Vietnam entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders must apply for an eVisa before traveling to Vietnam in 2026. The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and allows single or multiple entries. Apply online before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Vietnam eVisa at the official portal at least 3 working days before departure. The fee is $25 USD for single entry or $50 USD for multiple entry, valid for up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and bring it with your passport to immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Vietnam. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Vietnam | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Vietnam. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Vietnam. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least $500 USD or equivalent in cash, credit cards, or bank statements ready. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Vietnam, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa.
eVisa is not extendable
You cannot extend your eVisa while in Vietnam. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you need to leave and re-enter with a new eVisa, or get a visa from a Vietnamese embassy before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Vietnam eVisa website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $25 USD) and submit. Processing takes 3-5 working days. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF.
2
Print and save your eVisa
Print at least one copy of the eVisa approval letter. Also save a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival in Vietnam.
3
Prepare your documents for departure
Before heading to the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket confirmation, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance documents. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at a Vietnamese airport
At airports like Noi Bai (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, eVisa, and boarding pass ready. The officer will check your documents, take a photo, and stamp your passport. This usually takes 5-15 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passing immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then head to customs (usually a green channel for nothing to declare). Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Vietnam Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 3 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. 180 CNY)
Standard eVisa option; apply online before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 360 CNY)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for regional travel.
Long-stay visa (3 months, single entry)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 360 CNY)
Requires sponsorship or invitation letter; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (LD1/LD2)
1–2 years, renewable
~$100–200 USD (approx. 700–1,400 CNY) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Vietnamese company. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (DH)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$50–100 USD (approx. 350–700 CNY) plus tuition
For enrolled students at a Vietnamese educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (DT)
1–5 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (approx. 3,500–7,000 CNY) plus investment capital
For foreign investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Vietnam. Allows long-term stay and family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, up to 30 days)Standard fee for Chinese passport holders applying online. | $25 USD (approx. 180 CNY) |
| Visa on arrival (pre-approval letter, single entry)Requires pre-arranged approval letter from a travel agency. | $25 USD (approx. 180 CNY) + stamping fee $25 USD |
| Stay extension (per month)Available at immigration offices; max extension up to 3 months. | $10 USD (approx. 70 CNY) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fines apply for overstaying visa validity; can lead to deportation. | $15 USD (approx. 105 CNY) per day, max $150 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Vietnam
No transit visa needed
Chinese passport holders transiting through Vietnam's international airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. Maximum airside transit is 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, Japan, or South Korea visas may enter visa-free for up to 15 days for transit or tourism.
Transit hubsNoi Bai International Airport (HAN) · Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Health & vaccines for Vietnam
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to street food and untreated water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in major cities and tourist areas but moderate in rural highlands (e.g., Da Lat, Sapa). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Hanoi
Immigration Department of Hanoi
44 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and 2 photos.
Ho Chi Minh City
Immigration Department of Ho Chi Minh City
333 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early and bring all required documents.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalHanoi
LanguageVietnamese
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyVietnamese Dong (VND)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 26,237.86 VND
Time zone
Local timeUTC+7
vs New York+12h (EST) / +11h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+15h (PST) / +14h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,CType A, C, F — US plugs (Type A) fit some sockets. Bring an adapter.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Vietnam — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 3-5 working days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The fee is around $25 USD, paid online by credit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new eVisa, or apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy before travel.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Vietnamese immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
The eVisa is accepted at most international airports, land borders, and seaports. Check the official list of entry points on the eVisa website before you travel.
No, there is no separate arrival declaration form for Vietnam. The immigration officer will handle everything when you present your passport and eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo or passport scan doesn't meet requirements. You'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected documents. If you're short on time, consider applying for a visa on arrival through a travel agency (though this is less common for Chinese passport holders).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.