Visa exemption for Chinese tour groups to Khanh Hoa: A strategic catalyst for tourism recovery
The implementation of a targeted visa exemption policy for Chinese tour groups is anticipated to significantly stimulate international arrivals to Khanh Hoa, driving a corresponding scale-up in operations at Cam Ranh International Terminal.
On October 12, 2026, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No. 325, introducing a strategic visa exemption policy aimed specifically at Chinese tour groups visiting Khanh Hoa during the Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-2027. Under this new framework, groups comprising at least two Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports (excluding those from Hong Kong and Macau) can enter Khanh Hoa visa-free for package tours lasting up to 30 days. Crucially, to qualify for this exemption, these groups must be organized by licensed Vietnamese international travel agencies and are required to fly directly from mainland China to Cam Ranh International Airport, utilizing it as their sole point of entry and exit. This policy will remain in effect until December 31, 2027.
Chinese tour groups traveling to Khanh Hoa.
This targeted legislative move is designed to inject fresh momentum into a crucial source market. While China has maintained its position as Vietnam's largest inbound market—generating over 3.9 million arrivals out of the 17.7 million total international visitors recorded in the first nine months of 2026—the recovery rate in Khanh Hoa specifically has lagged behind. Currently trailing behind the South Korean and Russian markets in the province, Chinese arrivals to Khanh Hoa are still significantly lower than their pre-pandemic peak. Consequently, this visa exemption is widely regarded as a pivotal lever to aggressively draw Chinese tourist streams back to the South Central Coast as the year draws to a close.
Chinese tourists participating in water sports services in Nha Trang.
To ensure a smooth and secure rollout, relevant ministries are rapidly finalizing detailed implementation guidelines, focusing on strict selection criteria for participating travel agencies and optimized immigration procedures. Concurrently, the regional aviation infrastructure is actively adapting to the anticipated surge in passenger volume. Cam Ranh International Terminal is systematically upgrading its operational readiness, coordinating closely with customs, immigration authorities, and airlines to facilitate seamless, high-capacity processing for the projected influx of direct flights from mainland China.