A Gateway to Elegance: Unveiling the Guangxi-Quang Ninh Connection

What is a Border Pass?

Border passes in Vietnam have a long-standing history, deeply rooted in the traditional trade and movement of residents living along the borders since ancient times. Historically, these documents were issued by local authorities with inconsistent regulations. The standardization of border passes began in 1991 with the Provisional Agreement on Border Management Regulations between Vietnam and China, which laid the legal foundation for cross-border transit between the two nations. Subsequently, legal frameworks such as the 2019 Law on Entry and Exit of Vietnamese Citizens, along with Decrees 76/2020/NĐ-CP and 67/2024/NĐ-CP, have further refined the regulations regarding eligibility and application procedures for these documents.

A border pass is an entry/exit document issued by the Immigration Management Department of Provincial Police or the Police of districts, towns, or cities bordering neighboring countries to Vietnamese citizens residing in border regions. This document permits travel to the neighboring country under international treaties without the need for a visa. It serves as a “mini-passport,” facilitating convenient visits for border residents to see relatives, engage in small-scale trade, or participate in labor cooperation.

Under current regulations, border passes have a short validity period, typically ranging from 6 to 12 months, are non-renewable, and can be used multiple times within the designated border zones. Travel scope is generally restricted to areas agreed upon by both nations. Eligibility is primarily limited to Vietnamese citizens with permanent residence in communes, wards, or townships along the Vietnam-China, Vietnam-Laos, and Vietnam-Cambodia borders.

Regulations for the Quang Ninh – China Border Pass

Based on the agreement reached between the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province and the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China), as well as the official correspondence from the Dongxing City Bureau of Commerce and Port Management (China), as of December 11, 2023, travelers holding passports and border tourist passes are officially permitted to clear customs via the Mong Cai International Border Gate (Bac Luan II area).

1. Vietnamese citizens with permanent residence in communes, wards, or townships within Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province:

Must have held permanent residency in the locality for at least one year.
Must have a valid reason for entering China (visiting relatives, small-scale trade, or daily labor cooperation).
Must not be subject to an exit ban under Vietnamese law.

2. Officials and civil servants working at state agencies based in districts, towns, or cities within Quang Ninh Province:

Authorized to travel to the corresponding Chinese border region (Dongxing City, Guangxi Province) for official duties.
Must possess supporting documentation for the work assignment issued by the head of their agency.

Note:

The border pass is valid only within the territory of Dongxing City, Guangxi Province, China, and holders may not travel further than 15km from the Mong Cai border gate (this information is subject to change, so please contact the Quang Ninh Immigration Department for the latest details).
The pass is valid for one month, allows for a single entry, and is intended for same-day return.

See more: Dongxing China Travel Tours

BORDER PASS APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

– Adults:

Portrait photo with a white background, looking straight ahead, no glasses, and ears clearly visible.
Photos of both sides of the Citizen Identity Card (CCCD).

– Children:

Confirmation according to the TK8 form, signed by the head of the local police station in the place of residence, with a stamp overlapping the photo and the declaration.
A copy of the birth certificate or a valid notarized photocopy.
4×6 photo with a white background, looking straight ahead, no glasses, and ears clearly visible.
Letter of authorization if not traveling with parents.

Note: The above documents must be submitted at least 3 working days in advance (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays).