
Do I need a visa to go to China?
Except of Diplomatic Visa, Courtesy Visa, Official Visa, all ordinary passport holders are required to obtain a visa to go to China. Visitors eligible for Visa Exemptions, like 72/144 Hour Visa Free Transit, still need to apply for a China Visa if you want to stay longer than the permitted duration, or visit other cities in China.
What is the China visa policy for international travel?
China Visa policy varies from different nationalities, destinations and particular travel itinerary and ways of visiting. Normally, foreign nationals need a Chinese Visa to enter and travel around China ahead of departure.
What is a China visa?
Indeed, China Visa is an obligatory official permission all foreign travelers normally required to obtained for a China travel.
What happens if you enter China without a tourist visa?
The TAR requires special permits for tourist travel, most often obtained through a Chinese travel agent. If you do enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry.

How long does it take to get a visa for China?
It normally takes 4 working days for processing a China travel visa. For express service, an additional fee of USD 20 will be charged for two or three working day service. For rush service, an additional fee of USD30 will be charged for same-day service.
Is an appointment required for Chinese consulate?
An appointment is not mandatory. Applications by mails are not accepted and will be refused at most Chinese embassies or consulates. In countries with CVASCs, applicants may be able to apply by post, or submit applications based on an online appointment via the website of CVASC.
Do you need a visa for a group tour?
If travelling with an organized tour group, you might not have an individual visa in your passport. Instead, the tour group will be issued a group tour visa bearing all the members' names. In such situations supply your details to the travel agency beforehand and you will have no further concerns.
How long does it take to get a visa for China?
A regular China Visa application takes about 4 to 5 working days. It’s suggested to submit application around 1 month in advance before your entry date to China.
How many questions are there about China visa?
64 updated China Visa-related questions are listed to give assistance for your visa application. Get the most valuable answers and advice to make a visa worry-free China tour.
How to get a visa free layover in China?
To get a visa-free layover tour in China, you must hold valid passport of the appointed 53 countries and departing ticket to a third country or region (including HK, Macau, Taiwan), transit through China via certain port in cities or regions.
What is a Z visa in China?
Judge you purpose of visiting, and choose the most appropriate visa category to apply, e.g. China L Visa is for tour, M Visa is for business, Z visa is for work in China.
Can Singaporeans travel to China?
Singaporeans, Bruneians and Japaneses ordinary passport holders may obtain a unilateral visa exemption for tour, business, visiting family or friends in China with 15 days. It’s free to travel to most cities across China then. Fiji, Qatar and all 14 countries benefit mutual visa exemption between China.
Is China a visa free country?
Another good news is, China has carried out many visa-free policies for different situations of nationality, transportation of entry, place will visit, etc. , to closer contact to the world and present diverse charm of China. Among all, the 144-Hour Transit in China Without Visa (TWOV) is most concerned and frequently used. Without pre-arrival application, qualified tourists could get “no-visa” entry and tour through fast procedures by a few documents , which is time, money and energy-saving.
Does China have a transit visa?
Currently, China offers 24-hour, 72-hour and 144-hour transit visa free, totally 3 kinds of special visa services for foreigners transit convenience. Eligible travelers not only get Transit Visa exempted without any charges, but also granted a short-term stopover to explore brilliant and diverse nature, culture and history of China, spice up your world journey.
Who Needs a Chinese Tourist Visa?
The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though a few nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center – their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.
How much does a China tourist visa cost?
Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. Reflecting frosty relations between China and some foreign governments, UK citizens pay £151, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$142, Australian citizens pay A$109 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €126.
How long is a Chinese visa valid for?
Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fine is ¥500 a day, with the possibility of being deported and banned from re-entering China for the next five years. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa extension?
The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.
Can I extend my visa to Tibet?
Because of the complicated permit system, extending your stay in Tibet is impossible, and Xinjiang, Beijing and Shanghai can also be tricky places to extend a standard tourist visa. The Caravanistan website has some useful visa extension reports from travelers. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.
Can I travel to China with a passport?
Holders of passports from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of Brunei, Japan and Singapore get 15 days, citizens of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, and the United Arab Emirates get 30 days, citizens of Mauritius get 60 days, and citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and San Marino get 90 days.
Can I extend my Chinese visa?
Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit China?
The L Visa allows visitors to stay in China for 30 days. It is also possible for citizens from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canadian, and Argentine to apply for a 10-year China tourist visa that allows for multiple entries.
How Do You Get a Visa for China?
If you’re visiting China on holiday, you will most likely need to apply for a Chinese Tourist L Visa. However, if you’re visiting as part of a tour, simply give your details to your travel agency or tour operator and they will handle the application for you. If you are traveling independently, you’ll be responsible for ensuring your own Chinese tourist visa. The process can seem daunting at first, but applying for a China visa doesn’t need to be difficult if you follow our simple guide.
What Documents Do I Need for a China Visa Application?
Before you start your China Tourist Visa application, make sure you have all of the requirements and documents you’ll need. These include;
How Much Does a Visa for China Cost?
For example, a single entry China Tourist Visa for a United States citizen will cost $140 while a multiple entry visa for an Australian passport holder will cost approximately $230.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Chinese Tourist Visa?
Under normal circumstances, it usually takes around four working days for a China tourist visa to be processed. It’s also possible to pay extra for an express service or if you’re very short on time, a rush service. This provides a same-day application and visa for an extra $30.
Do I Need a Chinese Visa for Hong Kong?
As described above, the Chinese L Visa does not allow travel to Hong Kong, and in return, a Hong Kong visa does not mean you can visit China. However, travel to Hong Kong is visa-free for visitors from 160 countries, which means most people will not require a visa for stays between 7-180 days.
How to get a tourist visa for China?
1. Prepare your passport and ensure its validity is no less than six months. 2. Book round-trip tickets and hotels, and print the booking records. Alternatively, book a tour from a travel agency and get the invitation letter. 3.
How long is a Chinese passport valid?
1. Your passport, which should be valid for at least six months. 2. A complete Chinese Tourist Visa Application Form attached with your passport style photo. 3. Round-trip tickets and hotel reservations or an invitation letter from from a travel agency in China. 4.
How long does a tourist visa last in China?
Tourist Visa. Tourism in China requires a visa and is typically a single entry visa with a stay duration of 30 days. US citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple entry visa. The tourism visa requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months and it must have at least two blank pages. You must also have an invitation letter ...
How old do you have to be to travel to China?
Applicants Under the Age of 18. All minors under the age of 18 traveling to China must: Provide a copy of their birth certificate. Provide a copy of both parents' driver's licenses or state IDs (if the minor does not have a state ID) Provide a copy of both parents' passports.
How long is a 10 year visa valid in China?
Applicants will be eligible for a 10-year visa provided that the traveler has at least one year of remaining validity on their U.S. Passport. If you have less than one year you will be granted a six-month visa to China.
How to contact China visa service center?
If your passport does not meet these requirements, please contact China Visa Service Center at 1-800-799-6560 for further details.
How many blank pages are required for a visa stamp?
Contain at least two consecutive blank visa pages for the visa stamp (excluding endorsements pages)
How many years of international travel do you need to have a document?
You must provide a statement detailing your last five years of international travel. This document must have an original signature. Click the following link to download the document: Travel Record Form
What documents are needed to get a copy of my driver's license?
You must provide a proof of your current address of residency. These documents must include both a copy of the front of your driver's license or government ID and your most recent utility bill . The documents must:
What provinces are in the consular district of China?
This consular district includes: the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning.
What are the criminal laws of China?
Certain provisions of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China – such as “social order” crimes (Article 293) and crimes involving “endangering state security” and “state secrets” (Article 102 to 113) – are ill-defined and can be interpreted by the authorities arbitrarily and situationally.
How to get a visa extension?
Apply for a visa extension from your local Entry/Exit Bureau before attempting to leave the country. Do not expect your request to be expedited, so apply ahead of time.
How long is a multiple entry visa?
Apply for a ten-year multiple entry visa, useful for repeated travel, or trips to Hong Kong or Macau with returns to China.
Is China safe to visit?
For most visitors, China remains a very safe country. Petty street crime is the most common safety concern for U.S. citizens. Training, capability, and responsiveness of Chinese authorities varies by region and even city. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General have no law enforcement authority and may not represent U.S. citizens in either criminal or civil legal matters. To ensure your safety and security in China, you should:
Can you travel to China with prescriptions?
Medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to ensure the medication is legal in China. Carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with the prescription. Many commonly-used U.S. drugs and medications are not available in China, and counterfeit, low-quality knockoffs are prevalent. If you try to have medications sent to you from outside China, you may have problems getting them released by Chinese Customs and/or you may have to pay high customs duties.
Is driving dangerous in China?
Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic safety is generally poor and driving can be dangerous, though rules, regulations, and conditions vary greatly throughout China.
How to apply for a visa for China?
If you are eligible to China Online Visa Application system (visit www.visaforchina.org and https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to check first), you’re required to fill in the electronic form on the official website , type all answers step by step. Save and submit the form online. Print it out, sign and subscribe date in the completed paper form.
Where can I go on a visa free tour of China?
If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.
What are the different types of Chinese visas?
Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>
How long is a Chinese passport valid?
Please note that, if you will apply for a long-term multiple entries Chinese Visa, like 10-Year China Tourist/Business Visa, the passport should be valid at least for 1 year. Other requirements remain the same as those short-term visa types.
How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?
The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry. How Long to Get a Chinese Visa >>
What is a letter of invitation for Chinese visa?
When applying for most Chinese Visas, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) is required to show the rationality of the upcoming visit. It is a crucial supporting documents applicant should submit with other materials to increase chance of success.
How to apply for a visa for China?
How to Apply for a Visa. Step 1: Embassy. Step 2: Application. Step 3: Submission. Use the navigation links above to jump to a specific section, or continue to scroll to read more about getting a China visa for US citizens.
How long does it take to get a visa for China?
According to the Chinese embassy website, normal visa processing time should be 4 business days, but Covid has made things a bit less “normal”. In my experience, it’s always been closer to 5-7 business days.
How long does a passport last in China?
U.S. Passport: The passport must have 6 months of validity, measured from the date at which you are scheduled to land in China. It also needs to have at least two (2) blank pages in the passport – one for the visa and one for the customs stamps.
What is a M visa in China?
China M Visa (Business): For those doing business, you will need to present the invitation letter issued by your Chinese trade partner or fair organizer on the Chinese side.
How long does it take to get a Chinese passport?
This means that you will have to personally submit your application to the appropriate Chinese embassy and then wait for 2-7 days to pick it up from the embassy.
What test is required for dual negatives in China?
Dual Negative Tests: Any person entering China at this point will require proof of dual negative results for COVID-19 (nucleic acid test and serological test).
Does the Chinese embassy accept cash?
The Chinese embassy does not accept cash or personal checks. **Note**: This cost is accurate as of December 2020. While visa application fees don’t change often, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Check with your nearest Chinese consulate in the United States to find out the most current visa fees.
