How Long is a Chinese Tourist Visa Valid? Detailed Guide

China, with cultural wonders such as the Great Wall, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and modern cities like Shanghai and Beijing, is an attractive destination for Vietnamese tourists. To enter, Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a tourist visa, and one of the common questions is "How long is the validity of a tourist visa for China?".

This article will provide detailed answers about the visa validity, types of tourist visas, the application process, and tips for preparing an effective application. Let's explore with NVK Travel to plan a smooth trip!

What is a tourist visa for China?

A tourist visa for China (L visa) is a short-term visa granted to foreign citizens for the purpose of sightseeing, relaxation, or cultural exploration. This is the most common type of visa for Vietnamese tourists wanting to experience destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Zhangjiajie.

>>> See more: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Visa to China?Update on Costs

Key Features:

• Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, not for work or long-term study.
• Number of entries: Can be 1 time, 2 times, or multiple times.
• Processing time: 5-7 working days (regular) or 2-3 days (VIP).

Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports need to apply for a visa before entering, except for certain special visa exemption cases (see section 3).

Validity of the tourist visa for China

The validity of a tourist visa for China depends on the type of visa and the policies of the Chinese Embassy. Below are the common types of tourist visas and their specific validity:

3-month visa, 1 entry

• Visa validity: 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration of stay: Up to 30 days per entry.
• Suitable for: Tourists on short trips, exploring 1-2 cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

3-month visa, 2 entries

• Visa validity: 3 months from the date of issue.
• Duration of stay: Up to 30 days per entry, a total of 2 entries.
• Suitable for: Those needing to enter China 2 times in a short period, for example, combining tourism with visiting relatives.

6-month or 1-year visa, multiple entries

• Visa validity: 6 months or 1 year from the date of issue.
• Duration of stay: Up to 30 days per entry, no limit on the number of entries.
• Suitable for: Those who frequently travel or have short-term business trips, with a good history of entering China.

Note:

• The validity of the visa is the period during which the visa is effective, counted from the date of issue to the expiration date. You must enter China within this period.
• The duration of stay is the maximum number of days you are allowed to remain in China each time you enter.
• Multiple-entry visas require strong financial documentation and a good travel history (having been to China or developed countries like Japan or South Korea).

Example:

• You are granted a 3-month visa with 1 entry on 01/06/2025. You must enter before 01/09/2025 and can stay for a maximum of 30 days (until 01/10/2025 if entering on the last day).

Cases exempt from the tourist visa for China

>>> See more: Latest Visa Application Procedures for China Latest

Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports are not exempt from the tourist visa for China, except for certain special cases:

• Diplomatic/service passports: Exempt from visa for a maximum stay of 30 days for official purposes or visiting relatives (spouse, children under 18 traveling with).
• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC): Exempt from visa for a maximum stay of 60 days for business purposes, but can combine with tourism.
• Special visa exemption policy: Some areas such as Hainan, Guangdong (through border gates in Shenzhen, Zhuhai), or group tours from Vietnam may be exempt from visas for 5-15 days, but must go through designated travel companies.

If you do not fall under the above cases, you need to apply for a tourist visa at the Chinese Embassy, Consulate General, or China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

Cost of applying for a tourist visa to China in 2025

According to the policy of reducing visa fees by 25% from 11/12/2023 to 31/12/2025, the cost of applying for a tourist visa to China includes:

Consular fee (paid when the visa is approved, in USD)

• 3-month visa with 1 entry: 45 USD (~1,080,000 VND).
• 3-month visa with 2 entries: 67.5 USD (~1,620,000 VND).
• 6-month visa with multiple entries: 90 USD (~2,160,000 VND).
• 1-year visa with multiple entries: 135 USD (~3,240,000 VND).

Service fee at CVASC (to be paid when submitting the application, in VND)

• Regular processing (5-7 days): 690,000 VND.
• VIP processing (2-3 days): 1,380,000 VND.

Additional costs

• Translation and notarization: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/page.
• Photocopying and printing: 50,000 - 100,000 VND.
• Shipping fee (optional): 150,000 - 200,000 VND.
• Travel insurance (recommended): 500,000 - 1,200,000 VND.

Estimated total cost:

• Self-submit application: 1,300,000 - 2,500,000 VND (3-month single entry visa).
• Using full service: 3,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND.

Money-saving tip: Prepare your own documents and submit them at CVASC to reduce service costs.

Documents for applying for a China travel visa

To apply for a China travel visa, you need to prepare:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages.
• Visa application form: Fill out online at bio.visaforchina.cn or obtain a form at CVASC.
• ID photo: 4x6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
• Proof of identity: Notarized copy of CCCD, household registration (or CT07/CT08).
• Proof of financial means:
  • Savings account: Minimum 50,000,000 VND.
  • Bank statement: Transactions for 3-6 months, salary from 10,000,000 VND/month is an advantage.
• Proof of employment:
  • Employee: Employment contract, leave application.
  • Business owner: Business license, tax report.
  • Student: Student ID, confirmation from the school.
• Travel itinerary: Detailed departure date, return date, sightseeing locations, hotels.
• Flight and hotel booking confirmation (recommended).

Note: The application must be truthful, avoid providing false information to prevent visa denial.

Process for applying for a China travel visa

1. Prepare documents: Gather all necessary paperwork according to the list above.
2. Make an appointment (mandatory in Hanoi and Da Nang): Through the CVASC website (bio.visaforchina.cn). In Ho Chi Minh City, you can submit directly from 23/10/2023.
3. Submit application:
   • Hanoi: CVASC, No. 5 Trung Kinh, Cau Giay.
   • Ho Chi Minh City: Consulate General, 175 Hai Ba Trung, District 3.
   • Da Nang: Visa office, 12 Tran Phu, Hai Chau.
4. Fingerprinting (if required): Exempt for those under 14 years old, over 70 years old, or who have fingerprinted in the last 5 years.
5. Pay CVASC fee: 690,000 VND (regular processing) or 1,380,000 VND (VIP processing).
6. Wait for approval: 5-7 days (regular processing) or 2-3 days (VIP processing).
7. Pay consular fee: Pay in USD at the designated bank when the visa is approved.
8. Receive results: Directly at CVASC or via shipping.

Tips for successfully applying for a China travel visa

• Apply early: Submit your application at least 20 days before your trip, especially during peak seasons (April-May, September-October).
• Strong financial documents: Savings account opened at least 3 months prior, bank statements with regular transactions.
• Clear itinerary: Provide a detailed itinerary, along with flight and hotel booking confirmations.
• Carefully check documents: Ensure no missing or incorrect information.
• Use reputable services: If lacking experience, contact NVK Travel for A-Z support.

Reasons for visa denial:

• Application lacks transparency (e.g., newly opened savings account).
• Poor entry history (violations of regulations in China).
• The purpose of travel is unclear.

Suggested travel itinerary for China

5-day itinerary for visiting China:

• Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City.
• Day 2: Explore the Great Wall (Mu Diang Yu), Summer Palace.
• Day 3: Take a high-speed train to Shanghai, stroll along the Bund, Shanghai Tower.
• Day 4: Visit the old quarter of Nanjing, Jade Buddha Temple.
• Day 5: Shop on Nanjing Road, return to Vietnam.

Money-saving tips:

• Use high-speed trains instead of domestic flights.
• Stay at a 3-star hotel (prices from 700,000 VND/night).
• Eat at local eateries (prices 70,000-170,000 VND/meal).

NVK Travel – Assisting with visa applications and tours to China

NVK Travel, part of Eagle Asia Co., Ltd., with over 10 years of experience in international travel, provides professional visa application services and organizes tours to China. Benefits of choosing us:

• Effective visa support: Detailed consultation, document review, visa approval rate up to 98%.
• All-inclusive China tours: 5-7 day itineraries, prices from 25,900,000 VND, including airfare, hotel, visa.
• Comprehensive services: Flight booking, hotel reservations, car rentals, travel insurance.
• 24/7 support: Our team of consultants is always ready to answer your questions.

Chinese tourist visas are valid from 3 months to 1 year, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry, depending on the type of visa. With a 25% discount on visa fees until December 31, 2025, this is the ideal time for you to plan your exploration of China. Preparing your documents thoroughly and correctly will help you receive your visa quickly.

Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore the land of a billion people! Visit now https://nvktravel.com/ to receive free consultation, book all-inclusive tours, or get support for your tourist visa to China. With professional and dedicated service, we are committed to providing you with the best travel experience!