CHINA VISA
By xiaoyue \Update June 6.2025
Hi friends! Welcome to China!
It’s an ancient country with a 5,000-year history of civilization and the world’s fastest-growing economy in recent decades, and you can see it change every day. You’ll love it and make the trip worthwhile.
Before you set off, you must want to know how to apply for a visa to China? How to handle it?
First of all, I want to tell you that it is very convenient to travel or go on a business trip to China now, because China implements “visa-free” treatment for many countries, including “transit visa-free”, “unilateral visa-free” and “mutual visa-free”, and tourists from a total of 117 countries around the world can enjoy various “visa-free” policies.
Even if you can’t enter the country without a visa, don’t worry too much, because it is very easy to apply for a Chinese visa such as a tourist visa, and if you are interested, you can see the introduction at the end of the article.
How to enter China "visa-free".
At present, there are three types of “visa-free” entry into China, which are “240-hour transit visa exemption”, “unilateral visa exemption” and “mutual visa exemption” for people holding passports from different countries.
1、240-hour transit visa-free
This is currently one of the most widely available and convenient ways to travel to China.
Holders of ordinary passports from 54 countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, who transit from China to a third country (or region), can come to China visa-free from any of the 60 ports open to the outside world in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay in the designated area for no more than 240 hours.
It should be noted that the “third country (or region)” includes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, which will bring great convenience to your trip to China.
>> Applicable Countries:
Asian (6 countries):
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
Schengen Agreement countries (25 countries):
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
Other European countries (15 countries):
Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Monaco.
Americas (6 countries):
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
Oceania(2 countries):
Australia, New Zealand.
>> Applicable:
ports60 ports in 24 provinces and cities in China can be used as entry and exit ports, of which the core hubs are:
Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing Daxing Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an Airport
>> Length of stay:
Up to 240 hours, i.e. 10 days
>>Stay area：
The 24 provinces and cities where the ports of entry are located are all permitted to stay, and most of the provinces and cities are open to the whole territory, but some provinces are only open to designated areas, such as Shanxi Province, Jiangxi Province and Guangxi Province; At the same time, it is possible to travel across provinces within the permitted stay range of 24 provinces and cities
(Attached: List of Ports of Entry and Stay Areas).
>> Eligibility
- Flight and visa requirements:
You must have a connecting ticket (or supporting documents) and a valid visa (if required) to a third country or region
- Passport:
A passport or other valid international travel document must be valid for at least 3 months and have no record of illegal presence.
- Eligible transit routes:
A valid transit route must follow the following format: Country A (or region) → China → Country (or region) C.
1、Countries A and C must be different. Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan can be used as A or C.
2、For example,
“U.S. → Beijing → Hong Kong” is an eligible route.
“The United States→ Beijing→ Shanghai→ South Korea” is a valid itinerary.
- Air travel only:
This policy only applies to passengers entering by air
>> How to apply:
- Fill out the “Temporary EntryAlien Arrival Card”.
- Submit a valid passport, a connecting ticket to a third country or relevant certificates, and a migration card at the border control counter at the port of entry
- A temporary entry permit is issued after review
- Collect your baggage and go through customs
>> Important
1、Calculation of visa-free time:
Starting time: The starting time of visa-free 240-hour entry is calculated from 0:00 a.m. the next day, and the day of entry is not counted as the time of stay.
Time limit for departure: before 24 o’clock on the day of expiration.
For example, if a passenger enters the country from Beijing Capital Airport at 15:00 on August 20, 2025, the stay period will be calculated from 0:00 on August 21 to leave before 24:00 on August 30.
2、Temporary residence is acceptable: If the application is approved, the temporary residence permit will be stamped on the passport. If you already have a valid Chinese visa, please inform the staff to use the visa-free option.
3、Local Police Registration: Visitors staying longer than 24 hours must register with the local police. The hotel usually does this on your behalf, but visitors staying with friends or family will have to go to the police station in person.
4、Extension: If you are unable to leave the country within the stipulated time due to unforeseen circumstances (such as flight cancellations), you must go to the Public Security Bureau to apply for a visa, otherwise you may face fines or restrictions on entry
5、Transit visa exemption applies:
Travel, business, visits, family visits, etc., but for activities that require prior approval such as work, study, and news gathering, you still need to obtain a visa in advance.
Appendix: Ports of entry and areas of stay applicable to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy
| Province | Entry Ports | Permissible Area of Stay |
| Beijing | Beijing Capital International Airport /Beijing Daxing International Airport | the whole province |
| Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport / Tianjin Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport / Qinhuangdao Sea Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Liaoning | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport/Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport port \ Dalian Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Port \Shanghai Pudong International Airport port \Shanghai Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport \Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport port \Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport port \Lianyungang Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport port \Ningbo Lishe International Airport Port \Wenzhou Longwan International Airport port \Jinhua Yiwu International Airport port \Wenzhou Port (Passenger Transport)\Zhoushan Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Anhui | Hefei Xinqiao International Airport port \Huangshan Tunxi International Airport port | the whole province |
| Fujian | Fuzhou Changle International Airport port \Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Port \Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport port \Nanping Wuyishan International Airport port \Xiamen Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Shandong | Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport port \Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport port \Yantai Penglai International Airport port \Weihai Dashuibo International Airport port \Qingdao Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport port | the whole province |
| Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport port | the whole province |
| Hunan | Changsha Huanghua International Airport\Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport | the whole province |
| Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport \Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport\Jieyang Chaoshan International Airpor \Nansha Port (Passenger Transport) \Shekou Port (Passenger Transport) | the whole province |
| Hainan | Haikou Meilan International Airport\Sanya Phoenix International Airport | the whole province |
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | the whole province |
| Guizhou | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport | the whole province |
| Shaanxi | Taiyuan Wusu International Airport port | the whole province |
| Heilongjiang | Harbin Taiping International Airport | the whole province |
| Jiangxi | Nanchang Changbei International Airport | Nanchang , Jingdezhen |
| Guangxi | Nanning Wuxu International Airport port\Guilin Liangjiang International Airport\Beihai Fucheng International Airport\Beihai Sea Port (Passenger Transport) | Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangcheng Hong Kong, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi |
| Sichuan | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport\Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan, Ziyang |
| Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport \Lijiang Sanyi International Airport \Mohan Railway Port | Kunming, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Honghe, Wenshan, Pu’er, Xishuangbanna, Dali, Lijiang |
2、Unilateral visa-free entry with ordinary passports
For passengers holding ordinary passports from 38 countries, including France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, they can enter the country unilaterally without a visa, and the visa-free entry stay shall not exceed 30 days.
>> Applicable Countries:
Asia (8 countries):
Brunei, South Korea, Japan、Malaysia，Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
Europe (32 countries):
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia
Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand
America (5 countries):
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
>> Applicable ports
All ports of entry and exit
>> Length of stay:
Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea can stay for 15 days on a single entry, and 30 days for other countries, with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days for every 180 days
>>Stay area：
All of Chinese mainland (except for special areas such as Tibet).
>> How to apply:
Directly enter the country with a valid passport, no need to apply in advance, and the passport is valid for at least 6 months
It is recommended to prepare return tickets, hotel orders, invitation letters, etc., which may be randomly checked by the border control authorities.
3、Ordinary passports are visa-free to enter the country
Passengers holding ordinary passports from 25 countries, including Thailand, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, will be granted visa-free entry treatment, and the visa-free entry stay will not exceed 30 days.
>> Applicable Countries:
Asia (9 countries).
Thailand, Singapore,Maldives, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Armenia,Georgia,Uzbekistan
Europe (5 countries).
Albania, Belarus,Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino
Americas (7 countries).
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominica, Ecuador, Suriname, Grenada
Africa (2 countries).
Mauritius, Seychelles
Oceania (4 countries).
Solomon Islands, Tonga, Fiji，Samoa
>> Applicable ports
All ports of entry and exit
>> Length of stay:
Up to 30 days
>>Stay area：
All of Chinese mainland (except for special areas such as Tibet).
>> How to apply:
Directly enter the country with a valid passport, no need to apply in advance
The passport is valid for at least 6 months
How to apply for a Chinese visa?
If for various reasons you are unable to enjoy the “visa-free” entry to China, or if you were planning to stay in China for a longer period of time, then you may need to apply for a Chinese visa in advance, the most common being the tourist (L) visa, which allows you to travel all of China for 90 days. Let’s take a look
>>Applicable Countries
Citizens of all countries that have established formal diplomatic relations with China
>>Applicable ports
All ports of entry and exit
>>Stayable area
All of Chinese mainland (except for special areas such as Tibet).
>>Applicable Countries：
- Passport: The original passport with a blank visa page valid for more than 6 months and a copy of the passport photo data page.
- Visa application form and photo: 1 copy of the Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China and 1 recent color passport photo with a bareheaded light background pasted on the application form.
- Round-trip air ticket orders and hotel reservations, or invitation letters issued by units or individuals in China. The invitation letter must contain the following:
- Personal information of the invitee: name, gender, date of birth, etc.;
- Information on the invitee’s itinerary: arrival and departure dates, travel locations, etc.;
- Information of the inviting organization or inviting individual: the name of the inviting organization or the name of the inviting individual, contact number, address, organization seal, signature of the legal representative or inviting person, etc.
- Proof of legal stay or residence (for visa applicants who are not applying in their country of citizenship): If you are not applying for a visa in your country of citizenship, you will need to provide a valid certificate of legal stay, residence, work, study or a valid visa in your home country, or an original and photocopy of a valid visa.
- Original Chinese passport or original Chinese visa (applicable to those who once had Chinese nationality and later became a foreign national): If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you must provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport photo data page; If you have previously been granted a Chinese visa and apply for a visa with a new foreign passport, you must provide the photo data page of your original foreign passport and a photocopy of the Chinese visa you have obtained (if the name on the new passport is inconsistent with the original passport, you must also provide the relevant official certificate of name change).
>>How to apply:
Option 1: Apply online through the “Chinese Visa Online Application Platform” (COVA).
1、Available in the following countries:
Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Pakistan
Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy,Spanish teeth, Portugal, Netherlands,Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Love Erland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greece, Russia, Ukraine,BelarusPoland, Czech Republic, Slova Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Latvia,Lithuania, Aisha Nia
Americas: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Africa: South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria
2、Application Process:
A、Register an account:
Visit the official website of the online service platform for Chinese visa application；https://cova.mfa.gov.cn
- email address
- Complete the personal information and set up security questions
B、Fill out the application form:
- Click on “New Application”
- Select the place to apply (your country)
- Choose the appropriate visa type (L, M,F, etc.).
- Fill in personal details, travel plans, contacts in China, etc. as required
- Follow the system prompts to upload an electronic copy of the required documents (passport page, photo, etc.)
- Submit the application form and obtain an application identification number
C、Pay the visa fee online:
- Select a payment method (international credit card, Alipay, WeChat, etc.) according to the system prompts
- Complete the payment of the visa fee (fees vary depending on nationality and visa type).
- Obtain an electronic payment voucher
D、Make an appointment to submit biometrics(if required):
- You will be prompted if you need to go to the visa application center in person to submit your biometrics
- If required, select a suitable visa application centre and appointment time
- Print out the appointment confirmation
E、Track the status of your application:
- Check the status of your application at any time through the COVA platform
- If there is a request for supplementary materials, upload them through the system in time
- You will be notified by e-mail when the status of your request changes
F、Obtaining a Visa:
- Once your application is approved, you can choose how you want to pick up your visa on the COVA platform
- Self-pickup: Bring your original passport and application receipt to the visa application center to pick it up
- Post: For an additional postage fee, the visa will be delivered to the designated address by secure courier (this service is only available in some countries).
Method 2: Apply on-site
1、Applicable Countries.
All countries that have formal diplomatic relations with China
2、Application Process
A、Determine the jurisdiction and prepare the materials:
- Check with the Chinese Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your area
- Visit the official website of the respective institution to view and download the latest version of the application form
- Prepare all necessary documents for the visa according to the type of visa, both original and photocopy
B、Appointment Submission Application:
- Make an appointment through the official website of the embassy or consulate or the visa application center
- Some areas may require an appointment by phone or email
- Confirm the appointment time and location and get an appointment confirmation number
C、Submit your application in person:
- Go to the embassy or consulate or visa application center at the appointment time
- Submit complete application materials (passport, photo, application form, supporting documents, etc.)
- To pay the visa fee (payment methods may vary from country to country, such as cash, credit card, bank transfer, etc.) and provide biometric information (usually including fingerprints and digital photos).
- Obtain a voucher for pick-up
D、Application Processing Stage:
- The processing process begins after the application is accepted by the embassy, consulate or visa application center
- The review time is usually 4 working days (standard service)
- Some countries may require a longer period of time (7-15 business days).
- If additional materials are required, the applicant will be notified by reserving the contact information
E、Passport and Visa Collection:
- Collection in person – Collect in person at the location where the application was submitted with the collection voucher and valid identification document
- Authorization to collect on behalfof the applicant – The representative must bring the authorisation letter of the applicant, proof of identity of the applicant and the representative, and proof of collection
- Mailing Service- Select and pay for the postage at the time of application, and passports and visas will be delivered by secure courier (if this service is available).
>>Visa fees
Visa fees are mainly based on the principle of reciprocity, i.e. the fees may be different for applicants from different countries.
1、Basic visa fees for major countries (single entry).
| Nationality/Region | Ordinary visa fees | Expedited Service (2-3 business days) | Express service (1 working day). |
| United States | $140 | +60 USD | +$100 |
| Canada | CAD 100 | +CAD 50 | +$80 CAD |
| United Kingdom | 151 pounds | +£50 | +£90 |
| Eurozone countries | 126 euros | +40 euros | +80 euros |
| Russia | 10000 rubles | +5000 rubles | +8000 rubles |
| Japan | 15,000 yen | +5,000 yen | +10,000 yen |
| Korea | 160,000 won | +60,000 won | +100,000 won |
| Australia | $140 | +AUD50 | +AUD 80 |
| New Zealand | NLAN 140 | +NZ$50 | +NZ$80 |
| Singapore | SGD 85 | +SGD 30 | +SGD 50 |
| India | INR 8000 | +3000 Indian rupees | +5000 Indian rupees |
| Basi | BRL 400 | +BRL 150 | +250 BRL |
| South Africa | R1500 | +500 South African rand | +800 South African Rand |
2、Multiple-entry visa surcharge
6 months multiple entry: 20% surcharge on the basic fee
1 year multiple entry: 50% surcharge of the basic fee
2-year multiple entry: 100% surcharge on the basic fee (only available to citizens of certain countries)
5-year or 10-year multiple entry: Available to U.S. citizens only at the same cost as a single entry
3、Other service fees
Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) processing fee: US$20-35 (varies by region).
4、Postage Fee:
The standards published by the local embassy or consulate or CVSA shall prevail
5、Official channels for inquiries and processing of Chinese visa policies
- Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China – Visa GuideVisa
Policy, Application Process, List of Materials, etc.
https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/ - China Visa Online Application System (COVA)
Fill out and submit visa application form online, support multi-language interface.
https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?locale=en_US&pageId=index&show= (COVA)
- CVASC Global Portal
Chinese embassies (consulates) abroad have authorized the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) to accept non-immigrant visa applications for tourism, business, family visits, etc. with ordinary passports.
https://www.visaforchina.org/ (Chinese Visa Application Service Center).
- The National Immigration Administration – Government Service Platform (English) handles
online appointments for entry and exit documents, progress inquiries and other services.
https://s.nia.gov.cn/mps/main-en.html(National Migration Administration). - Official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – The website of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in English, where you can find comprehensive information such as notices of embassies and consulates, consular services, etc.
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/(Ministry of Foreign Affairs website).
- The National Immigration Administration (NIA) is
responsible for the publication of immigration management policies, visa-free visas and visa-free transit policies.
https://en.nia.gov.cn/(National Migration Administration). - The China Consular Affairs Network (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
provides full coverage of consular protection and services, including visas, authentication, consular reminders, etc.
http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/(Chinese Visa Application Service Center).