China Visa RequirementsFor Vietnam passport holders
Vietnamese citizens require a visa to visit China, costing approximately USD 140 for stays of up to 30 days. Despite a complicated historical relationship, China is a major destination for Vietnamese travelers.
Vietnam passport holders require a visa to enter China.
Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Required documents include a completed application form, passport photos, bank statements, and travel itinerary. Processing takes approximately 4 business days standard or 2 to 3 days for express. Group tours can sometimes access border regions with a group visa.
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
Vietnam to China: What You Need to Know
China and Vietnam share a long border, deep historical ties, and significant trade. Relations have been complex, including border conflicts in 1979, but today cross-border trade and tourism are substantial. The large number of Vietnamese workers and traders visiting China makes this one of the most traveled routes.
Practical Tips
Land border crossings between Vietnam and China are open and used frequently by traders and tourists. Major crossings include Huu Nghi (Dong Dang) to Youyi Guan and Lao Cai to Hekou. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Yunnan province are popular destinations. Mandarin language skills are helpful; English is limited outside major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Vietnamese citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. Vietnamese passport holders require a Chinese visa, which costs approximately USD 140 for stays of up to 30 days. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.
How do I apply for a Chinese visa from Vietnam?
Visit the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Complete the online application form (visaforchina.org), print it, and attend your appointment with passport photos, bank statements, flight and hotel bookings, and other supporting documents.
Can Vietnamese citizens cross into China by land?
Yes. The most common land crossings are Huu Nghi (Dong Dang, Vietnam) to Youyi Guan (Guangxi, China) and Lao Cai to Hekou. A valid Chinese visa is required at all land border crossings for Vietnamese citizens.
What type of Chinese visa should Vietnamese citizens apply for?
For tourism, apply for an L visa (tourist visa). For business, apply for an M visa. For visiting family or friends, apply for a Q2 visa (short-term family visit). Your travel agency can advise on the correct type based on your purpose.