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Since November 17, 2024, citizens of many countries do not need to apply for a visa if their stay in China is less than 10 days. If the stay is longer than 10 days, a visa is required.
However, a Chinese visa is an important requirement for traveling to China, and the application process is complicated.
This blog will provide detailed and simple information that will help you to get your China visa application done easily.
What countries are visa-free in China
For citizens of visa-free countries, starting from December 17, 2024, if you travel to China for not more than 240 hours (10 days), you can not apply for a visa. Below are the countries that are visa-free in China. Check if your country is one of them.
Asian countries (6): Singapore, Japan, Korea, UAE, Qatar, Brunei
Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand
Americas (6): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
European countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
If your country is not among the 54 visa-free countries listed above, or if you want to have a longer stay（more than 10 days） traveling in China. Keep scrolling down to find out how to apply for a China visa.
What is the process of applying for a Chinese visa?
|
Step |
Description |
|
Determine Visa Type |
Choose the appropriate visa type based on your purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, work, etc.). |
|
Fill Out the Application Form Online |
Log in to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website， complete and submit the visa application form, print it out, and sign it. |
|
Schedule an Appointment |
Book an appointment on the visa center website to submit the required documents. |
|
Submit Documents |
Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center at the scheduled time to submit documents and pay the visa fee. |
|
Wait for Processing |
The standard processing time is usually 4-5 working days, while expedited services can shorten it to 2-3 working days. |
|
Collect the Visa |
Once approved, collect your passport and visa with the receipt. |
Types of Chinese visa
First of all, you need to choose the right type of visa according to the purpose of your visit. The information in the table below shows the most common types of visas for traveling to China.
|
Visa type |
Validity |
Maximum stay |
Requirement documents |
|
travel visa （L） |
180 days |
30 days |
Completed visa application form and photo, valid passport, |
|
business visa（M） |
3, 6, or 12 months |
90 days |
Completed visa application form and photo, valid passport, |
|
student visa（X） |
180 days |
30 days |
valid passport, Completed visa application form and photo, Chinese School Notification |
|
work visa（Z） |
90 days |
90 days |
valid passport, Completed visa application form, and photo |
Tips👇
Visa fees vary by nationality, visa type, and processing time, and they usually range from $30 to $150. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
Documents required to get a Chinese visa
Once you have determined your visa type, you can start working on the required application documents.
Basic common list of documents:
- Passport: valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank visa pages.
- The visa application form is fully completed and signed.
- Photo: recent color photo with white background, size usually 48mm x 33mm.
- Invitation letter (if applicable): provided by the inviting party in China, which should contain the information of the inviter, the information of the invitee, the purpose of the visit, and the itinerary.
- Round-trip air ticket reservation or itinerary (required for some visa types).
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking form or Proof of accommodation from the inviting party.
Additional documents for different visa types
|
Visa type |
Other documents request |
|
travel visa （L） |
Detailed travel plan. Hotel reservation or invitation letter (e.g. family visit) |
|
business visa（M） |
Invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization. Documents related to business activities. |
|
student visa（X） |
Letter of admission. JW201 or JW202 form (provided by the school). |
|
work visa（Z） |
Notification of foreigner's work permit to China. A copy of the business license of the Chinese employer. |
It is recommended that you check the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad in advance to learn the specific requirements.
Where and how to get a China visa？
I recommend applying for a Chinese visa in advance so as to ensure the security of your information; the following are the two ways I recommend applying for a Chinese visa:
- Fill out the China Online Visa Application (COVA) on the official website of the China Visa Application.
- Go to your local China Visa Center and submit your visa application.
Submission of Application and Payment of Fee
1. Method of Submission
- In-person: Submit your application to the Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Center.
- By mail: Some embassies, consulates, or visa centers accept applications by mail, which need to be confirmed in advance.
- Online application: Some countries support online application form filling and reservation of submission time.
2. Payment Methods
- Fees: Fees vary according to the type of visa, duration of stay， and nationality. You can check the official website of the embassy or consulate for specific fees.
- Payment Methods: Cash, credit card, or bank transfer are usually accepted, and some visa centers may support online payment.
3. Appointment and Notes
- Appointment: Some embassies and consulates or visa centers require an appointment in advance, which can be made through the official website or by phone.
- Organization of documents: Organize the documents in order to avoid omission.
- Biological information collection: Some applicants may need to collect fingerprints and photos on-site.
Checking the progress of the application and receiving the visa
1. Check the progress of the application
- Online inquiry: Input the application number and passport number through the official website of the Visa Center or the inquiry system provided by the Embassy or Consulate.
- Telephone inquiry: Call the Embassy or Consulate or the Visa Center customer service number.
2. Collection of Visa
- Collection time: Usually 4-5 working days, expedited service can be shortened to 2-3 working days.
-
Collection Methods:
i. Collection in person: Go to the Embassy Consulate General or Visa Center with the pick-up slip to collect the visa.
ii. Collection by post: If postal service is selected at the time of application, the visa will be sent by courier
- Verification of information: After collecting the visa, carefully verify the visa information (e.g., name, expiry date, number of entries, etc.) and contact the Embassy or Consulate immediately if there are any errors.
China Visa Application—Frequently Asked Questions（Click below to view China Visa FAQs）
Is it possible to extend a Chinese visa?
Yes, you can extend a Chinese visa if you’re in China. Just need a good reason like illness or an accident, apply at least 7 days before it expires, and bring your passport, visa, application form, and proof. But not all visas can be extended—check local rules.
Can I travel to Hong Kong and Macau with a Chinese visa?
No, the China Visa is only applicable to Mainland China and not applicable to Hong Kong, Macau SAR, and Taiwan. To travel to these areas, you need to apply for a separate Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit and endorsement.
How much does a visa to China cost?
The government fees for obtaining a China visa are usually between $30-$150 for a regular visa. However, please note that there may be additional processing fees so that the actual transaction amount will prevail.
Can I enter China multiple times with a Chinese visa？
Yes, you can enter China multiple times with a multiple-entry Chinese visa. Chinese visas have three types: single entry (expires after one entry), double entry (allows two entries), and multiple entry (allows unlimited entries within the visa's validity). Multiple-entry visas need proper justification and proof.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Ordinary processing Business visa: usually takes 3-5 working days.
Tourist visa: usually takes 4-5 working days.
Other types of visas: such as student visas, work visas, etc., usually take 4-5 working days.
Expedited processing Business visa: Expedited service can be completed within 1-2 working days.
Tourist visa: Expedited service can be completed within 3 working days.
Other types of visas: Expedited service usually takes 3 working days.
Interview or investigation: If an interview or further investigation is required, the processing time may be extended.
processing takes 1-2 working days.
Vietnam: Ordinary processing takes 4 working days, expedited processing takes 3 working days, and special urgent processing takes 2 working days.
UK: Ordinary processing requires the 4th working day to obtain the certificate, and expedited processing requires the 3rd working day to obtain the certificate.
USA: Ordinary application requires 4 working days, and expedited processing requires 3 working days.
It is recommended that you check the specific requirements and processing time of the Chinese embassy or consulate or visa application center in your local area before applying to ensure that your application goes smoothly.
What should I do if my Chinese visa is refused？
Here's what you can do: find out why the visa was refused. For example, the embassy or consulate will usually tell you if you missed submitting certain documents or provided incorrect information. Fix and resubmit. Supplement or change your documents according to their reasons and then apply again.Appeal if necessary. You can appeal through the embassy's channels if you think the refusal is unfair.
Can I drive a car in China?
No, Only foreigners with a valid Chinese driver's license are allowed to drive a car or rent a car in China.
Tips on Chinese Visa Application
- Apply in advance: It is recommended that you apply for a visa at least 1 month in advance to avoid delaying your trip.
- Check information: Make sure the information on the visa application form and documents is accurate.
- Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months when entering China.
- Visa validity: The visa must be valid when entering China.
- Period of Stay: After entering China, you must leave the country within the period of stay specified in your visa.
- Compliance with laws and regulations: In China, you must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and respect Chinese customs and traditions.
- Safety precautions: Pay attention to personal and property safety, and keep passports, visas, and other important documents in a safe place.
The Chinese eSIM card you may need
So, once you've got your visa, you're all set to kick off your adventure in China! But hey, don't forget, roaming data is like your must-have travel buddy. I bet you'd be into these MicroEsim products, which are super handy for staying connected on the go!
