Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports need a visa to enter Vietnam. An e-visa is the fastest route for a short trip, while work and investment need a sponsored visa.
China is one of Vietnam's leading visitor markets and trading partners. Unlike some neighbours, Chinese citizens with ordinary passports are not covered by a general visa exemption, so a visa has to be arranged before travel.
E-visa for short trips
An e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, and is applied for entirely online. The government fee is USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry. It can be used at the main international airports and at several land crossings on the Vietnam and China border, such as Huu Nghi, Mong Cai and Lao Cai.
Sponsored visas
- Business visas (DN1, DN2) for working with partners and factories in Vietnam.
- Work visas (LĐ1, LĐ2) for people who hold a work permit or an exemption confirmation.
- Investor visas (ĐT1 to ĐT4) for capital contributors and company founders.
- Family visas (TT) for a spouse and children.
Documents from China
Degrees, experience letters and a no-criminal-record certificate are usually made into notarial certificates in China, then authenticated by the foreign affairs office and legalised by a Vietnamese mission. In Vietnam they are translated into Vietnamese and certified.
Notes
- A few narrow exemptions exist, such as flying directly to Phu Quoc or group travel in border areas. Ask before relying on one.
- An e-visa does not allow you to work. Experts coming to install or run machinery also need to be assessed for a work permit.
- Choose the correct port of entry on the e-visa form, especially when crossing by land.
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