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From June 17th, Vietnamese citizens applying for independent tourist visas to China will no longer be required to submit a bank statement confirming a minimum balance of 50 million VND. This policy change is seen as a direct stimulus measure targeting young travelers, solo travelers, and those who book tours close to their departure date.
The China Visa Application Service Centers in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have confirmed that the new regulations officially took effect on the morning of June 17th. Accordingly, the mandatory requirement of having a savings account or bank statement with a minimum balance of 50 million VND, which had been a prerequisite for self-sponsored tourist visa applications for many years, has been completely abolished for this category.
Even without the requirement for proof of financial means, a Chinese tourist visa application still includes essential documents such as a valid passport, a standard passport-sized photo, a completed visa application form, a detailed travel itinerary, pre-booked flight tickets, and hotel reservation confirmation in China. Proof of employment, such as an employment contract or confirmation letter from the employer, is still recommended to be submitted.
It is important to note that the Chinese Embassy or Consulate still reserves the right to request additional financial documents or other supporting documents if the application is unclear or requires further verification regarding the purpose of the trip. In other words, the waiver of financial proof requirements does not mean the application can be incomplete; a logical and consistent set of documents remains a decisive factor in visa approval.
The relaxation of visa regulations is expected to boost travel to explore famous landmarks.
With group visas, the process remains largely unchanged. The travel company acts as a guarantor and submits the application for the entire group, assuming legal responsibility for the entry and exit of everyone in the group. Individuals in the group do not need to submit bank statements or income statements. This method is often used by travel companies for clients who finalize their tour bookings at the last minute and do not have enough time to process individual applications.
The abolition of this procedure has also had a clear impact on tour bookings. Previously, travelers deciding to go on a trip lasting one to two weeks often had to rush to complete financial documents or were forced to travel in groups to avoid complications. Now, with simpler paperwork, solo travelers or those booking tours at the last minute can be more proactive in their planning.
This change is occurring against the backdrop of high demand for overseas travel among Vietnamese people. China has long been a major overseas tourism market, accounting for 30 to 40% of total tour sales at many travel companies. Some agencies with a focus on this market record even higher percentages, up to 70 to 80%. During major holidays such as New Year's Day, Hung Kings' Commemoration Day, April 30th, or National Day on September 2nd, the number of Vietnamese people crossing into China via land border crossings can reach tens of thousands each time.
The reason why China consistently ranks among the top overseas travel choices for Vietnamese people is not difficult to understand. In terms of transportation, the country has an almost unparalleled advantage: dozens of direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to major cities, along with a system of land border crossings stretching from Mong Cai to Lao Cai and Lang Son, allowing for flexible travel options.
The number of Vietnamese tourists visiting China is projected to continue increasing sharply in the second half of 2026.
In terms of cost, China is still considered a competitively priced international destination compared to many other Asian markets such as Japan or South Korea, especially when traveling in groups or independently with a clear plan. Diverse regional cuisines, modern transportation infrastructure, and a nationwide high-speed rail network are also advantages that help keep domestic travel costs in China significantly lower than in many other developed countries.
Furthermore, the wave of "viral" destinations on social media in recent years has continuously expanded the list of places Vietnamese people want to explore. Names like Zhangjiajie with its giant pillar forests featured in the movie Avatar, Fenghuang Ancient Town with its ancient stilt houses reflected in the green river, or Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan with their cool highland air and unique ethnic minority cultures, all constantly appear in travel videos with millions of views and create a huge real demand among Vietnamese tourists.
With a more relaxed visa policy, the second half of 2025 is predicted to see a significant increase in the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting China, especially in July, August, and during the year-end holidays. Those who have been planning a trip but were previously hesitant about the financial documentation requirements can consider this a suitable time to prepare their applications and schedule their trip.
