China entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. Apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel — no visa on arrival for tourism. Processing can take a week or more, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter China. Apply at the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website — select your location and visa type. Processing takes 4–7 working days for standard applications. Submit your passport, photo, flight itinerary, and hotel booking with the application.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Vietnamese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket to exit China. Immigration officers at major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — have it ready with your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in China. Have a printed copy of your booking confirmation or the host's notarized letter. This is also required for the visa application itself. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. Immigration officers rarely ask, but the visa application requires proof of financial means. A balance equivalent to 500 USD per week of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Vietnamese passport holders cannot enter China without a visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in China, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), a recent passport photo, and your completed visa application form. Also have your flight itinerary and hotel booking ready.
2
Submit your visa application
Go to the Chinese embassy or consulate in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (or the nearest one to you). Submit the form, passport, photo, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee (around $30–$60 USD depending on type and processing speed).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. Expedited service (1–3 days) may be available for an extra fee. Check with the embassy for current timelines.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy or consulate to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the visa details (dates, number of entries) are correct before leaving.
5
Arrive in China
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and your hotel booking if asked. You'll get an entry stamp — keep it safe for your departure.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost¥1,200 (~$165 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost¥2,400 (~$330 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30–60 days, extendable once
Validity3–6 months
Cost¥1,500 (~$206 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~¥1,500 (~$206 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in China. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
~¥1,200 (~$165 USD)
For enrolled students at Chinese institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
~¥2,000 (~$275 USD) plus investment
For significant investors in China. Requires minimum investment (varies by region) and business registration. Fast-track for high-value investments.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | ¥1,200 (~$165 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa, valid for 6 months, max 30 days per stay. | ¥2,400 (~$330 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ¥10,000 (~$1,380 USD). | ¥500 (~$69 USD) per day |
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 China
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in China, unless they qualify for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy at certain airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries may qualify for 144-hour visa-free transit at major airports.
- 24-hour visa-free transit is available at most international airports if staying airside and not leaving the transit area.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities often have poor air quality; wear masks on high-pollution days.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; ascend gradually and consider medication.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended except for remote rural areas in Yunnan and Hainan.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; expect long queues.
Practical information for VN travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.79 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. China does not offer visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must get a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. Expedited service (1–3 days) is available for an extra fee at some consulates. Check with the embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City for current fees and timelines.
The fee varies by visa type and processing speed. Expect around $30–$60 USD (roughly 700,000–1,400,000 VND) for a single-entry tourist visa. Expedited service costs more.
Yes. You need to provide a flight itinerary showing your entry and exit from China. A booked return ticket is standard for the application.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) before your visa expires. Extensions are typically granted for 30 days, but approval is at their discretion.
Your visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your entry date into China.
If you're transiting through a Chinese airport and staying within the transit area for less than 24 hours, you may not need a visa. For longer layovers (up to 144 hours in some cities), check the 144-hour visa-free transit policy — it applies to certain nationalities, but Vietnamese passport holders are not eligible. You'll need a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.