Visa Requirements for China
Everything you need to know about getting a Chinese visa
Most visitors to China require a tourist visa (L Visa). The process typically takes 4-10 business days and can be done through Chinese consulates, visa centers, or authorized agencies.
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application form (Form V.2013)
- Recent passport-style photograph (48mm x 33mm, white background)
- Round-trip flight itinerary or booking confirmation
- Hotel reservations for entire stay or invitation letter from host
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Processing Time & Fees
Processing Time:
- • Regular: 4-10 business days
- • Express: 2-3 business days (extra fee)
- • Rush: Same day (extra fee, limited availability)
Typical Fees (USD):
- • Single entry: $140-160
- • Double entry: $200-220
- • Multiple entry: $200-220
- • Service fees vary by location
Citizens of certain countries can enjoy visa-free transit for 24, 72, or 144 hours in specific cities when transiting through China to a third country.
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Available in:
- • Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei Province
- • Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang
- • Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
- • Chengdu, Sichuan Province
- • Dalian, Shenyang (Liaoning Province)
72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Available in:
- • Guilin, Guangxi
- • Kunming, Yunnan
- • Harbin, Heilongjiang
- • Xi'an, Shaanxi
- • Qingdao, Shandong
Important Requirements:
- • Must have confirmed onward ticket to third country (not country of origin)
- • Must enter and exit through designated ports
- • Cannot leave designated transit area/city
- • Passport must be from eligible country
China offers various visa-free policies for different countries. Here's the complete reference guide:
30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Policy
Citizens of these countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa-Free Policy
Citizens of these countries can transit through China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) when traveling to a third country. Available in 24 provinces including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Shanxi, and Anhui.
Important Requirements:
- • Must have confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not country of origin)
- • Must enter and exit through designated ports in the 24 participating provinces
- • Cannot leave the designated province/region during stay
- • Valid for tourism, business meetings, and transit purposes
Quick Policy Comparison
| Policy Type | Duration | Scope | Transit Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free | 30 days | Nationwide | None; direct entry allowed |
| 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free | Up to 240 hours (10 days) | 24 provinces (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, etc.) | Must transit to third country |
⚠️ Important Notes
- • Visa policies can change frequently - always verify current requirements before travel
- • Some countries may have additional bilateral agreements or restrictions
- • Transit visa-free policies require strict adherence to designated entry/exit points
- • Business and diplomatic passport holders may have different requirements
- • Check with Chinese consulates or official government sources for the most current information
Business Visa (M Visa)
For commercial and trade activities, attending conferences, or business meetings.
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company and business registration documents.
Student Visa (X Visa)
For studying in China. X1 for long-term (over 180 days), X2 for short-term.
Requires admission letter from Chinese educational institution.
Work Visa (Z Visa)
For employment in China. Must be converted to residence permit upon arrival.
Requires work permit and invitation from Chinese employer.
Transit Visa (G Visa)
For travelers transiting through China who don't qualify for visa-free transit.
Usually valid for 7-10 days, requires onward travel documents.
Do's
- ✓ Apply well in advance of your travel date
- ✓ Double-check all information on your application
- ✓ Ensure your passport has enough validity and blank pages
- ✓ Keep copies of all documents
- ✓ Check the latest requirements on official websites
- ✓ Consider using authorized visa agencies for convenience
Don'ts
- ✗ Don't submit incomplete applications
- ✗ Don't use expired or damaged passports
- ✗ Don't provide false information
- ✗ Don't assume visa-free transit applies to you
- ✗ Don't book non-refundable flights before getting visa
- ✗ Don't forget to check visa validity dates