Do You Need Proof of Funds to Travel to China? Latest 2026 Update
Recently, many Vietnamese travelers have been sharing the news that China has removed the proof of financial means requirement for tourist visa applications. This has led many people to wonder whether applying for a China visa is now easier than before.
So what is the reality? Do you still need to prove financial means to travel to China in 2026?
To boost international tourism after the pandemic, China has continuously simplified many visa procedures for foreign visitors, including Vietnamese citizens. However, proof of financial means is 1 issue that many people face not only when traveling to China, but also in countries like South Korea and Japan…
However, according to the latest information, China has no longer required Vietnamese travelers to prove financial means as before since 17/6/2026.
Previously, to complete a sticker visa application file (self-arranged), travelers were required to have a savings book with a minimum balance of 50 million VND, along with a passport, passport photo, application form, detailed itinerary, flight tickets, hotel booking confirmation, and employment proof.
For group visa applications, the travel company would handle the sponsorship procedure, submit the application on behalf of the group, and take legal responsibility for the guest’s entry and exit. Therefore, individuals did not need to submit a savings book or income statement. Sticker visa applications were usually only used by travel companies for guests who booked tours at the last minute and did not have time to complete group procedures.
So what documents are needed to apply for a China tourist visa after 17.6?
Depending on the time and specific case, the application usually includes:
- A valid passport.
- Visa application form.
- Passport photo as required.
- Trip itinerary.
- Flight booking confirmation.
- Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter.
In some special cases, the reviewing authority may still request additional documents if information verification is needed.
Does not having to prove financial means mean you will definitely get a visa?
The answer is no. Easing the application requirements does not mean the visa will be issued automatically.
The consular authority still evaluates many other factors such as:
- Purpose of the trip.
- Entry and exit history.
- Personal information.
- Transparency of the application.
- Travel itinerary.
Therefore, you should still prepare a complete and accurate application.
According to Mr. Bui Thanh Tu, Marketing Director of a travel company in Hanoi, the previous requirement of 50 million VND was not too high compared with European or American countries. However, it was still a barrier for freelancers, students, first-time workers, or travelers who were not used to maintaining a stable account balance.
“Removing this procedure benefits young travelers, solo travelers, or guests who book tours close to departure the most. This is a direct tourism stimulus measure from China amid the growing demand among Vietnamese people to travel abroad,” Mr. Tu said.
Don’t forget to prepare internet before your trip
One of the most important things when traveling to China is internet access.
Most travelers will need internet to:
- Book a Didi ride.
- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Check maps.
- Translate Chinese.
- Book high-speed train tickets.
- Contact the hotel.
Instead of buying a SIM after arrival, many people choose a China eSIM or China travel SIM to get internet as soon as the plane lands.
This saves time and is much more convenient during your first hours in China.
Conclusion
At present, China’s tourist visa application process has become simpler than before, and in many cases, you no longer need to submit financial proof documents such as a savings book or bank balance confirmation.
However, the reviewing authority may still request additional documents in some specific cases. Therefore, travelers should update themselves on the latest regulations before submitting the application and prepare all necessary documents for the trip.
After completing your visa, don’t forget to prepare a China eSIM or travel SIM to have stable internet access as soon as you arrive in the world’s most populous country.
