Complete Analysis of Vietnam's Visa Policy for China in 2025 - AIAIG - AIAIG

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2025年11月18日

Complete Analysis of Vietnam's Visa Policy for China in 2025

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational reference only and does not constitute investment advice, a solicitation, or a basis for major decision-making. Please make independent judgments and consult professional advisors when needed.

Systematically organizes Vietnam's visa policy for Chinese passports (including ordinary passports, diplomatic and official passports, APEC card holders, overseas Vietnamese and their families, etc.) in 2025: covers e-visas, visa on arrival, embassy visas, work and study visas, investment and long-term residence, 5-year visa-free documents, as well as practical details and risk warnings for exchanging paper visas at ports with passports featuring the nine-dash line.

Complete Analysis of Vietnam's Visa Policy for China in 2025

Question

What is the overall visa framework for Chinese ordinary passport holders traveling to Vietnam in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

As of the end of 2025, Chinese ordinary passport holders traveling to Vietnam still need to apply for a visa in advance in principle, without comprehensive short-term visa exemptions like those for Thailand and Malaysia:

- Visa is still mandatory: Chinese ordinary passports are not included in Vietnam's expanded visa-exempt country list for 2025; Chinese tourists, business travelers, students, workers, and other common scenarios must hold a valid visa for entry.
- Main pathways are e-visa and embassy visa:
- E-visa supports up to 90 days, single or multiple entries, can be applied for online, and is now the primary tool for Chinese tourists and short-term business travelers.
- Traditional embassy visa (sticker visa) still exists, often used for special purposes, longer stays/multiple entries, or paths involving invitation letters from companies/schools.
- Visa on arrival is only suitable for a few scenarios: Mostly for business travelers with invitation letters or group tourists processed through travel agencies via "approval letter + visa on arrival"; it is not recommended as a regular option for independent travelers.
- Non-ordinary passports and special statuses have exemptions:
- Chinese diplomatic, official, and service passports, based on bilateral agreements, can enjoy approximately 30 days of visa-free stay in Vietnam (specifics depend on passport type and the latest agreements).
- Vietnamese-Chinese and their spouses and children can apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry.

Key conclusion: For the vast majority of Chinese individual investors, tourists, and students, planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025 should still focus on e-visa and traditional visas, and do not assume that "comprehensive visa exemption for China" has been implemented.

Question

What are the 'favorable changes' for Chinese passports in Vietnam in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

Although there is no comprehensive visa exemption for Chinese ordinary passports, between 2023 and 2025, there have been several key favorable developments for Chinese nationals:

1. Full opening of e-visa, extended to 90 days
- E-visa has been upgraded from initially being available to only a few countries with 30-day single entry to:
- Open to almost all countries, with Chinese ordinary passports directly applicable online;
- Up to 90 days validity, with options for single or multiple entries;
- Relatively transparent fee structure: approximately $25 for single entry, $50 for multiple entries.
- This is the most direct convenience for Chinese tourists and short-term business travelers.

2. Multiple entries are friendly for long-term inspections and combined regional travel
- For example: While traveling or inspecting in places like Thailand, Singapore, or Cambodia, using Vietnam as a multiple short-stop node with a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa allows flexible round trips without reapplying for a visa each time.

3. 'Contrast effect' from the expansion of visa-exempt countries
- In 2025, Vietnam significantly expanded visa exemption policies for some European countries, Japan, South Korea, etc. (mostly 45-day visa exemption), which does not directly relate to China but sends a signal:
- Vietnam is comprehensively increasing inbound traffic through visa relaxation and long-term visa tools;
- For Chinese tourists and investors, if China-Vietnam relations further warm, the probability of being included in visa-exempt or long-term visa-friendly lists is increasing rather than decreasing.

4. Long-term visas/golden visas are being implemented
- 5–10 year visas/golden visas targeting high-net-worth investors, key technical talents, and long-term vacationers have entered the pilot stage; Chinese investors are treated equally with other foreign investors in policy, representing a significant long-term opportunity.

In summary, although "visa exemption" is still under discussion, from the three dimensions of e-visa convenience, long-term visa tools, and investment visa pathways, Vietnam's overall "friendliness" towards Chinese entry and exit is improving in 2025.

Question

What are the mainstream visa options for Chinese tourists/investors going to Vietnam in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

For Chinese ordinary passport holders, the main visa pathways to Vietnam in 2025 can be divided into six categories:

1. E-visa (Electronic Visa) – Preferred Path
- Applicable scenarios: tourism, business visits, visiting relatives and friends, and other short-term stays;
- Features: online application, no need to visit the embassy, can apply for multiple entries, maximum stay of 90 days.

2. Embassy Sticker Visa (Traditional Visa)
- Processed by Vietnamese embassies/consulates/visa centers in China;
- Suitable for more complex scenarios:
- Stays longer than 90 days;
- Initial applications for certain work, study, or investment visas;
- "Official visits" requiring formal invitation letters from companies/schools.

3. Visa on Arrival (Airport Visa)
- Mainly applicable to tourists/business people holding an "approval letter" from the Vietnam Immigration Department;
- Typical process: first obtain the approval letter through a local travel agency/partner unit → upon arrival at airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, exchange for the visa at designated counters and pay the fee;
- Risks: if the approval letter is non-standard or the flight does not meet requirements, boarding or entry may be denied.

4. Work/Business Long-term Visas (e.g., LD/DN)
- Applied for through a Vietnamese employer or partner company;
- Common path: first enter with a short-term business/tourist visa for negotiations → after confirming employment, the employer applies for a work permit and work/business long-term visa.

5. Study Visa (DH Category)
- Issued after receiving an admission letter from a Vietnamese university or educational institution;
- After entry, continue to apply for a study residence card (TRC) for long-term legal study stays.

6. Long-term/Identity Conveniences: 5-year Visa Exemption, Golden Visa, etc.
- 5-year Visa Exemption: for overseas Vietnamese and their foreign spouses and children;
- Golden Visa/Long-term Visa: for large investors, high-end talents, long-term vacationers, offering 5–10 year multiple entry rights.

For Chinese investors planning to buy property, conduct inspections, or view projects, a typical combination is:
> Phase 1: E-visa or short-term business visa → multiple entries for property viewing and cooperation talks;
> Phase 2: After finalizing the project, upgrade to an investment visa, work visa, or long-term residence card as needed.

Question

What are the key rules for the Vietnamese E-visa for Chinese citizens?

AIAIGAnswer

The Vietnamese E-visa is the tool that Chinese tourists/investors should prioritize using in 2025, with key rules roughly as follows:

1. Basic Parameters
- Validity: up to 90 days from the date of issuance;
- Entry Frequency: can choose single or multiple entries;
- Visa Fees (approximate reference):
- Single entry: about 25 USD;
- Multiple entries: about 50 USD;
- Applicable Purposes: tourism, business, visiting relatives, attending conferences, and other non-long-term residence activities.

2. Application Method
- Log in to the Vietnam Immigration Department's official e-visa website and fill out the application online:
- Upload a photo of the passport data page;
- Upload a white-background ID photo;
- Fill in the expected entry port, planned entry date, and stay address (hotel/apartment address);
- Pay the fee online using an international credit/debit card;
- After submission, approval typically takes 3–5 business days, possibly longer during peak seasons.

3. Entry Ports and Usage
- E-visa allows entry through multiple international airports, land border crossings, and seaports;
- Upon approval, you will receive a PDF/image format "visa approval notice," which must be:
- Printed in hard copy;
- Presented together with the passport during boarding and entry.

4. Stay and Multiple Entry Strategy
- Within the 90-day validity period, you can:
- Single entry: stay continuously for the permitted duration on the visa;
- Multiple entries: enter and exit Vietnam repeatedly within the validity period, with each stay as specified on the visa;
- For Chinese investors using Vietnam as a "regional hub" (e.g., combined inspections in Singapore/Thailand/Cambodia and Vietnam), the 3-month multiple-entry E-visa is a highly cost-effective option.

5. What Not to Do
- E-visa is not equivalent to a work permit; it cannot be used for direct employment or long-term residence in Vietnam;
- Not applicable for long-term study, long-term employment, family reunification, etc.; these require switching to corresponding study/work/residence visas or residence cards.

Question

Is the Vietnam Visa on Arrival still available for Chinese tourists? What are the risks?

AIAIGAnswer

In 2025, Chinese tourists can theoretically enter Vietnam through the "approval letter + airport visa on arrival" method, but the following issues need to be noted:

1. The actual process is far more complex than 'paying and getting a stamp on the spot'
- Most formal visa on arrival processes are:
1. Apply for a "visa approval letter" from the Vietnamese Immigration Department in advance through a local travel agency/partner company in Vietnam;
2. Obtain the official approval letter (PDF) with stamps/signatures, print it and carry it with you;
3. Present it to the airline during check-in in China to prove your eligibility for visa on arrival in Vietnam;
4. Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, go to the "visa application counter" to submit your passport, photos, approval letter, and pay the fee, then receive the sticker visa before entering.

2. Several practical risks for independent Chinese tourists
- Risk one: Opaque approval letter channels
- Some "cheap approval letters" online may not be submitted by formal institutions, and there is a possibility of being rejected by Vietnamese immigration or airlines;
- Risk two: Airline refusal to board
- If you cannot prove that you have "legal grounds for entry" at your destination, the airline has the right to deny you boarding;
- Risk three: On-site queuing and communication costs
- During peak hours, the visa on arrival counter queues can be very long, and language communication issues may delay your trip or even cause you to miss connecting flights.

3. Recommended strategies for 2025
- For ordinary independent travel/short-term property viewing inspections:
- Prioritize using the E-visa, as the process is simpler and more controllable;
- For scenarios with invitation letters requiring frequent business trips:
- Consider using the approval letter + visa on arrival, but it must be handled through qualified travel agencies/companies;
- In any case, do not interpret "visa on arrival" as "preparing nothing and figuring it out upon arrival," as that is closer to a high-risk "gamble."

Question

What are the specific impacts of the 2025 special points for Chinese passports in Vietnam: nine-dash line passport + e-visa?

AIAIGAnswer

A very "detailed but critical" change for Chinese citizens is: Holders of the new Chinese biometric ordinary passport (with the nine-dash line map) will encounter special handling when using the Vietnamese e-visa for entry.

1. Vietnam is unwilling to directly stamp the Chinese passport with the nine-dash line map
- Due to the South China Sea dispute and other reasons, Vietnam is very sensitive to passports bearing the nine-dash line map;
- In practice, Vietnamese border control often adopts the following approach:
- Do not directly stamp the entry seal or affix the visa in the passport;
- Instead, they print the e-visa information as a separate paper visa/endorsement page, or stamp it on a separate visa paper.

2. What does this mean for Chinese tourists holding an e-visa?
- The process of applying for an e-visa online is basically the same as for other nationalities, but upon arrival:
- Border control personnel may "transfer" your e-visa information to a separate paper visa or endorsement page;
- The entire process may be slightly slower than for travelers with other passports, requiring your patient cooperation;
- As long as your documents are genuine, your itinerary is reasonable, and there are no other risk factors, this usually does not affect your smooth entry.

3. Practical advice: How to build redundancy into your plans?
- Recommendations:
- Allow more time for entry when arriving in Vietnam, to avoid "rushing to catch a connecting flight immediately upon landing";
- When filling out the entry/exit card or during verbal inquiries, honestly state the purpose of your trip, and keep documents such as your itinerary, hotel bookings, and return flight tickets readily available for inspection;
- For travel with significant assets or clear investment purposes, try to obtain invitation letters or explanatory letters through formal channels (e.g., invited companies/agents), which can help with overall risk assessment.

4. How to handle this at the visa strategy level?
- The nine-dash line issue is more about the "form of entry stamping" rather than "whether entry is permitted";
- It has little impact on the choice of visa type—the e-visa is still the preferred option, but you should be mentally prepared for special procedures at the entry counter.

Question

What are the common pitfalls for Chinese applicants when filling out e-visa application materials?

AIAIGAnswer

For Chinese applicants, the "material difficulty" of the Vietnamese e-visa is not high, but there are several details that are prone to errors:

1. Passport information entry
- Passport number, English name (surname/first name order), date of birth, etc., must be filled in exactly as shown on the passport data page;
- The passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have sufficient blank pages.

2. Photo and data page upload
- ID photo:
- Usually requires a white background, front-facing, recent photo;
- Dimensions and format must comply with the official website instructions; blurry or cluttered backgrounds can easily lead to system rejection.
- Passport data page:
- Must be a clear, unobstructed scan or photo.

3. Entry port and first entry date
- The e-visa application form requires:
- The estimated date of first entry;
- The estimated entry port (airport/land/sea port name).
- In practice, as long as entry is within the visa validity period and from an allowed port, slight deviations in "date" generally do not lead to rejection, but entering too early or too late may trigger additional inquiries:
- It is recommended to keep it within 1–2 weeks of the planned date.

4. Address of stay entry
- It is advisable to book at least the first night's hotel in advance and use the hotel's English address in the form;
- For investment inspections, you can fill in the address of a partner company/apartment, but the information must be genuine and easy to explain.

5. Expression of travel purpose
- If it's mainly tourism with some property viewing on the side, the purpose can be selected as "Tourism";
- If it's for clear business negotiations, selecting "Business" better matches the actual situation;
- It is not recommended to directly write "investment immigration" in the initial e-visa application, to avoid border control misinterpreting it as a "long-term residence" intention and conducting extra scrutiny at the short-term visa stage.

6. Payment issues
- The official Vietnamese e-visa website generally accepts payments via international cards:
- If your personal card is unstable, consider asking family or friends to assist with an international credit card;
- Be especially cautious of any unofficial channels that "accept cash to process e-visas".

In a nutshell: The materials are simple, but information consistency + itinerary reasonableness are the core of the review.

Question

What is the typical visa pathway for Chinese citizens wanting to work in Vietnam in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

For Chinese citizens, legally working long-term in Vietnam typically involves three stages: short-term visit → work permit → work visa/residence card:

1. Step 1: Short-term visit phase (business/investigation)
- Common practices:
- First enter via business e-visa (select Business as the purpose) or short-term business sticker visa;
- Participate in interviews, negotiate contracts, and understand the company and city environment locally.

2. Step 2: Employer applies for a work permit
- The work permit is usually applied for by the Vietnamese employer with the local labor authority/immigration department;
- The employer needs to submit:
- Reason for recruitment (explaining why foreign employees are needed);
- Company business license, organizational documents;
- Draft labor contract, etc.;
- The Chinese applicant personally needs to submit:
- Passport copy;
- Educational certificates, professional qualification certificates;
- Sometimes, a criminal record check, health certificate, etc. (often requiring notarization/authentication).

3. Step 3: Work visa (LD category) + temporary residence card (TRC)
- After the work permit is approved, the employer can use it to apply for:
- Work visa (LD)—used for initial entry or status conversion;
- Temporary residence card (usually valid for 1–2 years, with multiple entries), allowing you to avoid frequent visa applications during your passport's validity period.

4. Practical advice for Chinese applicants
- Try to choose employers with experience in hiring foreign employees, as they are more familiar with the visa and work permit processes;
- Avoid starting "actual work" while only holding a tourist visa/e-visa, as this may be considered illegal employment if checked, affecting all subsequent visa applications;
- For those with families planning to settle long-term in Vietnam, you can simultaneously plan for dependent visas + residence cards for spouses and children.

Question

What is the difference between a work visa (LD) and a business visa (DN)? What does it mean for Chinese applicants?

AIAIGAnswer

Vietnam's "work-related visas" mainly include two codes you'll frequently hear: LD and DN, which have clear differences in purpose and rights:

1. DN: Business visit visa
- Typical uses:
- Entering Vietnam for business negotiations, signing contracts, attending exhibitions, short-term training/meetings, etc.;
- Rights boundaries:
- Allows business activities, but does not equate to 'employed work' under a labor contract;
- Mostly valid for 1–3 months, with single/multiple entries.

2. LD: Work visa
- Typical uses:
- Used for "employed" work in Vietnamese enterprises or institutions, and is one of the prerequisites for obtaining a work residence card (TRC);
- Characteristics:
- Usually issued based on a valid work permit;
- Can obtain longer visa validity and multiple entry privileges;
- Can be linked with a residence card, providing a more stable basis for long-term stays for you and your dependents.

3. Strategic advice for Chinese applicants
- If you are only going to Vietnam to "view projects, meet clients, attend conferences",
- An e-visa + DN category visa is sufficient;
- If you plan to be employed long-term locally:
- You can only treat DN as a "transitional tool", and ultimately must follow the complete path of work permit + LD visa + residence card;
- In practice, there are gray-area practices of using DN for long-term "work", but once inspected or disputes arise, it poses significant risks to personal records and the employer.

Question

What are the indirect impacts of Vietnam's visa and long-term stay reforms from 2023–2025 on Chinese professionals?

AIAIGAnswer

Although Vietnam's visa reforms are not specifically targeted at China, several system upgrades from 2023–2025 will tangibly affect your experience as a Chinese professional/expatriate:

1. E-visa extended to 90 days with multiple entries
- This makes scouting, renting, and school visits easier before expatriation:
- You can first use a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa to visit cities/projects intensively within 1–3 months, then decide whether to proceed with long-term expatriation;

2. Expansion of visa exemptions for some countries strengthens Vietnam's position as a 'regional talent hub'
- Although China is not on the exemption list, Vietnam's visa exemptions for Japan, South Korea, and some EU countries make it easier for talent from these countries to come to Vietnam;
- For Chinese people, this means:
- The workplace environment in Vietnam will become more internationalized;
- Competitors will not only include locals but also professional talent from Japan/South Korea/Europe/America.

3. Golden visa and long-term visa pilots
- Visas designed for high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and long-term vacationers with 5–10 year validity,
- Making "using Vietnam as a second home or long-term work base" a realistic option;
- For mid-to-high-net-worth Chinese professionals, this is a potential "career first, relocation later" path: enter through work/projects first, then exchange investment or professional contributions for longer-term visas/residency rights.

Question

What is the visa and process for Chinese students studying in Vietnam (language courses/undergraduate/master's) in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

Studying in Vietnam is still a niche choice for Chinese students, but it holds some appeal for certain majors (such as medicine, languages, and cross-border trade). For Chinese students going to Vietnam for studies in 2025, the general process is as follows:

1. Determine the School and Major
- Common types:
- Public universities in Vietnam (e.g., comprehensive universities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City);
- Private universities and international schools;
- Language centers (for Vietnamese, English training, etc.).

2. Obtain the Admission Letter (Offer)
- Generally requires submission of:
- Passport copy;
- Highest education/current enrollment certificate;
- Transcript (depending on the school's requirements, may need notarization and translation);
- Language proficiency proof (English/Vietnamese, with varying requirements by school).

3. Apply for a Student Visa (DH Category)
- After receiving the formal admission letter, submit the student visa application to the Vietnamese embassy/consulate by yourself or through the school:
- Original passport;
- Original and copy of the admission letter;
- Completed visa application form and passport photos;
- Sometimes proof of financial means (tuition and living expenses) is required;
- The initial student visa validity often matches the semester/course length (e.g., 3–6 months), and it can be extended within Vietnam later.

4. Post-Entry Procedures: Study Residence Card and School Registration
- After arriving in Vietnam, you need to:
- Complete registration and check-in at the school within the specified timeframe;
- Cooperate with the school to apply for a Study Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with the local immigration department:
- Validity is typically issued per semester/academic year, allowing multiple entries and exits;
- Some schools assist with arrangements for health check-ups, health insurance, and other support.

Question

What are the common visa material requirements and precautions for Chinese students studying in Vietnam?

AIAIGAnswer

In terms of visa materials, the requirements for Chinese students studying in Vietnam are generally more lenient than in places like Europe and the U.S., but there are still several high-frequency materials that need to be prepared in advance:

1. Passport and Basic Identity Materials
- Passport validity should cover the entire first academic year plus an additional 6 months;
- If you have old passports or visa records from other countries, it's advisable to bring copies as backups.

2. Academic and Educational Certificates
- High school/university enrollment certificates, graduation diplomas, and transcripts;
- Some schools require these materials to undergo notarization + dual authentication (by a Chinese notary office and the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in China).

3. Language Proficiency Proof
- If the teaching language is English: may require IELTS/TOEFL or internal school tests;
- If the courses are primarily in Vietnamese: language proof is usually not mandatory at the beginner level, but intermediate or advanced programs may require relevant certificates.

4. Financial Proof
- Depending on the school and program requirements, you may need to provide:
- Bank deposit statements;
- Parents' income certificates;
- Scholarship/funding proof, etc.

5. Health Certificate and No Criminal Record
- Long-term programs (especially in medicine, education) may require:
- Health examination reports from the last 3–6 months;
- No criminal record certificate issued by domestic public security authorities, completed with notarization/authentication.

6. Precautions
- Try to obtain the checklist through official school channels to avoid relying on outdated requirements from intermediaries;
- For students planning to combine internships or part-time work in Vietnam, understand in advance:
- Student visas generally do not grant formal work rights;
- If internships are necessary, try to choose those organized or recognized by the school.

Question

Can Chinese students legally work or do part-time jobs while studying in Vietnam?

AIAIGAnswer

Vietnam's regulations on "work" for foreign students holding student visas are relatively vague, but the general principle is: a student visa does not equate to a work permit. In practice, it can be understood from the following aspects:

1. Strictly speaking, a student visa does not grant formal employment rights
- If you want to work long-term and formally in a company, you still need:
- The employer to apply for a work permit;
- Switch to a relevant work visa or residence card type;
- Working long-term in a company solely on a student visa carries legal risks.

2. On-Campus Part-Time Jobs/Teaching Assistant/Research Assistant
- Some universities allow international students to engage in certain on-campus part-time work, such as:
- Language exchange, teaching assistant, tutor assistant, etc.;
- These activities are generally considered "extensions of learning" rather than strict employment.

3. Short-Term Internships and Project Practices
- Some majors (e.g., business, engineering, hospitality, and tourism) arrange off-campus internships:
- If the internship is organized by a formal school program, it is relatively safe in terms of visa and legal aspects;
- If you arrange the internship yourself, pay attention to the duration and form of compensation to avoid being considered "disguised employment."

4. Practical Advice
- If you wish to reside and work long-term in Vietnam while studying:
- Treat the student visa as the "first stage" and start planning a work visa or investment visa path about a year before graduation;
- Try to avoid long-term, paid intensive labor while on a student visa to prevent affecting future visa applications.

Question

In 2025, what are the main pathways for Chinese investors to obtain long-term residence or 'quasi-immigrant' status in Vietnam through investment?

AIAIGAnswer

Vietnam's legal system does not have 'pure real estate immigration' like some countries, but for Chinese investors, the main long-term stay/quasi-immigration tools available in 2025 include:

1. Investment Visa (DT Category) + Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
- For investors who establish companies in Vietnam, participate in major projects, or hold a certain scale of equity;
- General approach:
1. Register a company or participate in an approved investment project in Vietnam;
2. Apply for an investment visa DT as a company executive/legal representative/key shareholder;
3. On this basis, apply for a temporary residence card valid for 1–5 years, allowing multiple entries.

2. Golden Visa/Long-term Visa Program (Pilot Phase)
- Vietnam is advancing a 5–10 year visa program targeting high-net-worth individuals, long-term vacationers, and professional talents;
- Typical features:
- May require a certain amount of investment (in real estate/enterprises/funds, etc.);
- Or require high-level professional expertise in specific fields in Vietnam;
- High-net-worth Chinese investors generally enjoy the same conditions as European/American/other Asian investors.

3. Obtaining Long-term Visas through Corporate Executive/Expert Pathways
- If you do not directly hold shares but are assigned to Vietnam as a senior manager or technical expert within a multinational company:
- You can apply for a long-term work visa and residence card as a 'foreign executive/expert';
- In some cases, there may be opportunities to convert to investor or other long-term visa types later.

4. Family Dimension: Spouse and Children
- Chinese investors holding long-term visas/residence cards can apply for corresponding accompanying residence for their spouses and minor children;
- If married to a Vietnamese spouse, there is also an opportunity to obtain longer-term or even 5-year visa exemption through family reunification pathways.

Question

What is Vietnam's 5-year visa exemption certificate about? Which Chinese individuals can apply?

AIAIGAnswer

The so-called '5-year visa exemption certificate' (Visa Exemption Certificate) is a long-term entry and exit benefit granted by Vietnam to overseas Vietnamese and their immediate family members, which is highly attractive to some Chinese individuals with Vietnamese backgrounds:

1. Eligible Groups
- Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu): Individuals of Vietnamese descent holding foreign nationalities (including Chinese nationality);
- Their Spouses and Children: Regardless of whether the spouse/children have Vietnamese ancestry, as long as the marital/parent-child relationship is legal and provable.

2. Certificate Validity
- Maximum validity of 5 years, but not exceeding 6 months before the holder's passport expiration date;
- Allows multiple entries into Vietnam during the validity period, with each stay generally up to 180 days;
- No need to apply for a separate visa for each entry, significantly reducing long-term travel costs.

3. How Can Chinese Applicants Utilize It?
- If you are:
- A Viet Kieu who moved from Vietnam to China earlier and now holds a Chinese passport;
- Or a Chinese citizen whose spouse is a Vietnamese citizen/Viet Kieu;
- You can apply for the 5-year visa exemption certificate at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad (such as the embassy in China, consulates in New York/Los Angeles, etc.).

4. Practical Significance
- For Chinese individuals planning long-term real estate/company arrangements in Vietnam while having Vietnamese family ties, the 5-year visa exemption certificate is almost one of the 'most cost-effective' long-term entry and exit tools:
- It reduces the frequency of procedures and provides high flexibility for long-term stays in Vietnam;
- In some practical scenarios, it is even more useful than traditional investment visas.

Question

What does Vietnam's newly introduced 'Golden Visa' and other long-term visas mean for Chinese investors?

AIAIGAnswer

Vietnam's 'Golden Visa/Long-term Visa' program, gradually disclosed in 2024–2025, is still being refined in details, but the general direction is clear:

1. Core Objectives
- Attract:
- Large-scale capital investors (including in real estate, enterprises, funds, etc.);
- High-end professional talents and key technical personnel;
- High-net-worth long-term vacation and retirement groups;
- Position Vietnam as a 'long-term livable tourism + investment destination'.

2. Expected Form and Benefits
- Visa validity may be 5–10 years, with multiple entries allowed;
- Holders can typically:
- Reside long-term in Vietnam;
- Make multiple entries without being bound by short-term visa cycles;
- Apply for accompanying family members for spouses and children under certain conditions.

3. Significance for Chinese Investors
- For Chinese individuals who already have asset allocations in places like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.:
- Vietnam's Golden Visa offers a new 'Southeast Asia multi-base' option;
- For groups that 'invest first and consider relocation later':
- They can first test the waters in Vietnam through investment projects, then decide whether to upgrade to long-term residence based on the Golden Visa details;
- It is important to note:
- Specific investment amounts, asset types, background checks, and other conditions are still being adjusted;
- Do not rely solely on promotional materials; always refer to official documents and verify through compliant institutions.

Question

What visa exemptions are available for Chinese diplomatic and official passport holders traveling to Vietnam in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

In addition to ordinary passports, Chinese holders of diplomatic, official, and official ordinary passports can enjoy visa-free treatment based on bilateral agreements:

1. Non-ordinary passport visa-free arrangements between China and Vietnam
- According to information released by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and multiple embassies and consulates abroad:
- Holders of Chinese diplomatic passports, official passports, and some 'official ordinary passports' can enjoy approximately 30 days of visa-free stay during short-term visits to Vietnam;
- This arrangement is often used for:
- Official visits;
- Government cooperation projects;
- International conferences, organizational postings, etc.

2. Applicable groups
- The vast majority of Chinese individual investors, ordinary workers, and students cannot apply for diplomatic or official passports;
- Therefore, this visa exemption is more practically meaningful for:
- Government officials;
- Personnel from central enterprises/state-owned enterprises/public institutions visiting Vietnam in an 'official capacity'.

3. Practical reminders
- Even if the passport type meets the visa-free conditions, you should still:
- Confirm that the purpose of the visit and the length of stay do not exceed the scope of the agreement;
- Re-verify the latest regulations through your unit's foreign affairs department or the Vietnamese embassy/consulate before traveling;
- For publicly dispatched personnel who may be stationed in Vietnam long-term, it is usually still necessary to apply for the corresponding long-term visa or residence card, rather than relying solely on the 30-day visa-free stay.

Question

What conveniences are available for Chinese holders of the APEC Business Travel Card when traveling to Vietnam?

AIAIGAnswer

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) for Chinese cardholders is another tool that can significantly reduce entry and exit costs, especially useful for businesspeople who frequently travel to Vietnam:

1. Basic rights
- Holders of a valid ABTC with the 'VNM/Vietnam' code on the card can enjoy in Vietnam:
- Short-term business visa-free stay (usually around 60 days per entry, subject to official limits);
- Multiple entries and exits without the need for additional visa applications.

2. Typical usage scenarios for Chinese businesspeople
- For those frequently entering and exiting Vietnam:
- Regional business managers;
- Project managers in supply chains, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects;
- Key personnel from real estate funds/family offices responsible for Southeast Asian asset allocation;
- Using the ABTC can save the time costs and visa fees associated with applying for business visas each time.

Question

What practical use do the Phu Quoc Island visa exemption and transit visa exemption have for Chinese tourists?

AIAIGAnswer

In the context of 'no comprehensive visa exemption for ordinary Chinese passports', the Phu Quoc Island visa exemption and transit visa exemption are two relatively overlooked 'small benefits':

1. Phu Quoc Island visa exemption
- Phu Quoc Island is a famous beach resort destination in Vietnam that offers visa exemptions under certain conditions for tourists from multiple countries, including China:
- Arrive directly or via eligible transit to Phu Quoc Island;
- Stay for no more than about 30 days;
- Depart directly from Phu Quoc Island when leaving Vietnam (without staying in other Vietnamese cities).
- For tourists who want a 'pure vacation without visiting other cities', this is a small shortcut to avoid applying for a visa once.

2. Transit visa exemption
- If you are only transiting through a Vietnamese airport to a third country:
- Under certain conditions (holding onward tickets, having a destination visa, etc.), you can stay visa-free in the transit area;
- In some cases, short-term exit from the airport is allowed, but policy enforcement is relatively cautious, so it's necessary to verify in advance with the airline and official information.

3. Strategic significance
- For Chinese tourists looking to simplify a one-time island trip:
- The Phu Quoc Island visa exemption offers a new vacation option beyond Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore;
- For long-term asset allocators:
- The Phu Quoc Island visa exemption gives the island a certain 'new user experience' function: many people may first land as tourists and then further explore Vietnam's real estate and long-term visa policies.

Question

What are the key timelines for visas affecting Chinese citizens traveling to Vietnam from 2023 to 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

If we look at Vietnam visas from a "decision-making/planning" perspective, there are several key milestones from 2023 to 2025 that are worth noting:

1. August 2023: Comprehensive Expansion of E-Visas
- Vietnam extended e-visas to almost all countries and increased the validity period from 30 days to up to 90 days, supporting multiple entries;
- For Chinese tourists/investors, this marks a turning point where the "entry threshold is significantly lowered."

2. 2024: Expansion of Visa-Free List, Setting the Stage for 2025 Upgrades
- Vietnam implemented or extended 45-day visa-free policies for multiple European countries, Japan, South Korea, etc.;
- China is not on the list, but this indicates that Vietnam considers "visa-friendly" policies as part of its national tourism strategy.

3. 2025: Further Extension and Expansion of Visa-Free Policies + Introduction of Long-Term Visa Concepts
- Visa-free periods for some countries were extended to 2028;
- Pilot programs for new tools like golden visas/long-term visas were launched;
- There is no "substantial breakthrough in visa-free access" for ordinary Chinese passports, but long-term stay and investment pathways have clearly diversified.

Question

Is Vietnam really 'about to grant visa-free access to China'? How should we view such news?

AIAIGAnswer

Regarding the news that 'Vietnam is considering visa-free access for China,' such reports have frequently appeared on Chinese internet platforms in recent years and require a calm analysis:

1. Policy Discussion ≠ Implementation
- Vietnamese officials have indeed mentioned multiple times the intention to expand the list of visa-free countries, with China and India often appearing in media or expert discussions;
- However, as of the end of 2025:
- No formal nationwide visa-free policy for ordinary Chinese passports has been announced;
- Visa-free operations are still concentrated in Phu Quoc Island, specific passport types, and areas related to overseas Vietnamese.

2. The Right Approach for Investors and Long-Term Planners
- Do not base asset allocation on the premise of "possible future visa-free access";
- It can be viewed as a "medium- to long-term positive event":
- If visa-free access for China is actually implemented in the next 3–5 years, your early investments in Vietnam will gain additional liquidity and convenience;
- If it is not implemented for a long time, it will not change the basic usage scenarios you can already achieve with e-visas/investment visas.

Question

From the perspectives of tourism, investment, and study, how should Chinese citizens plan their visa and identity strategies for traveling to Vietnam in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

Combining the previous details, here is a more "strategic" summary:

1. Tourism Perspective
- Tool priority: E-visa > Travel agency + approval letter + visa on arrival > Phu Quoc Island visa-free (for specific itineraries);
- Operational advice:
- Submit e-visa applications 2–4 weeks in advance to avoid peak period congestion;
- Be patient with entry procedures for passports related to the nine-dash line, but do not over-worry.

2. Investment/Inspection Perspective
- Short-term: Use 90-day multiple-entry e-visas or business visas to focus on property/viewing projects;
- Medium-term: Based on investment scale and role (shareholder/executive), upgrade to investment visa DT + residence card;
- Long-term: Pay attention to the formal details of golden visas/long-term visas and consider using longer-term tools to secure residence and entry-exit convenience when appropriate.

3. Study/Career Development Perspective
- Study phase: Primarily use student visa + study residence card, without treating part-time work as a main goal;
- Career phase:
- If deciding to work long-term in Vietnam, start early with the formal path of work permit + LD work visa + residence card;
- For those in transnational career development (e.g., regional roles), Vietnam can be seen as an important node in the Southeast Asian career map, to be considered in combination with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Question

What are the approximate cost ranges and mainstream application channels for various types of Vietnam visas in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

Vietnam visa fees vary depending on the visa type, number of entries, and validity period. Here is a 'range perception' for Chinese applicants:

1. E-visa Fees
- Single entry, up to 90 days: approximately $25;
- Multiple entries, up to 90 days: approximately $50;
- Payment is made online via the official website, and visa fees are generally non-refundable and non-changeable, even if the application is rejected.

2. Regular Sticker Visa (Tourism/Business)
- Depending on the embassy/consulate and visa type, the approximate range is:
- Single entry: $25–50;
- Multiple entries (3–6 months): $50–135 or more;
- If applying through a travel agency/visa center, additional service fees will be charged.

3. Long-term Visa/Residence Card
- Fees for work visas + residence cards, investment visas + residence cards, etc.,
- Are often budgeted collectively by the company or project sponsor;
- For individuals, these are usually included in 'package service prices' and rarely calculated separately based on government fee standards.

4. Mainstream Application Channels
- Self-service:
- E-visa official website → fill out, pay, and download the approval document yourself;
- Embassy/Consulate:
- Use the appointment system of the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in China to submit materials as required;
- Travel Agency/Visa Center:
- Especially suitable for applicants unfamiliar with online forms or needing complex visa types;
- It's important to carefully select agencies with long-term experience in Vietnam business and a stable reputation to avoid 'low-price traps'.

Question

What are the common pitfalls and avoidance suggestions for Chinese applicants when preparing visa materials?

AIAIGAnswer

Based on recent cases, common pitfalls for Chinese applicants when applying for Vietnam visas mainly include the following aspects:

1. Inconsistent Information in Materials
- Discrepancies in name, date of birth, or passport number on the passport, flight booking, and hotel reservation;
- Solutions:
- Ensure all English names strictly match the passport;
- Carefully input information when booking flights/hotels to avoid minor errors like 'Adam/Adan'.

2. Mismatch Between Travel Purpose and Visa Type
- Actually going for work but using a tourist visa/e-visa;
- Actually for major business negotiations but using a pure tourist visa;
- Although many think 'everyone does this', if checked or in disputes, it can easily lead to accountability.

3. Using Unofficial Channels for Visa on Arrival/Approval Letters
- Some websites or intermediaries offer 'approval letters' at very low prices but lack official backing;
- Risks include: being denied boarding, refused entry, or even considered as using forged documents.

4. Misunderstanding the Stay Duration, Leading to 'Unintentional Overstay'
- Many only remember the 'visa validity' but overlook the 'number of days allowed per stay';
- Suggestions:
- Take a photo of the entry stamp or visa page in the passport after entry;
- Confirm the information on the entry stamp indicating 'allowed to stay until X date'.

Question

From a risk control perspective, what are the bottom-line suggestions for Chinese people applying for Vietnam visas in 2025?

AIAIGAnswer

Finally, let's summarize from a 'bottom-line defense' perspective:

1. All visa information should be based on official announcements from Vietnam and its embassies/consulates in China
- My research aims to be comprehensive, but visa policies can change;
- Before making large investments, long-term plans, or group arrangements, be sure to:
- Double-check the latest notices on the Vietnam Immigration Department website and Chinese embassies/consulates;
- If necessary, consult professional agencies or lawyers.

2. Be Cautious About Claims Like 'Immediate Visa-Free for Chinese' or 'No Checks for Long Stays'
- Any information that sounds very 'appealing' but contradicts official statements should be questioned;
- For personal or high-net-worth investment decisions, institutional stability is far more important than temporary 'visa convenience'.

3. The Visa is Just the Starting Point; Compliant Stay is Key
- Whether for tourism, study, or investment work, the visa is only the first step;
- Subsequent aspects such as taxes, residence, work permits, and asset registration must comply with local laws;
- For high-net-worth Chinese individuals, it's advisable to view Vietnam as 'part of a regional asset and lifestyle portfolio', rather than making isolated, single-point decisions.

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Complete Analysis of Vietnam's Visa Policy for China in 2025