China Visa

China Visa

  China offers at most 15-day visa-free entry to travelers holding ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024.

China Visa Types

  • Tourist (L) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for tourism.
  • Business (M) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for business and trade activities.
  • Student (X) Issued to aliens who are going for study, furthering studies.
  • Work (Z) Issued to aliens who are going for a post or employment.
  • Transit (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of PRC.
  • Private Visit (S) Issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc.
  • Family Reunion (Q) Issued to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permit residing in PRC.
  • Noncommercial Visit (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, study tours, etc.
  • Talent (R) Issued to high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people.
  • Crew (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.
  • Resident (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in PRC.
  • Journalist (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from PRC.

 

Do you need a visa to travel to China?

If holding an ordinary passport, you need to apply for a visa for China unless you are covered by China’s visa exemption policy, such as the 24/72/144 hours visa free transit schemes, Hainan 30-day visa-free access, visa exemption for tour groups meeting certain requirements, and visa-free entry for holders of APEC Business Travel Card. It’s worth mention that nationals of countries which have reached mutual visa-exemption agreements with China, like Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Qatar and Armenia, can also enjoy free entry to China. Those who hold a Chinese Temporary Residence Permit don’t need a visa for China either within the Residence Permit’s validity.
 

How to apply a visa for China

 Step 1: Fill in China visa application form online, print it out and sign it. Remember to choose the Chinese embassy or consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Centers (CVASC) in charge of your residence district. 

 Step 2: Collect other required documents.

 Step 3: Make an appoinment online for visa application submission with Chinese embassy or consulate, or CVASC in charge of your residence district.

 Step 4: Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate or CVASC at the appinted time, submit your application and pay the fee. You will then be given a pick-up slip. The visa fee in some countries are paid when collecting the visa. 

 Step 5: Collect your passport and visa on the date shown on the pick-up slip. If you use mail service, just wait for your mail.
 

China Embassies

Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, USA
Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada
Chinese Embassy in London, UK
Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia
Chinese Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand
 More Chinese Embassies and Consulates
- Last updated on Nov. 22, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on China Visa
Asked by Park from USA | Dec. 04, 2023 14:49Reply
Itinerary
U.S. passport holder living in Hong Kong.
Would like to visit Shenzhen for a day. Or maybe another day trip for another time.
Question: best to apply a single visa x 2 times or multiple?
Question: Is it necessary to write a hotel if only day trip? or is it acceptable to write shopping eating cultural visits ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Dec. 04, 2023 19:09
00Reply


If applying in advance, it is better to apply for a multiple-entry visa. If only one day, the hotel is not necessary.

However, you can also apply for a 5-day Shenzhen visa-on-arrival at Shekou, Huanggang, and Luohu Ports, which is more convenient.
Asked by JO from UNITED KINGDOM | Dec. 01, 2023 03:55Reply
apply for a visa during hong kong visit
born in china but i am a UK residence with a british passport l live in uk for 37 year. I wants to visit china during my visit to hong kong- can i apply for a L visa in hong kong
Answers (1)
Answered by James | Dec. 03, 2023 23:06
00Reply


Generally, there is no problem for you to apply for L visa in HK.
Asked by Chisa from INDONESIA | Nov. 22, 2023 21:19Reply
Traveling with my sister
Hello. I'm planning on going to China to visit my company's stakeholder (for training purpose), and will be staying there for at least 2 weeks. I suppose I will need an invitation letter from the stakeholder, is that correct? Also I'm planning on bringing my sister along as well. What type of Visa should we apply for? Thank you in advance
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew | Nov. 24, 2023 00:06
00Reply


You can apply for M visa (Business Visa) and your sister may apply for a tourist visa (L visa).
Asked by Thein from SA | Nov. 21, 2023 08:35Reply
5 hours Transit in Guangzhou airport
Hi

I am St.kitts citizen. i am going from bali to South Korea using China Southern Airline. My transit in Guangzhou airport. Time for transit is 5 hour. i dun plan to go out from the airport. Do i need transit visa?

Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Nov. 22, 2023 00:50
00Reply


You are eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit so no visa is needed. However, since your layover time is too short, you may not be allowed to get out of the airport.
Asked by Zila from MALAYSIA | Nov. 16, 2023 15:50Reply
Do I need a transit visa in Xiamen to go to Osaka Japan from KL via Xiamen Air?
I am Malaysian. I am travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka Japan via Xiamen Air with my family. Do I need to apply for a transit visa in Xiamen? There will be 2 hours 10min layover before our next connecting flight to Osaka. Departure flight from KL-XMN and connecting flight from XMN-Osaka are with the same airline but different flight number. If visa is required, what type of visa do I need to apply?

Appreciate your reply. Tq
Answers (1)
Answered by Helen | Nov. 17, 2023 00:32
00Reply


Generally, you don't need any visa if you just transit via Xiamen Airlines and stop less than 24 hours. However, it is also suggested to confirm with your air company in advance.
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