China Visa Information
Your Complete Guide to China Travel Documentation
PLEASE READ: For Guidance Only
The visa information provided on this page is for general guidance and reference purposes only. Chinese visa policies, including requirements, fees, and eligible countries for visa-free transit, can change frequently and without prior notice.
You MUST verify all information with the official Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country of residence before making any travel plans.
This website is not an official government authority and is not responsible for any visa-related issues, denials, or financial losses incurred based on the information below. Your visa application is your own responsibility.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit China?
As a general rule, most foreign passport holders require a visa to enter mainland China for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, there are several key exceptions.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a small number of countries can enter China without a visa for short stays. As of mid-2025, these include:
- Singapore
- Brunei
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- A growing list of other nations for specific short-term periods
Important: This list changes. You must confirm your country’s current visa-free status with your local Chinese Embassy.
Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan
Hong Kong & Macau: These are Special Administrative Regions (SARs) with their own separate visa policies. Many nationalities (including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe) can enter Hong Kong and Macau visa-free for tourism for periods ranging from 7 to 180 days. They are considered “third regions” for transit purposes.
Taiwan: Travel to Taiwan is governed by a separate set of entry and exit regulations.
Visa-Free Transit Policies: A Great Way to Visit
China offers excellent transit policies that allow travelers from many countries to visit specific regions for up to 6 days without a visa. This is a fantastic option for a short stopover trip.
You must be in transit to a third country or region. This means your itinerary must be, for example, Country A → China → Country B. You cannot fly from Country A → China → Country A. (e.g., New York → Shanghai → Tokyo is OK. New York → Shanghai → New York is NOT OK).
1. 24-Hour Direct Transit
Who: Most nationalities.
What: Allows you to transit through an airport in China for up to 24 hours without a visa. In most major airports, you can apply for a temporary stay permit to leave the airport during this time.
2. 72/144-Hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
This is the most popular option for a multi-day visit without a visa.
Who is Eligible? Citizens of approximately 53 countries, including:
- The Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
- Europe: All Schengen Area countries, United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
- Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, UAE, Qatar
- You must hold a valid passport from one of the 53 eligible countries
- You must have a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country or region with a departure time within 144 hours (6 days) of your arrival
- You must enter and exit through one of the designated airports/ports within the same specified region
Which Cities/Regions Participate?
The policy is administered by region. You can travel within the specified province(s) but cannot leave that region. Major participating regions include:
- Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region: Enter/exit via Beijing (PEK/PKX), Tianjin (TSN), etc.
- Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang Region: Enter/exit via Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG), etc. This is the most flexible policy, allowing extensive travel in the Yangtze River Delta.
- Guangdong Province: Enter/exit via Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX), etc.
- Other cities like Chengdu (CTU), Xiamen (XMN), and Kunming (KMG) also participate.
How to Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa)
If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or transit, you will need to apply for a standard Tourist (L) Visa.
Most applications are now handled by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). If one exists in your country, you will apply through them.
If there is no CVASC, you will apply directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General responsible for your residential area.
- Valid Passport: Must have at least six months of remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages.
- Visa Application Form: Accurately completed. This is now almost always an online form that must be filled out and printed.
- Passport Photograph: A recent, color photo that meets strict requirements (e.g., 48mm x 33mm, white background, no glasses, ears visible).
- Proof of Travel: Detailed itinerary including round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations OR an Invitation Letter from a registered tour operator in China.
- Proof of Legal Status/Residency: If applying in a country where you are not a citizen.
Book an appointment online if required by your local CVASC or Embassy.
Submit your application form and all supporting documents in person. Some locations may require fingerprinting.
Pay the visa fee. The cost varies significantly based on your nationality and requested processing speed (standard vs. express).
Once processed, you will be notified to collect your passport, which will now contain the Chinese visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We recommend applying 1-2 months before your planned departure. Do not apply more than 3 months in advance, as the visa may expire before you travel.
A single-entry visa allows you to enter China once. If you plan to visit Hong Kong and then return to mainland China, you will need at least a double-entry visa. Citizens of some countries (like the USA and Canada) are often eligible for 10-year, multiple-entry visas, which are highly recommended if available.
It is possible but can be difficult. You must apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration in a major city. You will need to provide a good reason and supporting documents. Do not assume an extension will be granted.
DO NOT overstay your visa. This is a serious offense in China, resulting in significant fines, potential detention, and a ban on re-entering China for several years. Always be aware of your visa’s expiration date.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the official sources: