China is one of the world’s most visited destinations, attracting millions of travelers each year for tourism, business, study, and work. If you are not a Chinese citizen, you will most likely need a China visa to enter the country.
This guide explains who needs a China visa, visa-free exemptions, types of Chinese visas, application steps, requirements, fees, and processing times.
Who Needs a China Visa?
Most foreign nationals must obtain a visa before traveling to China. However, citizens of certain countries can enter China visa-free for a limited period.
Countries With Visa-Free Entry to China
Citizens of the following countries may enter China without a visa for the duration permitted:
Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Marino, Vietnam, Mauritius, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Hungary, Germany, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Qatar, Serbia, Suriname, Seychelles, Spain, Switzerland, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Japan, and Singapore.
Other China Visa Exemptions
You may also enter China without a visa under the following circumstances:
- Hainan Visa-Free Entry (up to 15 days):
Travelers holding ordinary passports from eligible countries may visit Hainan Province as part of a tourist group organized by a China-approved travel agency. - Organized Cross-Border Tours:
Citizens of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Turkmenistan traveling with registered tour companies in both countries. - 24-Hour Airport Transit:
Travelers transiting through China by air and remaining within the airport for less than 24 hours with a valid onward ticket. - 72-Hour Transit Visa-Free Stay:
Available in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. - Pearl River Delta Group Tours:
Travelers entering from Hong Kong or Macao and visiting the Pearl River Delta for up to six days with an approved travel group. - 21-Day Group Tours:
Citizens of Germany, South Korea, and Russia traveling in groups of two or more. - Holders of APEC Business Travel Cards
- Holders of a Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Card
- Holders of a valid Chinese Residence Permit
- Citizens of countries with bilateral visa-free agreements with China
Important: Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry regulations. You may need a Hong Kong or Macao visa, even if you are visa-free for mainland China.
Types of China Visas
China issues four main visa categories: Diplomatic, Courtesy, Service, and Ordinary Visas. Most travelers apply for ordinary visas, which include:
Common Chinese Visa Types
- F Visa: Exchanges, visits, short-term study, or cultural activities
- M Visa: Commercial and trade activities
- L Visa: Tourism
- Group Visa: For tourist groups of at least five people
- Q Visa: Family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents
- Q1: Long-term family reunion (over 180 days)
- Q2: Short-term family visits (up to 180 days)
- S Visa: Family members of foreigners working or studying in China
- S1: Long-term stay (over 180 days)
- S2: Short-term visit (up to 180 days)
- Z Visa: Employment or commercial performances
- G Visa: Transit through China
- C Visa: Crew members of international transport
- X Visa: Study purposes
- X1: Long-term study (over 180 days)
- X2: Short-term study (up to 180 days)
- R Visa: High-level talents or urgently needed specialists
- J Visa: Journalists
- J1: Resident journalists
- J2: Temporary reporting
- D Visa: Permanent residence in China
How to Apply for a China Visa
Follow these steps to apply for a Chinese visa:
- Choose the correct visa type based on the purpose of your trip.
- Book an appointment with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
- Complete the visa application form online and print it.
- Prepare all required documents for your visa category.
- Attend your visa appointment, submit documents, and provide biometric data if required.
- Pay the visa application fee, which varies by nationality and visa type.
- Wait for processing, usually around four working days.
- Collect your passport and visa after approval.
China Visa Requirements
When applying for a China visa, you typically need:
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
- A completed and signed visa application form
- One recent passport-size photo (48mm × 33mm, white background)
- Proof of legal residence (ID, driver’s license, or utility bill)
- Previous Chinese visas or passports (if applicable)
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if required)
- Round-trip or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or lease agreement)
- Detailed travel itinerary
China Visa Validity
A China visa is valid from the issue date until the “enter before” date stated on the visa. Common validity periods include:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 1 year
- Up to 10 years (for eligible nationalities)
10-Year China Visa
The 10-year multiple-entry China visa allows travelers to enter China multiple times without reapplying.
Currently available to citizens of:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Argentina
Australia is expected to join this list in the future, though no official date has been confirmed.
China Visa Fees
China visa fees vary by nationality and entry type. Typical fees include:
| Visa Type | Fee |
| Single Entry | ¥284 |
| Double Entry | ¥430 |
| Multiple Entry (6 months) | ¥568 |
| Multiple Entry (12 months) | ¥850 |
Fees may differ depending on your country of residence.
China Visa Processing Time
- Standard processing: ~4 working days
- Express service: ~3 working days (additional fee applies)
When Should You Apply for a China Visa?
Apply about one month before your planned travel date, but no earlier than three months in advance. Applying too early may cause your visa to expire before departure.
What If Your China Visa Is Rejected?
If your visa is denied:
- You may appeal the decision by providing additional documents
- You can reapply after three months
- Using a professional visa agency is recommended for reapplications
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
For more visa guide visit our “Visa Guide” category
