DIY Chinese Visa in Ho Chi Minh City: My Smooth Process for Two People
Here's my step-by-step rundown of self-applying for a Chinese tourist visa in HCMC for two mates – nailed it first go!
Timeline:
- 25 Feb 2026: Submitted online app around 5:05pm.
- 27 Feb 2026: Checked the site that arvo – got "Online Review Completed" confirmation.
- 2 Mar 2026: Dropped off docs at the Chinese Consulate in HCMC.
- 6 Mar 2026: Picked up our visas, no dramas.
Big shoutout to the detailed guides from the group – followed 'em to the letter and we were approved straight away. Cheers legends!
My top tip? Read those group posts thoroughly before filling out the form. The longest bit was prepping the docs properly.
Plus, I've got a few handy visa tips from our experience – check 'em out if you're keen.
1. CT07 Form or Household Registration Book?
My mate tried getting a CT07 from the local ward office but it took forever with no word. The app just said "newly created" so we used a provincial household book to speed things up.
He lives in HCMC but his rego's in Dong Nai. To show we're based in HCMC, we got a bank balance confirmation from a TPHCM branch. I had my CT07 ready, so submitted as is.
2. Savings Book or Bank Balance Statement for Financial Proof?
Heard you need a savings book over 50 mil VND in HCMC, but we were flat out opening one. Nipped to the bank for a balance statement instead – consulate accepted it, lucky break. For dead certs, go savings book.
3. Booking Flights and Hotels with Pay Later Options
Head to Vietnam Airlines site, pick your flights and select "pay later". Snag the confirmation email for your online app – sweet as. Pays to settle within 24 hours or it auto-cancels.
For hotels, fire up the Booking app, filter for "Free cancellation" and "Book without credit card". Bob's your uncle.
Key Warning: Make sure flight times and hotel dates match your app 100%, plus your planned itinerary. All the best – you'll smash it!
