How to Get a Visa to China 🇨🇳 for Vietnam 🇻🇳 Citizens
📅 Max stay: 30 days 🔄 Multiple entry 💰 Fee: Varies ⏱ Processing: 4 working days ✅ No fingerprints ✅ No bookings needed
⚠️ Visa-Free Transit policy (240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (过境免签)):Vietnam is not among the 55 countries eligible for China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit. A Chinese visa is required for any transit stay that clears immigration.
✈️ Airside transit (no immigration clearance):Airside transit — remaining in the international zone without clearing immigration — does not require a Chinese visa. Confirm this option with your airline for your specific routing.
📄 Official source: China State Council — Visa-Free Transit Policy (Dec 2024) ↗
The essentials in 30 seconds: 🇨🇳 Yes — you need to apply for a visa. Visa type: Tourist Visa (L). Max stay: 30 days. Total time: 1–3 weeks from start to finish.
📅 Last verified: 2026-06-06
📋 Gather these documents first
Check each off as you gather it.
🪜 The steps
1 Apply online via COVA
Go to cova.mfa.gov.cn, create an account, and complete your application. Upload your passport-style photo and required documents. Your application undergoes an initial online review (3–5 days).
2 Wait for the submission notice
When COVA displays 'Passport to be submitted,' print the confirmation page — you'll need it when visiting the consulate.
3 Submit at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate
Bring your passport, printed COVA confirmation, a recent passport-style photo, and proof of Vietnam residence or address. Check the consulate website for current appointment or walk-in hours.
4 Pay the fee
Pay the applicable fee at the counter. Accepted payment methods vary by location — confirm with your consulate in advance.
5 Collect your passport
Standard processing takes 4 working days. Collect your passport in person, or arrange courier return if the consulate offers that service.
Processing time
Standard: 4 working days
Expedite: 2–3 working days (additional fee applies)
Fees
Fees are set by bilateral agreement. Confirm current rates with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Where to apply
- Chinese Embassy — Hanoi
- Chinese Consulate-General — Ho Chi Minh City
Frequently asked questions
Do Vietnam citizens need a visa to visit China?
Yes. Vietnam is not on China's visa-free list. You must apply for a tourist (L) visa before traveling.
How long can I stay?
Up to 30 days per visit on a standard tourist (L) visa.
Do I need hotel bookings or a flight itinerary?
No — since 2024, tourist visa applications no longer require proof of hotel bookings, flight tickets, or a day-by-day itinerary.
Will I need to give fingerprints?
Fingerprinting has been waived for tourist (L) visas through the end of 2026.
Can I get a multiple-entry visa?
You can request multiple-entry on your COVA application. The specific validity granted depends on your application and bilateral agreement — confirm with your consulate.
Can Vietnam citizens use China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy?
No — Vietnam is not among the 55 countries eligible for China's visa-free transit policy. A Chinese visa is required even for transit stays that clear immigration. (Airside transit — staying in the international zone without clearing immigration — does not require a visa; confirm this option with your airline for your specific routing.)