Earlier this year, I decided to travel to China independently. The first time I applied for a visa, I was careless and submitted incomplete financial documents, resulting in rejection. It took another two weeks to prepare again and cost extra fees. This article is my hard-earned experience, hoping to save you time and money.
Quick Info
- Ideal time: March-May and September-November (avoid Chinese New Year and National Day on October 1, as it's crowded and prices are high).
- Recommended days: 7-10 days for Beijing-Shanghai; 10-14 days if adding Xi'an or Guilin.
- Budget reference: About 15-25 million VND/person for 7 days (including flights, hotels, meals, transportation).
- Transport: Metro is main (cheap, fast); taxis use Didi app (like Grab). Buy metro card at stations.
- Connectivity: Physical Chinese SIMs often block Google, Facebook. I used an eSIM from SimNha, installed before flying, with smooth 4G/5G, no VPN needed.
💡 Tip: Apply for visa at least 1 month in advance. Peak season (summer, New Year) may take 2-3 weeks processing.
Documents to Prepare
Basic Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages.
- Visa application form: Fill online on the Chinese Embassy/Consulate website. Print, sign, attach a 4x6cm white background photo.
- Passport photos: 2 recent photos within 6 months, no glasses, no editing.
- Employment proof: Labor contract or appointment decision, salary statements for the last 3 months.
- Financial proof: Savings account with at least 100 million VND (or bank statements for 3 months with balance of 50-100 million VND).
⚠️ Note: I was once rejected because I submitted a savings account opened just 1 week ago. You should open it at least 3 months in advance with regular transactions.
Additional Documents if Needed
- Round-trip flight ticket: Paid ticket or booking confirmation from an agent.
- Hotel confirmation: Booking.com, Agoda, or invitation letter from a Chinese partner (if business trip).
- Travel itinerary: Handwritten or typed, clearly stating dates, cities, hotels.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Submit Application and Schedule Appointment
After completing the online form, print it and bring it to the visa application center (VFS Global or Embassy). Schedule an appointment online in advance, choosing a suitable time. I arrived 15 minutes early and was let in immediately.
Step 2: Submit Documents and Pay Fee
Submit original and copies (bring originals for verification). Single-entry tourist visa fee is about 1,200,000 VND (varies). Pay in cash or bank transfer.
💡 Tip: Photocopy 2 sets of documents just in case. I once forgot to photocopy my ID card and had to go out to make copies, wasting time.
Step 3: Receive Result
Usually takes 4-5 working days. You can collect in person or request courier delivery (additional 50,000-100,000 VND). I chose to collect at the center to save a bit.
Things to Avoid
- Providing false information: If you declare tourism purpose but have no flight or hotel bookings, you may be rejected. Be honest.
- Missing financial documents: Many think just a savings account is enough, but they also want to see regular cash flow. I added credit card statements.
- Submitting close to departure date: China visa has no urgent service. I once saw someone submit a week before, resulting in delay and missed flight.
⚠️ Note: If you have been rejected before, don't reapply immediately. Wait at least 1 month and prepare a more complete application.
Conclusion
Applying for a China visa is not too difficult if you prepare thoroughly. It was troublesome the first time, but the second time I submitted, I got it immediately. After getting the visa, I bought a SimNha eSIM to have internet as soon as I landed at Beijing Airport, extremely convenient. Wishing you a successful visa application and a wonderful trip!
