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Explore the article for additional insights on securing a China visa hassle-free, guided by Klook!
First-time travelers applying for a China visa independently might face uncertainties and challenges in preparing the required documents. Is it difficult to get a China visa? What does the visa application process and required documents involve? How much are the fees? Today, Klook will share essential information about applying for a China tourist visa independently!
Which Type of China Visa Do Vietnamese Tourists Need?
China visas are categorized into various types. Depending on your travel purpose, consular staff will assess and provide the corresponding visa. This article will guide you through the experience of applying for a China L visa, specifically designed for tourists traveling to China.
With an L visa, you can visit China once within a 3-month period, with a maximum stay of 30 days. China visas typically have a validity period of 1 year, and upon expiration, you must return to Vietnam for an extension.
Essential Documents for China Visa Application
1. Passport
Prepare the original and one A4-size photo copy of all pages of your passport containing personal and immigration details. Check the Date of Expiry to ensure it's valid for at least 6 months and has a blank page for visa stamping.
2. China Visa Application Form
Choose between the Chinese-English or Chinese-Vietnamese form available. You can fill it out in three ways: download the form from the Visa For China website, complete it online, or fill it in person when submitting your application. Filling it out at home allows for careful review and minimizes errors.
3. Passport Photos
Photo dimensions should be 4x6cm, taken within the last 6 months. Background must be white, hair neatly arranged, avoid wearing white/striped clothing. Face should be looking directly at the camera, with the head uncovered. Note: Include full name, date of birth, and passport number on the back of the photo to prevent confusion.
4. Residence or Legal Residency Document
National ID: Provide one original and one photocopy on the same side of an A4 paper.
- For first-time Chinese visa applicants: A full A4-size photocopy of the entire household registration book.
5. Employment Verification
- For employees: Employment verification (employment contract or recruitment decision), company-approved vacation leave letter with official company stamp.
- For business owners: Copy of the business registration certificate with the official red seal affixed.
6. Financial Certification Document
To apply for a Chinese tourist visa, you need the original confirmation and a bank savings account statement with a minimum balance of 50 million VND. Alternatively, you can substitute with other financial proof such as land ownership documents, property titles in your name in case you don't own a personal bank account.7. Round-Trip Flight Reservation Confirmation to China
8. Hotel Reservation Confirmation
9. Itinerary for Traveling in China
A detailed travel itinerary outlining specific activities, hotel locations, and tourist spots is crucial for both the trip and visa application. Make sure to have clear information on departure/return dates, hotel locations, and tourist destinations. If you need ideas for your trip to China, you can refer to Klook's self-guided China travel suggestions!Guide to Booking Online Visa Application Appointments for China
Note that starting from October 23, 2023, individuals applying for a Chinese visa in Ho Chi Minh City no longer need to schedule an appointment. Simply complete the electronic application form before visiting the visa center.For those submitting applications in Hanoi and Danang, advance appointment scheduling is still required. Visit the Visa For China website and follow these steps:- Go to the website and select Vietnam, then choose the city where you will submit your application (Hanoi/ Danang/ Ho Chi Minh City)
- On the next screen, choose the Vietnamese language in the upper right corner.
- Select Quick Access -> Visa
- Fill in the information as instructed and confirm the Captcha
- Choose the date and time for submitting the application and confirm
- Print the confirmation on A4 paper and attach it to your application.
Visa Application Submission Locations for China
If you are applying for a Chinese visa independently without using intermediary services, you need to visit the Chinese representative offices at:1. Chinese Visa Service Center in Hanoi
- Address: 7th Floor, Truong Thinh Building, Trang An Complex, 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Nghia Do Ward, Hanoi
- Phone: 024 3275 3888
- Fax: 024 3202 6359
- Email: [email protected]
- Working hours: 9:00 to 13:00 from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
- Service area: 30 provinces and cities
2. Chinese Visa Service Center in Da Nang
- Address: 8th Floor, Indochina Riverside Towers, 74 Bach Dang, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Phone: 023 6382 2211
- Fax: 023 6382 2212
- Email: [email protected]
- Working hours: 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
- Service area: 6 provinces and cities
3. Chinese Visa Application Reception Center in Ho Chi Minh City
- Address: P1607-1609, 16th Floor, SaiGon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: 0084-1900561599
- Email: [email protected]
- Working hours: 9:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
- Service area: 27 provinces and cities
Chinese Visa Application Fees
The visa fees and processing times vary for different types. There are three main categories:- Regular type with a processing time of 4 working days
- Express type with a processing time of 3 working days
- Urgent type with a processing time of 1 working day
Visa fees for Regular Chinese Visa- 3 months single entry: $60 (Consular fee) + 685,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 3 months double entry: $90 (Consular fee) + 685,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 6 months multiple entry: $120 (Consular fee) + 685,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 12 months multiple entry: $180 (Consular fee) + 685,000 VND (CVASC fee)
Visa fees for Express Chinese Visa- 3 months single entry: $85 (Consular fee) + 1,028,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 3 months double entry: $115 (Consular fee) + 1,028,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 6 months multiple entry: $145 (Consular fee) + 1,028,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 12 months multiple entry: $205 (Consular fee) + 1,028,000 VND (CVASC fee)
Expedited Chinese Visa Fees- 3 months single entry: $97 (Consular fee) + 1,371,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 3 months double entry: $137 (Consular fee) + 1,371,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 6 months multiple entry: $157 (Consular fee) + 1,371,000 VND (CVASC fee)
- 1 year multiple entry: $217 (Consular fee) + 1,371,000 VND (CVASC fee)
Note:- The Chinese Embassy will not directly collect the visa fee; it will be done through a designated bank clearly indicated in your payment receipt. Normally, the Chinese visa application fee will be transferred to the Bank of China, and the bank only accepts payment in USD. Make sure to prepare and pay the fee on time.
- In case of visa rejection, the consular fee will be refunded, but the CVASC fee will not.
- Consular fees are collected in cash and in USD, while CVASC fees are collected in both cash and VND.
- Processing time may extend if there are issues with the application. It's advisable to submit at least 7 days before the departure date and not more than 3 months in advance. Ideally, submit 1 to 2 months before the planned departure date.
Is a Visa Interview Required for China Visa?
Most Chinese visas don't require an interview. However, if there are any unclear points in your application, the Embassy may call to confirm details. Questions usually revolve around your submitted information: personal, family, work, travel dates, itinerary, hotels, etc. If you're unsure about your travel schedule, don't provide inaccurate answers.If no one contacts you, it means your visa is fine. Relax and wait for the scheduled date to pay fees and collect your visa.Seamless Travel with Klook's China Visa Service
From the shared experiences on obtaining a Chinese visa independently, it's not an impossible task. Pay attention to document details and form information. For those finding it complex, there's a Klook China visa service that assists with the entire process from A to Z! Your remaining task is to explore China's scenic tours and refer to Klook's self-guided travel tips for a more perfect trip.Read more: Returning to Travel in China: What You Need to Know, Things to Know When Applying for a China Tourist Visa, 35 Great Chinese Films to Watch on Netflix, Detail Itinerary for a 4-Day 4-Night Self-Guided Trip to Sichuan, 15 Famous Beijing Attractions for Independent Travelers,... on Klook Vietnam for valuable insights for your upcoming trip.Do you know how to apply for a Chinese tourist visa?
