Khanh Hoa to pilot visa exemptions for Chinese tour groups

Under Resolution 325, Khanh Hoa province will pilot a visa exemption policy for Chinese citizens traveling in organized groups. The policy, effective from October 12, 2026, to December 31, 2027, is part of the Vietnam-China Year of Tourism Cooperation 2026–2027.

To qualify, travelers must be part of a group of at least two people participating in an all-inclusive tour of no more than 30 days organized by a Vietnamese international travel agency. Participants must fly directly from mainland China to Cam Ranh International Airport, enter and exit through the same port, and remain within Khanh Hoa province. This measure aims to prioritize tour quality and prevent “zero-dollar tours” and illegal travel practices.

The initiative follows a decline in Chinese visitors to Khanh Hoa, which fell to approximately 470,000 in the first nine months of 2026, despite a general recovery of Chinese tourists to Vietnam. This decline is attributed to competition from regional markets like Thailand and Malaysia, as well as domestic destinations like Phu Quoc that offer full visa exemptions.