Latest updates on visa application procedures for the US, China, Korea, Germany, Taiwan, Türkiye: Things Vietnamese tourists need to know

With the increasing demand for international travel, understanding the latest changes in visa application procedures is of utmost importance to ensure that your travel plans are not disrupted. The middle and end of 2025 are witnessing a series of adjustments to documents, fees and review processes in many countries such as the US, China, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan and Turkey. If you are planning to travel, study or work internationally in the near future, this is the time not to be missed to update the most accurate information.

Việt Nam•11/08/2025

Many travelers have had to cancel or postpone their trips simply because they were not updated on visa procedures at the time of application. In 2025, many consulates have made notable changes, from increasing fees, strictly checking the reason for entry, to limiting the area where applications are received. Early and complete preparation not only reduces the risk of visa rejection, but also saves on additional costs and avoids having to change plans at the last minute.

1. Chinese visa tightened during major holidays

The Great Wall of China - A famous tourist destination that attracts visitors to enjoy the autumn scenery. (Photo: Collected)

From mid-August to early September 2025, Vietnamese tourists who intend to apply for a visa to China as a group should be especially cautious. China's tightening of visa controls during this period is directly related to preparations for the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japanese fascism on September 3, making the group visa approval process much stricter than usual.

According to updates from travel agencies, the group visa application requirements now require a minimum group size of 5 people and limit entry points to four regions including Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei and Shanghai. Meanwhile, popular destinations such as Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, Chengdu or Xiamen may temporarily stop accepting group visas from Vietnam during peak periods.

Many Chinese travel partners have warned that the possibility of visa rejection at the border is very high, even when there is an invitation letter or a clear itinerary. To reduce the risk, visa applications should be submitted 10 to 12 days before departure. In case a group visa is rejected, applicants can switch to individual visa stickers, but the fee will be higher and the approval rate is not absolutely guaranteed.

In particular, from August 25 to September 6, major cities such as Beijing may implement traffic control measures and suspend operations at some tourist attractions. For security reasons, official announcements are usually only made by the authorities close to the date. Travelers and tour operators should develop contingency plans now if they plan to travel to China during this time.

2. US increases visa application fees from October 2025

Niagara Falls, the natural border between the US and Canada – The place known as the “God of Thunder”. (Photo: Collected)

From October 1, 2025, the US Government will officially adjust visa application fees for most types of non-immigrant visas, of which tourist and student visas will be most significantly affected. The new costs are expected to range from 410 to 435 USD/person, an increase of about 250 USD compared to the old level. For large families, the total visa cost can be up to tens of millions of VND, not including service costs, documents, travel and insurance.

This is the highest increase in many years, causing many Vietnamese tourists to reconsider their plans to travel to the US at the end of the year or during the upcoming Lunar New Year. Many travel companies have also adjusted tour prices, even temporarily stopping selling US routes in the fourth quarter to wait for detailed instructions from the consulate.

Not only tourists, but international students are also significantly affected. The US student visa (F-1), which previously cost about $160, will now nearly triple. Students on short-term internships or research programs or companies sending employees to work abroad will all have to pay this new fee.

With this sudden change, those who plan to apply for a US visa in the next few months should proactively submit their applications early before the adjustment date to avoid increased costs. At the same time, tourists also tend to switch to other destinations with more favorable visa policies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia or European countries.

3. Türkiye simplifies visa procedures from September

Hagia Sophia - Famous architectural work in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Photo: Collected)

From September 1, 2025, the visa application process for Turkey will be significantly shortened, marking a major shift in the policy of attracting international tourists. These changes will help Vietnamese citizens have easier access to this attractive tourism market, especially in the spring - the time when Turkey tours often record a spike in the number of visitors.

Previously, applying for a visa to Türkiye required a variety of documents, from invitation letters, employment verification, savings books to detailed itineraries and insurance. In addition, applicants had to go directly to the embassy or application center, have their biometrics taken, and wait 5–10 days for the results.

However, under the new regulations, visa applicants only need a valid passport, a photo and an online declaration. The application no longer requires a printout, fingerprinting or biometric submission. Once completed, the visa result will be sent via email. Visitors can print the e-visa or save a soft copy to present upon entry.

This new policy not only saves time and effort but also significantly reduces costs incurred during the application preparation process. For travel agencies, processing a large number of Turkish visa applications is now much easier and more flexible. In the context of the increasing demand for exploring new destinations, Turkey's open-door policy is making this country a bright choice for Vietnamese tourists in 2025.

4. Taiwan switches to completely online visa application from October

Sun Moon Lake - A must-see destination when traveling to Taiwan. (Photo: Sean3810|Getty Images)

Starting from October 1, 2025, the entire Taiwan visa application process will be conducted entirely online by the Taiwan National Immigration Agency. Instead of using paper documents as before, applicants will now fill in information, attach documents and print out the confirmation form on the official website before submitting the relevant documents at the representative office.

Compared to the traditional procedure, the new method not only helps reduce errors but also increases transparency in providing personal, financial and itinerary information. According to the instructions, the application must clarify the work status, financial capacity, along with round-trip air tickets and hotel reservations. For those applying for a Taiwan visa for the first time, careful preparation according to each step publicly announced on the consulate website is an important factor to increase the success rate.

Despite the digitization of the process, the review agency still maintains a strict policy of checking to prevent fraud. However, for strong profiles (clear employment, stable finances and good travel history), the review will be significantly simpler and faster.

The transition to an online system not only reduces the burden on the receiving agency but also saves time for applicants. In the context of a sharp increase in the number of Taiwan visa applications during the year-end tourist season, this change is considered a reasonable step to improve the experience of both citizens and tourism businesses.

5. Korean Visa 2025: Application receiving area in Vietnam

All over the streets of Korea, leaves begin to turn yellow as autumn arrives. (Photo: Vi Van Thuy)

From July 1, 2025, the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will only accept visa applications from southern provinces, starting from Gia Lai and below. Central provinces such as Quang Ngai and Kon Tum will no longer receive applications here but must send them directly to the Korean Embassy in Hanoi or authorized units.

The new regulations aim to optimize the review process and improve service quality, but also require applicants to adjust their submission plans to avoid delays. In particular, those living in the Central region should be careful not to submit to the wrong place, as this can lead to additional time and travel costs.

Apart from the change in the application location, the requirements for proof of occupation, finances and itinerary remain strict. This regulation does not affect the 5-year visa category for residents of major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

This change may cause some inconvenience to the Central region group of tourists, but at the same time, it also creates opportunities for more effective document processing. Understanding the information and preparing complete documents will help Vietnamese tourists more easily in their journey to apply for a Korean visa in 2025 .

6. German Visa 2025: Long processing time

Picturesque autumn scenery in Oberlehen village, Germany. (Photo: Collected)

In 2025, the waiting time for a German visa could be extended to up to 20 working days due to an unusually high number of applications. This is important information for those planning to travel or work in Germany in the near future, especially when schedules are often tight and depend on getting a visa on time.

The extended processing time requires visitors to prepare their documents carefully from the beginning to avoid having their documents returned for additional documents or extensions. To be proactive, you should apply for a German visa at least one month before your planned departure to ensure enough time for processing and receiving results.

The increase in applications is not only from tourists but also from students, experts and international workers. This also reflects the great interest of Vietnamese people in the German market - an attractive destination for studying, working and exploring in Europe.

Staying up to date with changes in visa procedures for countries such as the US, China, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan and Turkey is an essential preparation step for every tourist, student or international business traveler. Changes in fees, procedures and processing times can directly affect personal plans and expenses.

To avoid unexpected disruptions and problems, travelers should regularly monitor information from consular agencies and contact reputable travel agencies or visa consultants for support. Preparing documents carefully, submitting early and choosing the appropriate visa type will help your journey in 2025 go more smoothly and safely than ever.

Wishing you a successful year of travel, study and work with memorable journeys and experiences!