China Visa

 

China grants more and more European and Oceanian countries 30-day visa-free entry like France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Also, nationals of countries which have reached mutual visa-exemption agreements with China, like Singapore, Brunei, Qatar, Maldives, 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.
 

 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: Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate-general or hte CVASC which all provide walk-in service, 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 4: Collect your passport and visa on the date shown on the pick-up slip. If you use mail service, just wait for your mail.
 

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 Since November 20, 2025, international travelers may fill in the e-arrival card online before traveling to China through the official site of National Immigration Administration, “NIA 12367” APP and its WeChat / Alipay mini program, or by scanning the QR code at entry ports. Paper arrival cards are also prepared by ports.
  When to fill in the card? 
 At any time before you depart. You are advised to do it on the day of flying. After filling it out, an entry QR code will be generated. Be sure to download to local, send to email or take a screenshot to save it! 

 Where to fill it out? 
 The following official channels: 
1. The official website of the National Immigration Administration of China; 
2. NIA 12367 APP;
3. WeChat /Alipay mini-programs, search for National Immigration Administration 12367;
4. Scan the QR code at entry ports.

  Do use the official sites. Any other third-party website is completely ineffective.

 At which stages will airlines conduct inspections of the QR code? 
 Check-in counters. And the on-board announcement will also remind you. 

 Will you be refused boarding if you don’t fill it out in advance? 
 No, but you may be required to fill it out on the spot. 

 Can it be filled in repeatedly? 
 Yes. If there are any changes, it can be resubmitted and the latest information will be generated. 

 Do I need a new electronic arrival card every time I enter China?
 Yes, one entry with one arrival card.

 Do children also need an arrival card?
 Yes, every traveler has his or her own arrival card. You can add accompanying person and his or her basic information while filling in the e-arrival card. 

 What should I do if the mini-program doesn't work? 
 It is recommended to try on the NIA 12367 APP or the official website, or seek assistance from the immigration staff who will help you with the whole process. The system works well for foreigners so far. Self-service kiosks for online card filling are available at most ports. There is also the video course on the filling.
 1. Book the flight ticket, confirm your basic itinerary, and apply for a China visa if needed;
2. Fill in the e-arrival card to obtain the QR code and take a screenshot to save it;
3. Show the QR code at the check-in counter and board the flight;
4. Land in China and directly go for border inspection;
5. Leave the airport.
 International passengers who only make a transit no longer than 24 hours without leaving the port;
Foreigners who enter by cruise and return on the same cruise ship;
Group visa holders or travelers eligible for visa-free group entry like the 15-day visa-free entry for cruise tour groups;
Holders of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of China;
Holders of Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents;
Foreign crew members.

  If you return within a year, your basic information will be saved for faster inspection process next time.