China Visa
Update 1: From November 30, 2024, a 30-day visa-free policy has been implemented for most European countries and Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, Singapore, UAE ... At present, citizens from 64 countries can enter China visa-free. Update 2: China has upgraded the original 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit to 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit for 54 countries including the UK, the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil … Also, the travel scope has been widen to 24 provinces of China and crossing provincial boundaries is allowed. Update 3: Ordinary Samoan passport holders have been able to stay in China without a visa for 30 days from April 2, 2025, according to a mutual visa exemption agreement between China and the Independent State of Samoa.Do I need a visa for China travel?
Before working out your China travel plan, it is important to check whether you are covered by the visa-free policies in China.
Citizens of 38 countries, including France, Germany, and Italy can travel to China without a visa and stay for as long as 30 days. Mutual Visa Exemption between China and 26 countries including Singapore, Thailand, Qatar and UAE stipulates citizens of these countries stay in China for less than 30 days/ 90 days every 180 days without visa.
For a majority of foreign visitors from other countries, you may still enjoy visa-free travel by taking advantage of favorable visa-free schemes. Currently, 24 / 240 visa-free transits have been adopted in most China's major tourist destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, enabling tourists to take a tour in China.
| 240-hour visa-free transit | For 54 countries | Available in 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities including Guangdong, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Dalian, Shenyang, Chengdu, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chongqing, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang ... |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour Direct Transit | For almost all countries | Available in most China ports |
If you wish to plan a longer stay, a China visa should be obtained.
See more about: Do I Need A Visa for Guangzhou If Traveling from Hong Kong?
How to apply for China visa?
Step 1: Collect all the documents you need, including a passport valid for at least six months and with blank pages and a fully type-written China visa application form. If applying for a tourist visa, round-trip tickets and hotel bookings are also required. If you have booked a tour with a China agency, they will issue you with an invitation letter, which will be of great help to smooth the process. From Jan. 1, 2024, application materials like round-trip air ticket, booking record, hotel reservation and invitation letter are no longer needed for Americans to apply for tourist visa (L-Visa). Step 2: Submit all documents to Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Step 3: Collect your passport and visa on the date shown on the pick-up slip and pay the fee. You may be required to pay the fee when submitting the application.
How much does a China visa cost？
The China visa fee is determined by factors such as your nationality, required number of entries, and whether you use express services. Here is a price schedule for your reference.
| China Travel Visa Types | US Citizens | Canadian Citizens | UK Citizens | Australian Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | USD 140 | CAD 132.75 | GBP 130 | AUD 94.5 |
| Double Entries | AUD 117.5 | |||
| Multi Entries for 6 Months | AUD 139.5 | |||
| Multi Entries for 12 Months or Longer | AUD 184.5 |
* Click China Visa Fees to know more details.
How long does it take for China visa application?
In normal cases, the application takes four working days to process. If you use urgent service, you may get the visa on the same day you submit the application. If using express service, you need to wait for two or three working days. Should your demand for fast service get refused, it is advised to start preparing the visa early to avoid delays and complications.