Planning to visit China? Understanding the visa requirements and application process is crucial for a smooth trip. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Chinese visa.
Last updated: November 2025Core Required Documents
These documents are essential for all China tourist visa applications:
Valid Passport
- Minimum 6 months validity remaining
- At least 2 blank visa pages
- Good physical condition
Visa Application Form
- Complete online application
- Print and sign
- Save electronic backup
Recent Photos
- Size: 33mm × 48mm
- White background, color
- 1-2 photos (no glasses, show full face)
Flight Tickets
- Round-trip reservation
- Show entry/exit dates
- Include flight numbers
Hotel Bookings
- Full duration confirmation
- Show guest name & address
- Include stay dates
Travel Itinerary
- Day-by-day plan
- Cities & attractions
- Accommodation addresses
Bank Statements
- 3-6 months of records
- Daily balance ≥ $100
- Cover full trip expenses
Pro Tip
Organize all documents in a clear folder in the order listed above. Make copies of everything and save digital versions as backup.
Types of Chinese Visas
L Visa - Tourist
Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends/family
Validity: 30, 60, or 90 days
Entries: Single, double, or multiple
Processing: 4-5 business days
M Visa - Business
Purpose: Commercial, trade activities
Validity: 30-90 days per entry
Requirement: Invitation letter from Chinese company
Processing: 4-5 business days
G Visa - Transit
Purpose: Passing through China to third country
Validity: 7-10 days
Requirement: Onward ticket to third country
Note: Consider 144-hour visa-free transit
Q & S Visa - Family Visit
Q1/Q2: Visit Chinese citizens or permanent residents
S1/S2: Visit foreigners working/studying in China
Requirement: Invitation letter + relationship proof
Validity: Varies by visa type
Additional Documents by Applicant Type
- Employment Certificate: Official letter on company letterhead
- Must include: Position, years of service, purpose of travel
- Requirements: Company seal/stamp, signed by HR or supervisor
- Format: In English or Chinese (translation required for other languages)
- Student ID: Copy of valid student identification
- School Letter: Leave approval from school
- Must include: School seal/stamp
- Additional: Enrollment certificate if ID doesn't show current status
- Retirement Certificate: Copy of official retirement document
- Or: Pension statement showing regular pension income
- Note: Bank statements still required to show financial capability
- Invitation Letter: From host in China
- Must include: Host's ID number, address, phone number
- Host Documents: Copy of host's ID or passport
- Relationship Proof: If applicable (birth certificates, marriage certificates)
- Note: Letter should explain relationship and purpose of visit
Application Timeline
Before You Start
1-2 months before travel
- Recommended application window
- Earliest: 3 months before travel
- Allows time for issues or rejections
Processing Time
Standard: 4 business days
- Express: 2-3 business days (extra fee)
- Rush: 1 business day (higher fee)
- Excludes weekends and holidays
Appointment Booking
7-14 days in advance
- Some consulates require advance booking
- Check consulate opening hours
- Limited slots during peak seasons
After Entry
Within 24 hours
- Register with local police if staying at private residence
- Hotels handle this automatically
- Keep registration slip for visa extensions
Important Timing Note
Apply early during Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, October Golden Week) as processing may be delayed. Consulates in your country may also have local holidays that affect processing times.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete Online Form
Visit the Chinese visa application service center website for your country. Fill out the form accurately with all required information.
- Have passport and travel details ready
- Use English for all entries
- Double-check all information before submitting
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents listed above. Make sure everything is current, complete, and properly formatted.
- Make copies of everything
- Organize in required order
- Translate non-English/Chinese documents
Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Chinese consulate or visa application center in your area. Book early during peak season.
- Check consulate holiday schedule
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring confirmation email
Submit Application
Attend your appointment with all documents. Submit application, pay fees, and receive a collection receipt.
- Bring exact payment amount
- Keep receipt safe
- Ask about collection date
Collect Visa
Return to collect your passport with visa on the specified date. Check visa details immediately for accuracy.
- Name spelling matches passport
- Validity dates are correct
- Number of entries allowed
Visa-Free Transit Options
China offers visa-free transit policies to facilitate international travelers passing through the country.
55 Eligible Countries for 240-Hour Transit
Europe (40 countries)
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
Americas (6 countries)
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania (2 countries)
Australia, New Zealand
Asia (7 countries)
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia
60 Open Ports Across 24 Provinces
Entry/Exit Points: The 240-hour visa-free transit policy applies to 60 designated open ports including major international airports, seaports, and railway stations across 24 provinces in China.
Coverage Areas: You can travel within the designated provinces during your stay. The permitted areas vary depending on your entry port.
Official Information: For the complete list of 60 open ports and their corresponding permitted stay areas, visit the National Immigration Administration official website.
Important Notes on Visa-Free Transit
- "Third Country" Requirement: You must be traveling to a third country or region - returning to your origin country does not qualify
- Verify Eligibility: Check if your nationality is on the 55-country list before planning your trip
- Area Restrictions: Stay within the permitted provinces designated for your entry port
- No Extensions: Visa-free transit periods cannot be extended under any circumstances
- Port Restrictions (24-hour): For 24-hour transit, leaving the port's restricted area requires a temporary entry permit
- Activities Requiring Visa: Work, study, and journalism activities always require proper visa approval regardless of transit status
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing Validity & Stay Duration
Mistake: Thinking visa validity equals how long you can stay
Reality: Validity = deadline to enter China; Stay duration = days allowed after entry (usually 30/60/90 days)
Fake or Inadequate Documents
Mistake: Submitting fake hotel bookings or employment letters
Reality: Chinese consulates verify documents. Fake documents = instant rejection + possible ban
Missing Translation Requirements
Mistake: Submitting documents in languages other than English/Chinese without translation
Reality: Most consulates require official translations with certifications
Incorrect Third Country for Transit
Mistake: Booking return ticket to origin country for 240-hour visa-free transit
Reality: Must travel to a genuine third country or region, not return home. This is a strict requirement for both 24-hour and 240-hour transit policies
Insufficient Financial Proof
Mistake: Bank statements showing low balance or large recent deposits
Reality: Need consistent history showing ability to fund trip
Last-Minute Application
Mistake: Applying days before travel
Reality: Need minimum 1 week, better 1-2 months for issues
Pro Tips for Successful Application
Apply Early
Start process 1-2 months before travel. This gives time to fix issues and avoid stress.
Be Truthful
Provide accurate, genuine information. Lies or fake documents will result in rejection.
Double-Check Everything
Review all forms and documents multiple times. Small errors can cause delays or rejection.
Keep Copies
Make copies of all submitted documents and save digital versions as backup.
Use Official Channels
Apply directly through Chinese consulates or authorized visa centers. Beware of scams.
Check Recent Policies
Visa rules change frequently. Verify current requirements 1-2 weeks before applying.
Prepare Buffer Time
Don't book non-refundable hotels/flights until visa is approved.
Complete Itinerary
Provide detailed daily plan. Shows you've prepared and are genuine tourist.
Resources & Emergency Contacts
Official Resources
- Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/
- Consular Services: Check visa policies and updates
- China Consular App: Download "中国领事" (China Consular) app
- Verify Policy: Check official sources 1 week before travel
Find Your Consulate
Contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country:
- Check jurisdiction: Different consulates serve different regions
- Call ahead: Verify requirements and appointment availability
- Email inquiries: Most consulates respond within 2-3 business days
- Visit in person: For urgent or complex cases
Emergency Assistance
If You Lose Your Visa in China:
- Report to Local Police: File loss report at nearest police station
- Contact Your Consulate: Get replacement travel document
- Apply for Exit Visa: Visit local Exit-Entry Administration
Before Traveling:
- Save photos of visa and passport
- Email copies to yourself
- Share with family/friends
- Keep separate from originals
Consular Hotline
China Consular Service Hotline:
- From China: 12308 or 010-12308
- From Abroad: +86-10-12308
- Available: 24/7 for emergencies
Use for urgent consular assistance, safety issues, or emergency guidance while in China.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?
Standard processing is 4 business days. Express (2-3 days) and rush (1 day) services are available for additional fees. Processing time excludes weekends and holidays.
Can I apply for a visa on arrival in China?
No, China does not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. You must obtain a visa before traveling, except for eligible visa-free transit or Hainan entry.
What if my visa application is rejected?
You can reapply, but must address the rejection reasons. Common causes: incomplete documents, insufficient funds, or inconsistent information. Consulates may not refund fees for rejections.
Can I extend my visa while in China?
Yes, visit the local Exit-Entry Administration before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on circumstances. Apply at least 7 days before expiration.
Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting through China?
If you stay less than 24 hours in the port's restricted area (airport international zone), no visa needed. For longer stays up to 10 days, check if you qualify for the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy available to citizens of 55 countries at 60 designated ports.
How much does a Chinese tourist visa cost?
Fees vary by nationality and processing speed. Typically $140-$200 USD for standard processing, with additional fees for express services. Check with your local consulate for exact fees.
Ready to Apply?
Now that you understand the visa process, gather your documents, verify current requirements with your local Chinese consulate, and start your application. Remember to apply early and double-check everything before submission. Have a wonderful trip to China!