Visa policy · Verified 2026-08-11
China Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Citizens (2026)
No — Vietnamese Citizens currently need a visa to visit China
Apply before departure at an embassy, consulate, or visa center
How to get a China tourist visa
Vietnam is not currently on China's visa-free or transit lists, so you'll need an L (tourist) visa before departure. The process: complete the COVA form online, book an appointment at your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center, attend with your documents and fingerprints, and collect your passport about 4 working days later.
Documents you'll need
- Passport with 6+ months validity and blank pages
- COVA application form + recent photo
- Round-trip flight and hotel bookings (or an invitation letter)
- Bank statements may be requested for some nationalities
Getting there from Vietnam
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City connect with Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing on China Southern, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and other carriers — among the most frequently served routes in Southeast Asia, with flight times of roughly 1.5-3 hours.
Frequently asked questions
- How do vietnamese citizens apply for a China visa?
- Apply at the nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Most applicants need an in-person appointment for fingerprints.
- How long does it take and what does it cost?
- Standard processing is about 4 working days; express options are faster and cost more. Fees vary by nationality and entry count — check your local CVASC for exact pricing.
- What documents are required for a tourist (L) visa?
- Passport with 6+ months validity, the completed COVA online application form, a photo, round-trip flight bookings, hotel reservations or an invitation letter, and appointment confirmation.
- Could my country become visa-free later?
- China has expanded its visa-free list repeatedly since 2023. Check back or use our checker before you apply — policies have been announced with only weeks of notice.
- Can Vietnamese citizens get a China visa on arrival?
- No — China doesn't offer visa-on-arrival or an e-visa for Vietnamese passport holders, and Vietnam isn't on the 240-hour visa-free transit list either. Apply for an L (tourist) visa in advance through a Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang; budget about a week for processing.
Official sources
- National Immigration Administration — Visa-Free Transit Policies
- China Visa Application Service Center — 240-Hour Transit FAQ
Last verified 2026-08-11. Entry policies change quickly — always confirm with an official government source before booking travel.
Same policy, other passports
Comparing more than a couple of passports? The full country list shows every policy tier on one page — all 50 visa-free countries, the mutual-agreement group, and who qualifies for the 240-hour transit.