Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Vietnam

I. Visa-Free Policy for Vietnamese Citizens

 

  • Ordinary Passports (2023–2025):
    • 15-Day Visa-Free Stay: For tourism, business, family visits (探亲), or transit (effective January 1, 2023; extended indefinitely in 2024).
    • Conditions:
      • Passport validity ≥6 months.
      • Proof of travel: Round-trip ticket, hotel booking/invitation.
      • No work/study allowed; overstays fined (¥500/day).
  • Diplomatic/Government Passports:
    • 30-Day Visa-Free (bilateral agreement; no extension without prior approval).

II. Visa Requirements for Non-Visa-Free Cases

 

1. Visa Types (Mandatory for Work/Study/Long Stays)

 

  • Work (Z Visa): Work permit + invitation letter.
  • Study (X Visa): Admission letter + JW201 form.
  • Business (M Visa): Invitation from Chinese entity.
  • Family Visit (Q Visa): Kinship proof (birth/marriage certificate).

 

2. Required Documents

 

  • Passport (valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages).
  • Passport photo (3.5×4.5cm, white background).
  • Online application (COVA system: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn).
  • Travel itinerary (flight/hotel bookings).
  • Financial proof (bank statement, ~¥100/day).

 

3. Application Process

 

  • Online: COVA form → Schedule appointment via AVAS.
  • In-Person: Submit to Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).
  • Processing Time: 4–7 business days (standard); 2–3 days (express).
  • Fees: ~USD 120 (tourist); varies by visa type.

III. Transit Visa-Free Policies

 

  • 24-Hour Transit: 免签 for airside transit (no domestic travel).
  • 144-Hour Transit (20 Cities):
    • Airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.
    • Ports: Tianjin, Qingdao, Xiamen, etc.
    • Conditions: Valid onward ticket to third country/region (including 港澳台).

IV. Reciprocal Visa Policies (China → Vietnam)

 

  • Chinese Ordinary Passports:
    • Visa-on-Arrival (VOA): Available at major airports (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City).
      • Eligibility: Pre-approved via Vietnam Immigration (online application).
      • Fees: USD 25 (single-entry, 30 days).
    • E-Visa: USD 25–50 (valid for 30–90 days, multiple entries).
  • Diplomatic/Government Passports: 30-Day Visa-Free (reciprocal agreement).

V. Key Travel Notes

 

  • Residence Registration (China): Non-hotel stays >24 hours? Register with local police.
  • Health Requirements:
    • Yellow fever certificate mandatory for travelers from endemic areas (e.g., Africa/South America).
    • COVID-19: No restrictions (2025 policy).
  • Customs (China): Declare cash >¥20,000; prohibited items (drugs, ivory).
  • Tibet Travel: Tibet Travel Permit required (arranged via travel agency).

VI. Chinese Embassies/Consulates in Vietnam

 

  • Embassy in Hanoi:
    • Address: 46 Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
    • Consular Section: +84-24-3845-3736.
  • Consulates-General: Ho Chi Minh City (+84-28-3829-2457), Da Nang (+84-236-358-0030).

VII. Emergency Contacts

 

  • China (Global): +86-10-12308 (consular protection).
  • Vietnam Emergency: Police 113 | Ambulance 115.

VIII. Official Resources