How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

Traveling to China just got easier for many visitors as the country loosens its visa requirements.

Before you plan your China trip, start by determining if you need a visa.

• Check if you qualify for visa-free entry
• If a visa is required, follow these steps

Visa-Free Travel to China

The policies mentioned below are among the most popular visa-free options for travelers to China. For more details on other visa exemptions, see our How to Visit China Without a Visa.

30-Day Visa-Free Travel to China

Citizens from the following countries can enjoy a 30-day visa-free policy for visits to China. You can check if your country is on the following list:

• Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland
• Asia: Brunei, Japan, South Korea
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

Countries with mutual visa exemption agreements with China can also enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay. These countries include Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE, and others.

10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy

Citizens from 54 Countries can enjoy a 10-day visa-free transit policy (11 days including the arrival day). If you are from one of the eligible countries, you could visit most cities and regions in China:

• Americans: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the Republic of Chile, the United States
• European citizens: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom
• Oceanians: Australia, New Zealand
• Asians: Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia

3 Steps for Applying for a China Visa

There are many types of Chinese visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

1. Fill in the Application Online and Prepare the Required Documents

The following list of documents is required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (for U.S. applicants) and a separate form for U.K. and Canada applicants. (For applicants from other countries, please refer to the website of the Chinese embassy in your location)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for. Check out the lists of required documents from the Chinese Embassy.

2. Go to the Embassy and Submit Materials

The applicant will submit the prepared materials to the embassy.

Starting in 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected.

3. Pay the Fee and Collect Your Visa

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

Generally, it takes about four working days to process a visa application.

FAQs

1. How do I get an invitation letter for an L visa?

An invitation letter is not mandatory for some countries, such as the U.S.

Starting from January 1, 2024, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States have simplified the required documents for a tourist visa (L visa). You no longer need to submit a round-trip air ticket booking, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, or invitation letter.

Requirements may vary by country. If you still need an invitation letter, you can request one from a travel agency or visa service. If you book your itinerary with us, we can provide an invitation letter for you.

2. What if I am rejected?

Generally, as long as your documents are complete, authentic, and error-free, your chances of approval are relatively high.

If your application is rejected, you can review the reason for rejection, supplement or correct the relevant documents, and try submitting your application again.

If you need a visa to China but prefer not to spend time preparing documents and visiting the embassy in person, applying for a port visa could be your best option. The cost is around $100 — about half, or even less, than what you would pay for a visa in your home country.

See What is a Port Visa and How to Apply It.