1 China Visa Overview
A China visa is an official document that allows foreigners to enter, exit, and transit through China. In general, apart from visa-free trips to Hong Kong or Macau and visa-free transit conditions, you will need a traditional visa to visit China. With China Visa, you will be traveling around China. But there remain a few areas that require an additional permit from the PSB, otherwise you would get rejected to enter.
Main Visa Types for Travelers
L: Travel Visa - Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.
Q: Family Reunion Visa - Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China.
M: Commercial and Trade Visa - Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
S: Visits to foreign relatives Visa - Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China.
2 Apply for Chinese Visa
a. Determine the Type of Visa
Check the main visa type for travelers and determine what kind of visa you are going to apply for.
b. Prepare the Required Documents
Basic Documents
Visa Application Form and Confirmation Form of Online Visa Application.
Passport. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and has at least 2 blank visa pages left.
Photo. Two recently-taken front passport-size bareheaded color photos
Proof of legal stay or residence status (apply to outlander applicants)
Original and photocopy of previous Chinese passport and photocopy of naturalization certificate.(apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)
Photocopy of supporting documents.
Additional Documents For Specific Visas
Please read detailed requirements for citizens from a certain nation in (https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/) when starting your application.
c. Submit Your Application
Application Submission Steps:
Make an Appointment: Some embassies/consulates require an appointment for visa submission.
Submit Documents: Visit the embassy/consulate or CVASC with all required documents. Ensure all forms are accurately completed and signed.
Biometric Data: Some applicants may need to provide fingerprints and photos at the time of submission.
Where to Submit:
Chinese Embassy or Consulate: Some countries may have multiple consulates covering different regions. If you live in America, you will need to apply at the Chinese Consular Office.
China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC): In a majority of the countries including Canada, Australia, UK, and the EU countries, you can apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the CVASC. Visit the official website www.visaforchina.org to apply.
d. Pay the Visa Fee
Fee Structure:
Visa fees vary based on nationality, number of entries, and visa type. Check the specific fee on the embassy/ consulate or www.visaforchina.org.
Here are general guidelines for the fees:
* Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied.
* Always check the official website www.visaforchina.org of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.
Payment Methods:
Fees are generally paid in cash, money order, or bank draft. Some centers might accept credit/debit cards.
Additional Fees:
Service Fee: If applying through a China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), an additional service fee will be charged.
Express Service Fee: Additional fees for expedited processing.
e. Attend an Interview (If required)
Some applicants might be asked to attend an interview or provide additional documentation. This depends on the visa type and individual circumstances.
f. Collect Your Visa
Processing Time: Typically takes 4-7 business days, but can vary. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
Pick-Up: Collect your passport with the visa from the embassy/consulate or CVASC. Bring the receipt and any identification required.
Tips For Successful Application
Double-Check Documents: Ensure all documents are complete and accurate. Applications with false information or lack of information are highly likely to be rejected.
Early Application: Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Local Requirements: Verify any additional local requirements or procedures with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Chinese Visa Free Countries (Updated to 20240702)
Citizens from below countries don't need to apply for Chinese visa and can enter China.
30-Days Visa Free Country: Thailand, Singapore
15-Days Visa Free Country: Austria, Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand
3 Visa-Free Transit Policy
Starting November 17, 2023, China's 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy covers 54 countries. Currently, 3 cities, including Changsha, Harbin, and Guilin, offer 72-hour visa-free transit, while 20 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, offer 144-hour visa-free transit. Citizens of 54 countries can transit through these cities with valid travel documents and onward tickets, staying for 72 or 144 hours without a visa.
54 Countries Eligible for 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Conditions to Apply for 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Must hold a valid international travel document proving nationality and identity (with a validity period of no less than 6 months) and meet the entry requirements of the third country or region they are traveling to.
Must have a confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date and seat for a flight to a third country or region within 72/144 hours, or related proof, and must fill out the temporary entry card for foreigners.
Foreigners who meet the above conditions can apply to the border inspection authorities at the ports of entry in the cities implementing the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy. Check the cities which are implementing this policy in China.
Other ineligible conditions for 72/144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy:
Passport or travel document is valid less than 3 months
Previously denied a Chinese Visa
Have a record of illegal entry, stay, or employment in China in the past 5 years.
Apply for a Visa-free Transit
STEP 1 Prepare Documents
Before your journey, make sure you have:
1.Valid Passport
2.Entry/Exit Card: Available at Chinese customs
4.Confirmed Ticket for Departure: Must leave China within 144 hours. Print your flight confirmation.
STEP 2 At your Departure City
China’s visa-free policy isn’t always well communicated. To avoid issues:
1.Print Policy Information to show airline staff.
2.Explain to Airline with all necessary documents.
STEP 3 Arrive in China
Upon arrival, follow these steps:
1.Customs Area: Look for the line for 72-hour or 144-hour transit visas.
2.Approval: Approval typically takes 5-10 minutes. You’ll receive a “Temporary Entry Permit” in your passport.
Important Rules & Restrictions
Different Entry and Exit Countries: You must enter and leave China from different countries/regions (e.g., U.S. to China to another country).
Layovers Count: Both the final destination and any layovers must follow the rule above.
Direct International Flights Only: Both your arrival and departure flights must be international and cannot include internal Chinese layovers.
Restricted Movement Regions: You must stay within the specified region (e.g., Shanghai area). You cannot travel between regions (e.g., from Shanghai to Beijing).
Departure Before Visa Expires: The visa starts at midnight the day after arrival and lasts 72 or 144 hours. You must leave before it expires.
Extenuating Circumstances: If you cannot leave in time due to emergencies, apply for a full visa at the nearest Public Security Bureau Entry-Exit Administration Office to avoid fines.
* Tips for Visa-free Transit: Hong kong, Macau and Taiwan count as 'different country/region'. Therefore you can book flight to above three regions as your departure flight.
The cities implementing the visa-free transit policy in China
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