Vietnam Launches 30-Day Visa-Free Travel for Chinese Tourists

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Chinese Visitors Get 30-Day Visa-Free Access to Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa Province

Quick Summary

Vietnam has introduced a 30-day visa-free travel programme for eligible Chinese tourist groups visiting Khanh Hoa Province, aiming to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation and attract international visitors. The new policy took effect on 12 October 2026 and will remain active until 31 December 2027. Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports can qualify by joining organised package tours through eligible Vietnamese international travel companies. 

The programme requires groups to include at least two travellers, with arrivals and departures exclusively through Cam Ranh International Airport. The initiative could increase visitor numbers, support local tourism businesses and strengthen connections between Vietnam and China during their 2026–2027 Tourism Cooperation Year.

Introduction

Vietnam has introduced a new visa-free travel scheme that allows eligible Chinese tourist groups to visit Khanh Hoa Province for up to 30 days without obtaining visas. The programme began on 12 October 2026 and forms part of the Vietnam–China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026–2027, which aims to strengthen tourism ties between both countries. 

By simplifying entry requirements for organized holidays, Vietnam hopes to attract more Chinese visitors, promote its coastal attractions and create fresh opportunities for the local hospitality industry.

Vietnam Introduces Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourist Groups

Under the new programme, Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports can enter Khanh Hoa without visas for organized package holidays lasting up to 30 days. Eligible travellers must book their trips through Vietnamese international travel companies that meet the country’s immigration requirements, and each group must include at least two participants. 

The exemption does not cover individual travellers taking independent holidays or passports issued by the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions. These specific conditions allow Vietnam to facilitate organized tourism while maintaining established immigration controls.

Cam Ranh International Airport Becomes the Exclusive Entry Point

Cam Ranh International Airport serves as the only authorized arrival and departure point for Chinese tourist groups participating in the visa-free programme. Eligible visitors must travel on direct flights from mainland China, enter Vietnam through Cam Ranh and return through the same airport after completing their organized holidays. 

The scheme does not permit participants to use other international airports or land border crossings for entry under this exemption. This arrangement could strengthen Cam Ranh’s position as a major tourism gateway and encourage airlines to expand direct connections between mainland China and Khanh Hoa.

Khanh Hoa Tourism Industry Could Benefit From Chinese Visitors

Khanh Hoa, located along Vietnam’s south-central coast, attracts tourists with its tropical beaches, scenic coastline, cultural heritage and seaside resorts. The new visa-free travel programme could make the province a more convenient holiday destination for Chinese visitors seeking coastal experiences and organized sightseeing opportunities. 

Hotels, restaurants, resorts, transport providers and local tour operators could benefit from increased bookings and visitor spending as travel demand grows. Organized travel companies may also introduce packages combining accommodation, beach activities and cultural excursions, although the programme’s economic impact will depend on tourist arrivals, flight availability and successful implementation.

Vietnam’s Visa-Free Tourism Programme Continues Until December 2027

Vietnam launched the pilot scheme on 12 October 2026 and will maintain it until 31 December 2027 as part of its tourism cooperation efforts with China. During this period, eligible Chinese tourist groups can benefit from visa-free entry by following the prescribed passport, booking, group-size and airport requirements. 

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will establish implementation guidelines, select eligible Vietnamese international travel companies and coordinate programme supervision. The Ministry of Public Security will guide entry, exit and residence procedures, while the tourism ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote awareness of the new arrangement.

FAQs

1. When did Vietnam introduce visa-free travel for Chinese tourists visiting Khanh Hoa?

Vietnam introduced the pilot programme on 12 October 2026, allowing eligible Chinese tourist groups to visit Khanh Hoa without visas until 31 December 2027.

2. How long can Chinese tourists stay in Khanh Hoa without a visa? 

Eligible Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports can stay in Khanh Hoa for up to 30 days when travelling through qualifying organised package tours.

3. Can individual Chinese travellers use Vietnam’s new visa-free programme? 

No, the exemption applies to organised package tours arranged by eligible Vietnamese international travel companies, with each participating group containing at least two travellers.

4. Which airport must Chinese tourists use under the visa-free travel scheme? 

Participating tourist groups must arrive at and depart from Cam Ranh International Airport on direct flights connecting mainland China with Khanh Hoa.

5. Are Hong Kong and Macao passport holders eligible for the visa exemption? 

No, the programme excludes holders of passports issued by the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions.

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam introduced 30-day visa-free travel for eligible Chinese tourist groups visiting Khanh Hoa on 12 October 2026.
• The pilot programme will remain effective until 31 December 2027 under the Vietnam–China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026–2027.
• Travellers must hold valid ordinary Chinese passports and join organized groups containing at least two participants.
• Cam Ranh International Airport is the exclusive entry and departure point for visitors using this exemption.
• The initiative could increase Chinese tourist arrivals, support local hospitality businesses and strengthen tourism cooperation between Vietnam and China.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s new 30-day visa-free travel programme offers eligible Chinese tourist groups a simpler way to experience Khanh Hoa’s beaches, resorts and cultural attractions. The initiative could increase tourism demand, support local businesses and strengthen bilateral cooperation throughout the programme period. 

Its success will depend on effective implementation, suitable flight connections and sustained interest from Chinese holidaymakers. By December 2027, the pilot scheme could provide valuable insights into the benefits of targeted visa exemptions for Vietnam’s tourism industry.