Vietnam Grants Pilot Visa Exemption to Chinese Tour Groups
Vietnam signed a resolution granting Chinese tour groups a 30-day visa exemption via Cam Ranh Airport, effective from October 2026 until the end of 2027, excluding Hong Kong and Macao.
Vietnam has signed a resolution exempting Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports from visa requirements when traveling in tour groups to Khanh Hoa province, according to Resolution No. 325/NQ-CP signed on October 12, 2026.
The exemption applies to stays not exceeding 30 days and requires entry and exit through Cam Ranh International Airport, taking effect from October 12, 2026, until December 31, 2027.
The decision does not include passport holders from the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, while the Ministries of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs will oversee the implementation of the arrangements.
The trial aims to revitalize tourism in Khanh Hoa province and increase the number of Chinese visitors, Asia's largest source of tourists, as temporary exemptions serve as a promotional tool for countries to test the impact of easing travel restrictions before making permanent decisions.
What Do These Terms Mean?
Visa Exemption: Exempting a tourist from obtaining an official advance entry permit to the country, allowing them to present only their passport at the port of entry and receive entry permission upon arrival.
Ordinary Passport: A travel document issued to citizens for personal use, as distinguished from diplomatic or official passports.
Tour Groups: Groups of travelers organized by travel agencies that coordinate their schedule, bookings, and accommodation, which countries sometimes grant special facilities to test the impact of easing restrictions.
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