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China Transit Visa (G)

Chinese transit visa, aka the G visa, is issued to those who intend to transit through mainland China for a short time to a destination country. The validity is usually three months with the allowed maximum duration of each stay ranging from 7 to 10 days. The fee appears to be the same as for a tourist L visa, so check whether you might as well get a tourist visa instead for longer stay duration.
 

Do I need a transit visa? - See China's Visa-Free Transit Scheme

Foreigners do not need the transit visa for China if covered by the following visa-free transit policy and they are allowed to leave the transit port to take some sightseeing tours.
 

For foreigners who have booked seats on international airlines, ships or trains transiting through China to a third country, if the stay is less than 24 hours, they can enjoy the 24-hour visa-free transit. In case they want to leave the specified transit zone, they can ask for a temporary stay permit at the immigration counter. The 24-hour direct transit facility benefits almost all countries and is available in most China ports.
 

Passport holders of 53 countries and regions can be granted a visa-free stay of up to 72 hours while transiting via Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, Xi'an, Guilin, Kunming, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Tianjin, Qingdao, Nanjing, Changsha, and Xiamen.
 

Passengers of the same 53 countries can stay for up to 144 hours when transiting in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Liaoning.

For passengers don't meet any of the above requirements, here provides necessary information for Chinese transit G visa application.
 

China Transit Visa Requirements & Documents

1. A passport valid for at least six months and having at least one blank page and a copy of the passport's info page.
2. One accurately and truthfully completed China Visa Application Form.
3. One color passport standard photo (33 x 48mm) attached on the application form.
4. A valid visa or residence permit to the destination country if required.
5. An air / train / ship ticket to the destination country with confirmed departure date and seat.
 

How to Apply for China Transit Visa

1. You can personally submit the application to the consular office of the Chinese Embassies, Consulates, China Visa Application Centers (CVASC), and other Chinese diplomatic missions which hold consular jurisdiction over your residence.  
2. Mostly, an appointment is needed before lodging the submission.
3. Mailed applications are not accepted by most overseas Chinese embassies, consulates and CVASCs.
 

Processing Time

1. The regular processing time is 4 working days.
2. Express Service: 2-3 working days processing; extra US$ 20 will be charged.
3. Rush Service: 1 working day processing; extra US$ 30 will be charged.
 

Chinese Transit Visa Cost

The fees are subject to your nationality and the number of entries. Generally speaking, only single-entry and double-entry transit visa are issued. Please see the below fee table about applying for a transit visa for reference.

China Transit Visa Types US Citizens Canadian Citizens UK Citizens Australian Citizens
Single Entry USD 185 CAD 142 GBP 151 AUD 109.5
Double Entries USD 185 CAD 142 GBP 151 AUD 139.5

* For more details, please click China Visa Fees.
 

Recommended Layover Tours

 

Further Reading:

8 Tips for Filling Out Chinese Visa Application Form

- Last updated on Sep. 03, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on China Transit Visa
Asked by Thomas from USA | Sep. 27, 2023 05:58Reply
Xiamen transit visa for USA and Paraguay Passport
Hi! We want to take a round trip with a 4-hour layover in Xiamen, with the itinerary as follow:

Taipei-Xiamen-Macao / Macao-Xiamen-Taipei.

Do we need to apply for a transit visa? Or are we available for the 24-hour transit without a visa?
Asked by Tiffany from USA | Sep. 08, 2023 22:21Reply
Transit VISA in Xiamen for US Passport
Hi, I am traveling a round trip from Malasia to Japan and both ways have transit at Xiamen airport for 12 hrs and 21 hr.Do I need transit visa?
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by John | Sep. 11, 2023 02:19
00Reply


You don't need a visa. Both the itineraries are eligible for visa-free transit.
Asked by Thananant from THAILAND | Aug. 31, 2023 12:55Reply
Transit T Xiamen
I come from Thailand I am traveling from Amsterdram to Thailand and transit at Xiamen for 21 hr.Do I need transit visa
Answers (3)
Answered by Gina | Aug. 31, 2023 22:56
00Reply


Yes, you need to apply for a transit visa in advance.
Answered by Thananant | Sep. 01, 2023 23:02
00Reply


I cannot get 24 hr transit visa at xiamen right?
Answered by Emma | Sep. 03, 2023 19:13
00Reply


According to past feedback, I'm afraid no and you need to obtain a visa in advance. You can also confirm it with Customs in Xiamen Airport.
Asked by TM from THAILAND | Aug. 26, 2023 20:00Reply
Im a Thai passport holder
Im a Thai passport holder Im going to travel from Bangkok to Frankfurt and have to transit at Beijing for 9 hours. On the way back from Budapest to Bangkok, I have to do a transit at Beijing for 15 hours. Do I need to have a visa. And what if I want to leave the airport for the sightseeing while waiting for the flight, am I able to do that if I don’t have a visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Edward | Aug. 27, 2023 23:37
00Reply


Both the itineraries are eligible for 24-hour visa free transit, so no visas are needed. If you want to leave the air side, just apply for a temporary stay permit at the airport.
Asked by Rosalie | Aug. 26, 2023 19:18Reply
Transit visa
I am a New Zealand citizen. I am travelling to Turkey via the Turkish Airline but will need to self-transfer in Guangzhou from my Melbourne to Guangzhou flight (through China Southern Airline).
From Guangzhou I need to pick up my bag and check back in for my next flight going to Turkey.
Appreciate if you can help me with below questions:
- Do I need to pass the border security control to check in for my next flight or can I just check-in through the international transfer desk?
- Do I need a transit visa? The layover is 5 hours
Thanks in advance.
Answers (2)
Answered by Elinor | Aug. 27, 2023 23:15
00Reply


1. You may just need to check-in through the international transfer desk.
2. You are eligible for 24-hour visa free transit, so no visa is needed.
Answered by Rosalie | Aug. 28, 2023 11:40
00Reply


Awesome! Thank you!
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