DIY China Tourist Visa Guide: Hanoi Freelancer's 2025 Tips
Hey everyone, I just wrapped up my L15 tourist visa application as a freelancer right here in Hanoi. Sharing my full experience to help you nail your own DIY China visa without the hassle!
Current State of China Visas in Northern Vietnam
You've probably seen tons of posts about how tough it is to get a DIY China tourist visa these days, with so many rejections. But is it really that bad? Let's break down the actual process.
The current China visa process has three main steps:
- Step 1: Prep your docs and submit online for initial approval.
- Step 2: Once approved online, head to the center with originals and grab your appointment slip.
- Step 3: Track your status via the slip, then pick up your passport when results are ready.
Most "rejections" people complain about happen at Step 1 online—your docs just don't get greenlit to proceed to the center. It doesn't block future tries, but it wastes about 7 days each time waiting for review.
The embassy won't spell out why they reject online apps, but rest assured, it's because something's off with your file—not random picks or "no visa stickers left" like some say.
I got rejected online twice before using a service that skimped on prep. Then I pulled my docs, did it DIY, and got approved on the first try. Here are my tips to boost your odds.
Required Docs for the Online Form
- Original passport scan (valid at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages).
- Soft copy of white-background passport photo (taken within last 6 months).
- For brand-new passports: Scan of household registry or residence confirmation (CT07/CT08). I added my full household book scan anyway (all pages) since my passport had a Thailand trip—it helped my chances.
- Bank statement showing over 50 million VND (proves finances; use savings book or balance cert, valid within 7 days).
- PDF of round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations (book now, pay later is fine).
- Detailed itinerary in English (include times, spots, transport, estimated costs—DM me for my template if needed).
- Scan of old China visas (if you have any).
- Scans of other countries' visas (if applicable).
Key Tips for Filling the Online Form
A. Personal Info Section
- "Data page of the passport": Upload page 2; mine had pages 2-3 together and it passed.
- Addresses in "Work Information" and "Family Information": Use your updated VNeID address post-merger.
- "Work Information" for freelancers like me: Pick "Self-employed." Describe your job in 3.2D and 3.2E. For 3.2B/3.2C, put "Self-employed" and your own phone number.
- Section 6 "Information on your travel": Match exactly to your itinerary. Add every hotel stay in order by date. Pull name, address, phone, email from booking confirmations.
- Section 7 "Information on previous travel": If you've been to China (even on tour, no visa), select Yes for "Have you ever been to China?"
- Fill all other basics accurately to match your real situation.
B. Document Upload Section
Uploads must be JPG/PNG (single images) or PDF (multi-page), max 10MB each. Scan everything—it's sharper than phone pics and makes your app look pro (phone shots work in a pinch).
- "Residential certificate/'Hukou' certificate or employment letter": Household book or CT07/CT08 (recommended even if not required).
- "The blank pages of the passport": Two pics of blank pages each. I scanned two at once (uploading 4 total) and it was fine.
- "Hotel reservation with payment": Merge multiple bookings into one PDF via SmallPDF, sorted by date.
- "Round trip air tickets": Your flight booking PDF.
- "Itinerary in China": Super important—shows you've planned well. Make it detailed, with nice fonts and colors.
- "Valid or previous visas for other countries": Scan and upload any you have.
Timeline, Process, and Costs
- Dec 3, 2025: Submitted online at 4 PM.
- Dec 10, 2025: Got approval email at 7 PM.
- Dec 11, 2025: Went to center with originals, paid 725,000 VND fee, got pickup slip for Dec 16. Bring exact change. What I brought:
- Original passport
- 33x48 photo
- Online approval email printout
- Printed online form pages 1 and 7 (signed and dated page 7)
- Printed uploads (not required, but handy if they check)
- Dec 16, 2025: Track via slip code until "Pending Collection," then pick up anytime.
- Dec 18, 2025: Brought slip, got passport + visa. Paid 45 USD fee (center takes all USD denominations except 50s; post-2013 issue, no tears/fades. Exchange ahead—no on-site service).
Final Thoughts
For me, DIY had a higher online pass rate than services. You know your own docs best! Not shading all agencies, but skip ones that just take basic info like name and passport. If DIY's not your thing, pick reputable, hands-on pros.
Key mantra: Be honest, detailed, and careful. Treat your app with respect for the reviewers—it maximizes your approval shot.
That's my full DIY China visa playbook. Hope it arms you for success! Questions? Comment or DM—I'll help however I can. Good luck! 💕
