Vietnam Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders can apply for a Vietnamese e-Visa online, valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entries. Vietnam is one of the closest and most popular short-haul international destinations for Chinese tourists, sharing a land border and strong cultural ties.
China passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Vietnam.
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. You will need a passport scan, a digital photo, and payment of USD 25 by card. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Download the e-Visa as a PDF and present it at immigration. For land border crossings, the e-Visa is valid at most official crossings; verify your specific crossing is authorized before travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to Vietnam: What You Need to Know
The Vietnamese e-Visa is available to Chinese citizens and can be used at all international air, land, and sea entry points. Vietnam also shares a land border with China at several crossings including Mong Cai, Lao Cai, and Dong Dang, which are popular for overland travel. Vietnam has a large community of ethnic Chinese (Hoa) particularly in Ho Chi Minh City's Cholon district, and Mandarin is understood in many border towns.
Practical Tips
The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency; USD cash is widely accepted in tourist areas but at slightly lower rates than official exchange. UnionPay and Alipay are accepted in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi tourist areas. WeChat and all Chinese apps work freely in Vietnam without a VPN. Vietnam has excellent and affordable street food; try pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Negotiate prices firmly at markets. Use Grab (the local ride app) for safe and metered transportation in cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese citizens apply for a Vietnamese e-Visa?
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Upload your passport bio-data page scan and a recent digital photo, then pay USD 25 by card. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Download the e-Visa PDF and present it at immigration. The e-Visa allows single or multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days.
Can I travel from China to Vietnam by land?
Yes. Several land border crossings connect China and Vietnam, including Mong Cai (Guangxi), Lao Cai (Yunnan), and Dong Dang (Guangxi). The Vietnamese e-Visa is valid at authorized land crossings. The Kunming to Hanoi train (via Lao Cai) is a scenic and popular option for Chinese travelers.
Do Chinese apps like WeChat and Alipay work in Vietnam?
WeChat and all major Chinese apps work freely in Vietnam without a VPN. Alipay is accepted at some tourist-oriented businesses in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. UnionPay cards are widely accepted at major hotels and ATMs in urban areas.
What should Chinese travelers know about Vietnam visa rules?
The e-Visa allows up to 90 days per entry. If you need to stay longer, you can exit Vietnam briefly (to Cambodia or Laos, for example) and re-enter with a new e-Visa. Alternatively, a business visa can be arranged through a sponsor. Note that Vietnam and China share a complex historical relationship, but Chinese tourists are generally welcomed warmly.