Starting July 2025, visa procedures for several popular destinations for Vietnamese travelers, including the US and China, will change. Travelers should be aware of these updates to plan their trips effectively.

China tightens group visa requirements

Tour operators specializing in China tours confirm that group visa procedures will be stricter from 10/8 to 8/9. This is due to China's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese fascism on 3/9. Currently, this information comes from Chinese partners of Vietnamese travel agencies.

According to Nguyen Canh Linh, Visa Department Head at Top Ten Travel, from 10/8, group visa travel requires a minimum of 5 people and may restrict entry to four points: Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, and Shanghai. Popular tourist cities like Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, Chengdu, Xiamen, and some with direct flights from Vietnam may not accept group visas during this period.

Nguyen Ngoc Tung, General Director of Danh Nam Travel, said his company's Chinese alliance has canceled over 10 tours between August and early September for the Beijing and Beijing-Shanghai routes, specifically those entering through Beijing. Tours entering through Shanghai will continue as usual.

Vietnamese tourists take photos in Tianjin, China. Photo: Thu Phuong

Vietnamese tourists take photos in Tianjin, China. Photo: Thu Phuong

"Normally, group visas are only difficult to obtain in early October due to China's National Day," Tung said. He added that except for major holidays, the process for Chinese group visas is usually straightforward.

Chinese partners have warned that all visa applications at border crossings could be rejected and advised Vietnamese travel companies to submit applications 10-12 days in advance. If rejected, they can switch to sticker visas, which are more expensive but don't guarantee approval.

A special warning has been issued for 25/8 - 6/9 as Beijing and surrounding cities may implement traffic controls. Tourist attractions may close unexpectedly. Typically, official announcements are made only a few days prior.

US visa fees increase

From 1/10, US visa fees are expected to increase by 250 USD, to 410-435 USD per person. This could cost a family of four up to 40 million VND in visa fees alone—excluding service fees, travel, insurance, airfare, and accommodation—significantly increasing US tour prices, according to Du Lich Viet representatives.

This sharp fee increase may lead many families to reconsider US travel, opting for cheaper destinations like South Korea, Japan, Europe, or Australia, where visa fees are lower or waived for short-term tourism.

Besides tourists, students will also be affected, with study visa fees rising from around 160 USD to 410 USD. Students on short-term research or internship programs will also face the new fees, which companies may have to cover if sending employees to the US.

Turkey simplifies visa procedures

Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Du Lich Viet, explained that Vietnamese citizens previously faced a complex process when applying for Turkish visas. Applications required numerous documents, including a passport valid for at least six months, photos, financial proof, invitation letters or hotel bookings, flight tickets, proof of employment, and travel insurance.

Applicants had to visit the Embassy or Visa Application Center for submission, biometrics, and fingerprinting. Processing took 5-10 business days. Only the applicant or an authorized representative could collect the results, requiring presentation of receipts and related documents. E-visas were only available to those holding US, UK, Schengen, or Irish visas or residence permits and tickets from specific airlines, limiting their use for most travelers.

Vietnamese tourists at a famous carpet shop in Cappadocia. Photo: Onthemars

Vietnamese tourists at a famous carpet shop in Cappadocia. Photo: Onthemars

From 1/9, new regulations simplify the procedure, requiring only a valid passport and photo, with online applications. Applicants no longer need to visit the Embassy, submit paper documents, or provide biometrics.

Visa results are emailed and can be printed or saved electronically for entry. This saves time, effort, and the cost of travel, photocopying, document delivery, and result collection. The streamlined process benefits travelers and tour operators, especially when handling large volumes of applications, making Turkey tours more competitive for the upcoming spring season.

Taiwan simplifies visa procedures for strong applications

Vu stated that from 1/10, all Taiwan entry declarations will be fully online, eliminating paper applications. Visa applicants must apply through the Taiwan National Immigration Agency website, where detailed instructions are provided.

Applications require clear financial and employment documentation, along with flight and hotel bookings, and bank statements. After completing the online form, applicants must print, sign, and submit it with their supporting documents. Waiting times for appointment slots may increase during peak season.

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Photo: Giang Huy

Fo Guang Shan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Photo: Giang Huy

The review process is stricter to prevent fraud, but simpler for strong applications with clear purposes. First-time applicants should carefully follow the step-by-step instructions on the consulate's website.

Other notable updates

From 1/7/2025, the South Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will only accept visa applications from Gia Lai southward. Applicants from provinces like Quang Ngai and Kon Tum must apply at the South Korean Embassy in Hanoi or an authorized agency.

Applications still require proof of employment, finances, and a clear itinerary. The 5-year metropolitan visa (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) is unaffected. Those in central Vietnam should apply to the appropriate location to avoid delays. This may slightly increase travel time and costs.

Additionally, German visa processing times may extend to 20 business days due to high application volume, according to Top Ten Travel. However, Linh predicts this will be a short-term issue, lasting only 1-3 months.

Hoai Anh