Vietnamese travellers apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Steps: register and fill in the form online at visaforchina.cn, book an appointment, then submit documents and give fingerprints at the centre.
- Main documents: passport valid over 6 months with blank pages; photo; return flight and hotel bookings; itinerary; in some cases proof of employment and funds.
- Fees (guide, regular service): USD 30 for single entry, plus the centre's service fee; express and urgent services cost more.
- Processing: about 4 working days for regular service.
- Apply about 1 month before travel.
Note: the centre closes on both Vietnamese and Chinese holidays (including Lunar New Year); avoid applying right before them.