A Chinese investor wants to visit Vietnam to survey a project — is an embassy visa required, or is an e-visa enough? The short answer: an e-visa is enough for a survey trip. Chinese citizens may obtain a Vietnamese e-visa under Resolution 127/NQ-CP (applicable to citizens of all countries and territories; China is not excluded). Since China is not on Vietnam’s visa-exemption lists, a visa — e-visa or sponsored visa — is mandatory for entry.
1. E-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry
The e-visa (symbol EV) is valid for no more than 90 days, single or multiple entry (Article 7, Clause 3 and Article 9, Clause 2 of 62/VBHN-VPQH — as amended by Law 23/2023/QH15, effective 15/8/2023). It may be used only at international border gates designated by the Government (Article 20, Clause 2 of 62/VBHN-VPQH). Under Resolution 127/NQ-CP and Resolution 389/NQ-CP (adding 41 gates), there are now 83 international border gates accepting e-visa entry/exit. Note: the figure “42 gates” is outdated — do not use it.
2. Procedure: 03 working days, USD 25/50 fee
The procedure follows Articles 16a and 19a of 62/VBHN-VPQH and Resolution 127/NQ-CP (the correct e-visa framework — never cite “Decree 65/2020/ND-CP on e-visas”: that decree governs the management of persons staying at accommodation facilities while awaiting exit and is unrelated to e-visas). Applicants submit their details, a photo and the passport bio page on the e-visa issuance portal; they may apply in person or through a sponsoring agency/organisation (Articles 16a, 16b). The immigration management authority decides within 03 working days (Article 16a, Clause 2).
Fee under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC (issued 27/3/2026, effective 01/4/2026, replacing Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC and abolishing Circular 62/2023/TT-BTC): USD 25 single entry / USD 50 multiple entry for visas valid up to 90 days. Never cite Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC for the fee — it has been replaced.
3. Project surveying is a valid purpose — but not “working”
Project surveying is a legitimate e-visa purpose: market research, feasibility studies, and investment-opportunity scouting are all permitted. The line is clear: surveying/exploring investment opportunities (allowed) differs from directly operating a business or performing paid work in Vietnam (not allowed — a labour visa/work permit is required under Article 10, Clause 4, point c of 62/VBHN-VPQH). Foreigners who enter and act inconsistently with the declared purpose of their visa application face a fine of VND 20–25 million under point b, Clause 7, Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP. Note: the boundary between “surveying” and “working” is a grey area in enforcement practice — this article states only the legal principle, not that any specific activity is definitely “surveying”.
4. After the survey: moving to an investor visa
Once the investor decides to invest, implementing a project in Vietnam requires an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) under the Investment Law 143/2025/QH15 (effective 01/3/2026) and a corresponding ĐT investor visa/residence card (ĐT1–ĐT4 by capital level). An e-visa may be converted to an investor visa without exiting if the applicant has documentary proof of investor status (Article 7, Clause 4, point a of 62/VBHN-VPQH), following the new-visa procedure in Article 19 (05 working days). Caveat: practice varies by receiving authority — confirm with the Immigration Department beforehand.
5. Specific notes for Chinese citizens
- Declare the correct purpose of entry and the intended border gate when applying (entry/exit is allowed only at designated international gates);
- Carry a printed e-visa together with the passport for presentation.
FAQs
Can an e-visa be extended inside Vietnam?
No. E-visas cannot currently be extended inside Vietnam; to stay longer you must exit and obtain a new e-visa.
Must the passport have at least 6 months’ validity for an e-visa?
This article makes no such claim — there is no explicit basis for e-visas (the 6-month rule in Article 20.1.a of 62/VBHN-VPQH applies only to unilateral visa exemptions).
Can an e-visa be switched to an investor visa without leaving Vietnam?
Yes, with documentary proof of investor status (Article 7.4.a), via the Article 19 procedure — but confirm with the receiving authority first.
Need help with visa or residence procedures for foreign investors in Vietnam? Reach FLAT Law Firm via the Contact page.
The information above is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
Transparency note: This article was drafted by FLAT Law Firm\u2019s AI content production system and reviewed by the internal review board (AI Legal Council QA). It has not been reviewed by a human lawyer.