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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 54 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 54 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 not 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 140 CAD 137.15 GBP 130 AUD 94.5
Double Entries USD 140 CAD 137.15 GBP 130 AUD 117.5

* 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 Mar. 11, 2024 by Gabby Li -
Questions & Answers on China Transit Visa
Asked by dio from INDONESIA | Mar. 15, 2024 22:31Reply
Transit form Manila-Guangzhou-Singapore and Singapore-Chongqing-Manila
Of course during the transit time waiting for the next plane, I want to get out of the airport area and go to explore the city of Guangzhou and Chongqing for less than 24 hours. and after that return to the airport and continue the flight to another country. Do I have to apply for a visa to get out of the airport area during the transit time?
Asked by Daniya from UK | Mar. 15, 2024 16:58Reply
Pudong airport 11 hour Transit from Japan to UK with correct documents
Hello!
I am looking to book a flight to Tokyo, Japan from the UK. I will be traveling back from Japan and with a 11 hour layover in Pudong Airport. Will I be able to leave the airport under the 24 hour visa? And will the visa cost any money? And also how long does it take to get the visa processed and approved, will it take a few hours?
Many Thanks!
Asked by Paula from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 08, 2024 08:16Reply
Arrive Airport and stay overnight then onward to cruise ship
Can you tell me please, I am a UK citizen that will be flying from UK into Shanghai on April 3rd then staying overnight in a hotel then the next morning boarding a cruise ship. What visa or permit if any do I require.
Answers (1)
Answered by John | Mar. 10, 2024 23:52
00Reply


Is the cruise ship leaving for another country or region? If yes, you don't need any visa, because you are eligible for 24-hour visa free transit. Just show your passport and cruise ticket to get the entry permit stamp upon landing in Shanghai.
Asked by Carol from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 06, 2024 05:22Reply
UK - HK - China - HK - UK
I'm so sorry if this has been asked before but I'm so confused.
I live in the UK, I'm a UK citizen with UK passport travelling to Hong Kong for 2 weeks holiday. I'd like to visit China for a day (not to stay) just visit, shop, eat etc then back to Hong Kong for the rest of my holiday before coming back to UK. Do I need a visa? Or would I qualify for a visit free transit visa? Where do I apply and does it cost? Surly I dont need to pay £151 to visit China for 1 day! Thanks in advance
Answers (3)
Answered by Molly | Mar. 06, 2024 23:16
00Reply


I'm afraid you do need a visa as it is not eligible for any visa-free scheme. You can also apply for a 5-day visa on arrival at Shenzhen Luohu, Huanggang or Shekou Ports. The VOA only allows you to go to Shenzhen and the visa fee costs CNY 834 for UK passport holders.
Answered by Carol Nutt | Mar. 08, 2024 03:39
00Reply


Hi Molly, it’ll be Shenzhen we would be visiting (my cousin is taking us - she’s a HK citizen) so does that change things? Thanks
Answered by Molly | Mar. 10, 2024 18:29
00Reply


Hi Carol, this is still the best way for you to visit Shenzhen.
Asked by Reuben from TAIWAN | Feb. 27, 2024 22:18Reply
Round trip from Kaohsiung to Shanghai
Hi, I am an American currently residing in Taiwan and would like to visit friends in Shanghai for a few days. Can a transit visa work for me?
Answers (1)
Answered by Nathan | Feb. 27, 2024 23:10
00Reply


No, it is not a transit but a return trip. You can apply for a tourist visa in advance.
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