2026)

In short: Previously, getting a Vietnam visa involved consulate visits, long waits, and a 30-day limit. Now, you can apply online and stay for up to 90 days with multiple entries—much more convenient.

II. Do you need a visa? Check these special cases first

Before looking at the three visa types, confirm if you fall under these specific exceptions:

✅ The Only Visa-Free Exception: Phu Quoc Island (Phú Quốc)

Chinese passport holders can enter Phu Quoc visa-free for up to 30 days, provided the following conditions are met:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.

• Confirmed return ticket or ticket to a third country.

• Direct flight to Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) without transitioning through mainland Vietnam.

• Remaining only on Phu Quoc Island for the entire duration.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: If you fly to Ho Chi Minh City first and then take a domestic flight to Phu Quoc, you must have a full visa.

✅ APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)

Chinese citizens holding an APEC card can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 90 days.

✅ All other cases require a visa

If you do not meet the above conditions, you must obtain a visa before departure.

III. Three Visa Types for Chinese Citizens: How to choose?

In 2026, there are three main ways for Chinese citizens to handle Vietnam visas:

Quick Decision Guide:

👉 Choose E-Visa if:

• You are traveling for tourism or short business and have at least a week to plan.

• You want convenience and don’t want to visit a consulate.

• You need a 90-day stay or multiple entries.

• You want an all-inclusive price to avoid airport queues for cash payments.

👉 Choose Landing Visa (VOA) if:

• You are notified to fly in 2–3 days and are in a rush.

• You are arriving by air only.

• You don’t mind queuing at the airport for the stamping fee.

👉 Choose Loose-leaf Visa (Embassy) if:

• You aren’t comfortable with online forms and fear making mistakes.

• You are entering via land (e.g., Friendship Pass from Guangxi).

⚠️ Special Note: After applying for an E-visa, Chinese passport holders must still go to the Landing Visa Office upon arrival to exchange it for a paper “loose-leaf” visa. You must bring 2 white-background passport photos (2-inch). This exchange is free of charge.

IV. Recommended! E-Visa Step-by-Step Process

📋 Step 1: Prepare Digital Files

• Passport Scan: Personal info page, clear and legible, valid for 6+ months.

• Passport Photo: Taken within 6 months, 4×6cm, white background, no glasses, ears visible.

• Payment: Credit card or PayPal.

• Vietnam Address: Hotel or business address in Vietnam.

📋 Step 2: Fill Online Application

Access the SSL-secured application page: 👉 https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/ Pay attention to these points:

• Name Order: Must match passport exactly (Surname first, Given name second).

• Passport Number: Double-check every digit.

• Nationality: Select “China”.

• Entry Port: Cannot be changed after issuance; confirm your arrival airport/port.

• Visa Type: Select Tourist or Business, and duration (30 or 90 days).

📋 Step 3: Payment and Confirmation

After payment, you will receive a confirmation email. You must:

• Confirm your email address is correct.

• Check your Spam folder.

• Reply “Confirmed” within 10 minutes after checking all details.

📋 Step 4: Receive E-Visa

Usually takes 3–5 business days. If you haven’t received it near the deadline, contact: ✉️ info@vietnam-visa.hk (Subject: URGENT – Visa not received – Order #)

📋 Step 5: Print and Go!

Print the PDF (color or B&W). It is recommended to:

• Print on A4 paper and keep it with you.

• Keep a spare copy in your luggage.

• Carry: Passport + Printed E-Visa + 2 Photos.

V. Emergencies: Rush Visa Services

When do you need “Urgent Service”?

• Last-minute Business: Company tells you to fly tomorrow.

• Self-applied Rejection: Due to name order, passport errors, or photo issues.

• File Issues: PDF won’t open at the airport or has expired.

• Flight Changes: Flight moved earlier, and your visa start date hasn’t arrived.

• Weekend Trap: Applying Friday evening when the Immigration Dept is closed.

In these cases, rush services can get your visa in as little as 2 hours.

VI. 2026 Vietnam Visa Fee Schedule

✈️ Tourist E-Visa (All-inclusive)

✈️ Business E-Visa (All-inclusive)

📌 Landing Visa Approval Letter Reference Fees:

• 1-Month Single: $45 Service Fee + $25 Stamping Fee = $70 Total

• 1-Month Multi: $50 Service Fee + $50 Stamping Fee = $100 Total

• Note: Stamping fees at the airport must be paid in USD cash.

VII. Pre-departure Checklist

✅ Passport Validity: At least 6 months from entry date. ✅ Visa Printed: Hard copy of E-visa ready. ✅ 2 Photos: 2-inch white background for the loose-leaf visa. ✅ Info Accuracy: Name and Passport number match perfectly. ✅ Port Accuracy: Arrival port matches the visa.

VIII. FAQ

Q1: Can Chinese passports apply for E-visas? Yes. Since August 15, 2023, it is fully open to Chinese citizens.

Q2: What if my self-application is rejected? You can re-apply via a professional agent to ensure pre-vetting of data or choose a 1-2 hour VIP rush service if time is tight.

Q3: Can I apply if my passport has less than 6 months validity? No. Vietnam strictly requires 6 months validity. Renew your passport first.

Q4: Can I get an emergency visa on weekends? Yes. We have 24/7 staff. Email info@vietnam-visa.hk with “WEEKEND URGENT” in the subject.

Q5: Is the “100% Refund” real? Yes. If your data is accurate and you aren’t on a blacklist, yet we fail to deliver the visa in time, we offer a 100% refund.

IX. Common Self-Application Errors

The rejection rate for self-application can be as high as 85% due to:

• Name Order: Reversing Surname and Given Name.

• Passport Errors: Typos in the number.

• Photo Issues: Glasses, non-white backgrounds, or wrong proportions.

• Port Errors: Selecting the wrong entry point (cannot be changed later).

X. Take Action Now

If you are under time pressure, do not hesitate. Every minute counts. 👉 Apply Online: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/ 👉 Email: info@vietnam-visa.hk 👉 LINE / WeChat: vietnam-visa

Final Reminders:

• Ensure name spelling matches your passport exactly.

• Bring 2 photos.

• Apply at least 3–5 days in advance to avoid peaks.

Let us help you start your Vietnam journey smoothly!