Vietnam reopen visa application (e-visa & visa on arrival) for citizens of China starting from March 15, 2022
It was around the end of January when Vietnam decided to stop issuing visas for Chinese tourists. This decision was made in an effort to curb the spread of Covid 19, which is believed to have originated in China. Vietnam has also decided to close its borders with China and imposed travel restrictions on all Chinese citizens. This has greatly affected the country’s tourism industry since the Chinese make up for one-third of all tourist visits in the country.
Vietnam is now trying to bounce back from the loss. It has decided to open its visa issuance to foreign visitors, including Chinese. The country hopes to encourage more Chinese visitors to go back to the country now that everything is trying to go back to normal. Here’s how Chinese visitors can apply for a visa to Vietnam.
Vietnam Visa Options for Chinese Visitors
For citizens of Mainland China who wish to visit Vietnam, you have two options for your visa. First, you can apply online for the Vietnam e-visa, also known as the electronic visa. This single-entry visa will let you stay in the country for up to 30 days. There’s an option to extend, but you’ll have to go through an agency to do this.
The other visa option is known as the Visa on Arrival. Although you’ll only get this visa when you arrive in Vietnam, you are required to register in advance. In exchange, you will get a pre-approval letter. This is the letter that you will show to the airport, along with your passport, in order to get your visa.
How to Apply for the Vietnam E-visa for Citizens of China
You can easily apply for the Vietnam e-visa online. There’s no need to go to an embassy for this because everything can be done using your mobile phone or computer. Here is how to apply for the Vietnam e-visa for citizens of China.
- Go online and fill out the application form. Make sure you type your name correctly, as well as the other important details.
- Upload the requirements needed, such as the biographical page of your passport. You also need to upload two digital copies of your passport-sized photos. Make sure the photos are showing your face clearly and were taken in a white background.
Photo Guide
- Click next to go to the payment page. There will be a processing fee of around $25, which you can pay using PayPal or credit card. Submit your payment and wait for an email for the confirmation.
- In about 3 -5 business days, you will get a reply regarding your visa application. Follow the instructions on how to download a copy of the e-visa. After downloading the visa, print it out and bring it on your trip to Vietnam.
- When you arrive in Vietnam, just go directly to Passport Control. Give your passport and e-visa copy and you should be able to enter the country and start your holiday.
How to Apply for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival for Citizens of China
The other option that Chinese citizens have for their Vietnam visa is the Visa on Arrival. For this visa, you’ll be required to apply for a pre-approval letter ahead of your trip. So here is how to apply for the Vietnam Visa on Arrival.
- First, go online and fill out the form to register for your trip to Vietnam. Make sure you enter all details correctly. Review the page before you submit.
- After a few days, you will receive an email for the pre-approval letter. Print the letter and bring it on your trip to Vietnam. You will also be sent a blank application form so print that as well and fill it out.
- When you arrive at the airport in Vietnam, look for the Visa Landing counter. Submit the requirements along with your passport. You will also be asked to pay for the $25 stamping fee. This can only be paid in cash, either in US Dollars or Vietnamese Dong.
- After a few minutes, you will be called back to the counter for your visa. Check your passport and make sure it already has a visa sticker.
Which Visa Should You Choose
Should you choose the e-visa or the visa on arrival? It depends on how long you plan on staying in Vietnam and where you plan on entering. If you’re only staying in the country for 30 days, the e-visa should be fine. Also, this is the right visa for you if you’re entering through seaports or land borders. But if you wanted to stay in Vietnam for longer than 30 days and you are passing through the airport, the Visa on Arrival is the right visa to choose.