Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Giang signed a resolution on October 12, greenlighting a trial visa-free programme for Chinese group tourists visiting Khanh Hoa, the country’s south-central coastal province. This initiative is rolled out to mark the 2026–2027 Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year.
The pilot measure covers Chinese citizens with valid ordinary passports. It does not apply to passport holders from China’s Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions.
To qualify, travellers need to join packaged tours arranged by Vietnam-based international travel agencies as stipulated by Vietnam’s Law on Foreigners’ Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence. Each group must consist of a minimum of two people, and trips cannot last longer than 30 days.
Limited to Khanh Hoa Province — famous for stunning tropical shorelines and varied cultural heritage — the scheme requires tourists to take direct flights from mainland China to Cam Ranh International Airport. They must enter and exit Vietnam via this same airport.
Effective from 12 October 2026, the pilot policy will stay valid until 31 December 2027.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will draw up operational rules for the programme. Its responsibilities include setting standards to vet and supervise qualified Vietnamese international tour operators, and collaborating with regional authorities to guarantee smooth execution and tourist administration. The ministry will also partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to boost publicity so the policy can deliver optimal results.
At the same time, the Ministry of Public Security will issue guidance on entry, exit and residency formalities for mainland Chinese ordinary passport travellers on these visa-exempt group package tours.
