Vietnam Visa for China Citizens (2026): The Complete, Unvarnished Guide

I’ve watched the visa process here evolve from a paperwork labyrinth to a relatively streamlined online system. For Chinese citizens, the rules are specific and, for now, favorable. The single most useful fact is this: you have 30 days visa-free, but for anything longer, you must plan ahead.

Overview

Vietnam’s visa policy for Chinese citizens hinges on a bilateral agreement. It grants a significant visa-free window, which is a genuine advantage over many other nationalities. The 90-day e-visa, introduced in 2023, is the other key pillar. It has largely replaced the old “visa on arrival” letter system for tourism. There is no dedicated digital nomad visa, a point of constant discussion in Da Nang’s expat cafes. The system is digital-first, but its efficiency depends entirely on your attention to detail.

Visa-Free Entry

Chinese passport holders can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 30 days. This is not a unilateral exemption; it’s a bilateral agreement that was extended in 2024. I’ve used it for quick hops to Hanoi or a beach weekend in Da Nang from my base here. The clock starts the day you enter. The rule is strict: you must leave before midnight on the 30th day. Overstays incur heavy fines, starting at about $25 per day, and can lead to bans. This 30-day period is a single, continuous stay. You cannot exit to a neighboring country for a day and return for another 30 days visa-free; immigration officers will likely deny you entry under the “visa run” rule.

Required Visas for Longer Stays

If you plan to stay beyond 30 days, or if you need multiple entries, you must get a visa in advance. The 90-day e-visa is the default for tourism and general visits. It is single-entry. If you plan to visit Cambodia or Laos and then re-enter Vietnam, you need a multiple-entry visa. These are not available as e-visas. For multiple entries or stays longer than 90 days per entry, you must apply for a traditional visa sticker at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, often requiring a sponsorship letter from a company or individual in Vietnam. Business visas, typically sponsored by a Vietnamese entity, are the most common path for longer-term, legal residence.

The E-Visa Application

You apply through the sole official government portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. I’ve guided friends through this; it’s functional but unforgiving. You’ll upload a JPEG portrait photo (white background, no glasses) and a scanned JPEG of your passport data page. The form asks for your entry/exit dates, port of entry (like Da Nang International Airport or Mộc Bài land border), and temporary address in Vietnam (use your first hotel’s details). Double-check every character. A single digit wrong in your passport number will get your application rejected, and the fee is non-refundable. You will receive a registration code to check status. Approval comes as a PDF you must print in color to present on arrival.

Documents & Requirements

For the e-visa, the requirements are minimal but absolute. You need a passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date, with at least two blank pages. The photo must be recent, front-facing, and without headwear. The system will reject blurry scans or photos with shadows. For traditional visas applied for at an embassy, requirements vary but often include the application form, photos, your passport, and a pre-approval letter from Vietnam’s Immigration Department obtained by your sponsor.

Typical Processing & Costs

The government states e-visa processing takes 3 working days. In my experience, it’s often 2-5 days. Never assume it will be instant. Apply at least a week before your trip. Rush services do not exist for e-visas.

Visa Type	Cost (Approx.)	Processing Time	Key Limitation
Visa-Free	$0	N/A	30 days, single stay only
E-Visa (90-day)	$25	3 working days	Single entry only
1-Year Business Visa	Varies ($100-$200+)	5-15 working days	Requires sponsor company in Vietnam

E-visa fees are paid online via the portal with an international card. Embassy fees vary by location and service speed.

Extending Your Stay

You cannot extend a 30-day visa-free stamp. You must leave the country. An e-visa is also technically non-extendable. The official process for staying longer involves exiting and re-entering with a new visa. In practice, local travel agencies in districts like An Thượng in Da Nang or Quận 1 in Ho Chi Minh City advertise “visa extensions.” What they are actually selling is a package: they arrange for a new visa approval letter, you fly to a nearby country (like Cambodia or Laos), and re-enter. This costs about $300-$500 and takes 5-7 days for the paperwork. It’s a gray-market solution that works but carries a risk if regulations shift.

Digital Nomad & Long-Term Options

No, Vietnam does not have a digital nomad visa in 2026. Working remotely on a tourist e-visa or visa-free entry is a violation of immigration law, though enforcement is typically triggered by complaints or tax issues. The standard long-term path is the business visa (DN), sponsored by a Vietnamese company. Many foreigners establish their own limited liability company here to self-sponsor. This involves legal incorporation, capital investment, and monthly tax filings—a complex but legitimate route. Another option is the investor visa (DT), tied to a minimum capital threshold in a Vietnamese enterprise.

Common Pitfalls

The photo rejection is the number one issue. Use a professional service. Entering via the wrong port invalidates your e-visa; if your e-visa says “Da Nang International Airport,” you cannot enter at “Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport.” Overstaying, even by a few hours, will result in fines and hassle at the airport. Relying on third-party websites that mimic the official e-visa portal is a scam; they charge double and delay your application. Finally, internet censorship in Vietnam blocks many foreign sites and services; accessing your home banking or even some communication apps requires a reliable VPN. I use one daily. For current recommendations, check our updated guide at /best-vpn-for-vietnam-2026/.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can Chinese citizens stay in Vietnam without a visa?

30 days under the bilateral agreement. This is for a single, continuous stay. You cannot reset it with a short border run.

Do I need a visa to visit Da Nang from China for two weeks?

No. For stays of 30 days or less, you can use the visa-free entry. Just present your valid Chinese passport on arrival.

Can I extend a Vietnamese e-visa from within Vietnam?

No. The e-visa is non-extendable. To stay longer, you must exit and obtain a new visa before returning.

What’s the cost of a Vietnam e-visa for Chinese citizens?

The government fee is $25 for a 90-day, single-entry e-visa. Only pay this on the official evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn website.

Which documents do I need for a Vietnamese e-visa?

You need a passport valid for over six months, a digital passport-style photo with white background, and a scanned copy of your passport’s data page in JPEG format.

Can I work remotely on a Vietnam tourist visa?

Legally, no. Tourist visas and visa-free entry do not permit any form of work, including remote work for a foreign employer. Enforcement is inconsistent but the law is clear.

Is the 90-day e-visa single or multiple entry?

It is strictly single-entry. If you leave Vietnam, even for a day trip to Laos, the visa expires and you cannot re-enter with it.

What if my e-visa application is rejected?

The $25 fee is not refunded. You must correct the error (usually the photo or passport scan) and submit a brand new application with a new payment.

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Disclaimer: Visa regulations change. I’ve seen it happen. This guide reflects the rules as of early 2026, based on my experience and the official evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn site. Always verify requirements with the Vietnam Immigration Department or a Vietnamese embassy/consulate before finalizing travel plans.