Your Guide to Getting a China Visa in Saigon (Updated 2025)
Just got my China visa and wanted to share some updated tips for anyone applying for a tourist visa (L) independently in Saigon. I found a lot of online information to be outdated or geared towards applications in Hanoi.
This guide focuses specifically on tourist (L) visas and single-entry visas. I don't have information about other visa types.
Part 1: Preparing Your Application
It seems the requirements for a China visa application in Saigon are a bit more extensive than in Hanoi. The image shows the instruction sheet from the visa application center in Saigon. Follow these instructions carefully – I submitted exactly what they requested.
- Complete the Application Form: Many online guides cover filling out the form. Use this link for Saigon applications: https://bio.visaforchina.cn/SGN3_EN/qianzhengyewu
- Passport Photocopy: Just the first page with your information.
- Previous Chinese Visas: (Not applicable for first-time applicants).
- Original Documents: Bring your original passport and National ID card when submitting and collecting your visa.
- Residence Permit/Household Registration: You need a valid residence permit or household registration (ho khau) from Saigon or a southern province. Submit a photocopy and bring the original for verification. This is mandatory. Without it, your application will be rejected.
- Invitation Letter: (Not applicable in my case).
- Travel Plan: Create a detailed itinerary in Excel and export it as a PDF. I kept it simple with just Shanghai. I booked a single hotel to minimize the number of bookings needed. Here's a travel plan template you can copy and customize: Travel Plan Template.
Note: It's best to complete steps 8 and 9 (flight and hotel bookings) before finalizing your travel plan.
- Round-Trip Flight Booking Confirmation: I booked with Vietnam Airlines because they offer a "pay later" option. Vietjet doesn't have this. Choose the English version for clarity. While Vietnamese might be accepted, I prefer English for visa applications.
Note: Print the flight booking confirmation on one side of the paper only. Since Vietnam Airlines doesn't provide a PDF file without payment, print the entire email confirmation.
- Hotel Booking: Book through Booking.com, selecting free cancellation and hotels that don't require upfront payment.
Note: Ensure the booking matches the name on your passport, including middle name(s). My friend had to rebook and reprint their reservation because the middle name was missing.
Note 2: Print the hotel booking on one side of the paper only.
- Additional Supporting Document: This is mandatory in Saigon. I was initially rejected for missing this. I've heard it's not required in Hanoi, but it is in Saigon.
I submitted a photocopy of my business registration certificate. If you have an employment contract, provide a photocopy of that. Bring the original for verification.
Since I have a decent travel history, I didn't include any financial statements. For a stronger application, you can add a bank statement.
Edit: Some commenters have mentioned that a bank statement with at least 50 million VND is acceptable. Refer to the comments for more details.
- Photo: A standard portrait photo (around 3x4 or 4x6 cm) is fine. I just trimmed a square photo from my US visa application. The exact size probably isn't critical.
Part 2: Submitting Your Application
All printed/photocopied documents must be on one side of the paper only. Otherwise, your application will be returned for re-printing.
In Saigon, appointments aren't needed. Go directly to the Chinese Visa Application Center at Saigon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street. They accept applications from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, without a lunch break.
Bring the original of your passport, National ID card, residence permit/household registration, and business registration certificate/employment contract.
Ensure all documents are printed/photocopied on one side.
Prepare 690,000 VND in cash. You don't need USD at this stage. If your application is accepted, you'll receive an appointment slip. I applied on February 14th and was given a collection date of February 24th.
Part 3: Collecting Your Visa
You can collect your passport earlier than the appointment date if the online tracking system shows your visa is ready. Search Google for "how to track China visa application status."
If your visa is approved, you'll need to pay $45 USD. Bring $100 or $50. They will give you change. USD bills must be from series 2013 or later. If you need to exchange VND for USD, I recommend Kim Mai gold shop at 84c Cong Quynh, District 1. I found their exchange rate to be good.
The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of approval. For example, if approved on February 18th, the visa is valid from February 18th to May 18th. You can stay for 30 days, meaning you could enter on May 17th and stay until June 17th.
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