Vietnamese cars on a tour to China in 2018. Photo by nld.
Under the programme, which lasts until September 30, 2026, Vietnamese tourists are allowed to drive 600 kilometres into China on the Mong Cai – Dongxing – Fangcheng – Liuzhou – Guiline route. The cars must undergo sufficient procedures and get documents granted by the Chinese authorities, and follow the lead vehicles from the Chinese side.
Meanwhile, Chinese visitors can also enter Vietnam's Mong Cai City and Ha Long City, but are not allowed to stop at military zones and other restricted areas.
Cars with nine seats or less coming for tourism purposes are eligible to engage in the pilot programme. They must be examined by competent authorities of both sides, get transport licenses, have the logo of tour organisers, and follow a predetermined route.
Each group must not exceed 10 automobiles, and is not allowed to stay more than five days for a travel permit. An extension of maximum three days are available in case of broken vehicles and traffic accidents with recognition from relevant authorities.
A representative from Mong Cai City People's Committee told Dantri/Dtinews on November 1 that they had completed all the preparations and the programme is expected to start from November 6.
Earlier, the tours of this kind were piloted in 2018. Statistics from the Mong Cai Border Gate Customs Office said that there had been 35 cars carrying 108 Vietnamese tourists to China, and 289 with 988 Chinese visitors to Vietnam from June to November 2018. The tours were then halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.