Vietnam Visa for Chinese Citizens (2026)
Yes, Chinese citizens need a visa for Vietnam, except for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days limited to Phu Quoc island. Options are the Vietnam e-visa (up to 90 days, 25/50 USD), an approval letter for business and work, or an embassy visa. Because ordinary Chinese passports carry a map Vietnam does not recognise, Vietnam issues the visa on a separate sheet instead of stamping the passport.
| Option | Stay | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa | Up to 90 days | Tourism, short business trips |
| Approval letter / embassy visa | By purpose | Business, work, family, urgent |
| Phu Quoc visa-free | 30 days, Phu Quoc only | Island holidays |
On this page
- Do Chinese citizens need a visa?
- E-visa
- Approval letter and visa on arrival
- Business, work and long stays
- Entry requirements
- FAQ
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. China is not on Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption list.
Phu Quoc exception: foreigners of all nationalities may visit Phu Quoc island visa-free for up to 30 days, but only within Phu Quoc; travelling on to the mainland needs a visa or e-visa.
Vietnam e-visa for Chinese citizens
All nationalities can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online at the official site thithucdientu.gov.vn: up to 90 days, single entry (25 USD) or multiple entry (50 USD), processed in 3 working days. You can enter through any of the 83 e-visa ports. Guides: how to apply, check your status.
Loose-leaf visa: since 2012 Vietnam has not stamped visas into Chinese passports printed with the disputed map; a separate visa sheet is issued instead. Keep this sheet with your passport until you leave Vietnam.
Approval letter and visa on arrival
If you need a visa for a specific purpose (business, work, family) or in a hurry, a Vietnamese sponsor can obtain an approval letter and you collect the visa at the airport. See visa on arrival Vietnam and urgent visa.
Business, work and long stays
- Business trips: DN business visa (up to 12 months).
- Employment: work permit plus LD work visa, then a temporary residence card.
- Spouses of Vietnamese citizens: TT family visa.
- Already in Vietnam on the wrong visa? See changing visa purpose.
Entry requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with blank pages.
- Printed e-visa, approval letter or proof of visa exemption.
- Do not overstay: fines start at 0.5–2 million VND and rise sharply (overstay fines).
- Your accommodation must declare your stay to the police within 12 hours.
Government fees: Vietnam visa fees 2026.
FAQ
Do Chinese tourists need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, except 30 days on Phu Quoc island only.
Can Chinese workers get a work visa?
Yes, with a work permit and an LD visa sponsored by the employer.
Why is my visa on a separate sheet?
Vietnam issues loose-leaf visas for passports printed with the disputed map.
Need a Vietnam visa?
Info Travel handles e-visas, approval letters, extensions and residence cards. Contact us or call +84 327 828 822.
Sources: Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners (amended 2023); Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC; VnEconomy on loose-leaf visas for Chinese passports (2012).
