China Visa
If you’re not a Chinese citizen, chances are you’ll need a visa to enter China. However, there are exceptions for citizens from certain countries. Here’s a list of countries whose citizens can enter China without a visa for the specified duration:
- Armenia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- San Marino
- Vietnam
- Mauritius
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- Fiji
- France
- Hungary
- Germany
- Grenada
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Mongolia
- the Netherlands
- Qatar
- Serbia
- Suriname
- Seychelles
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Tonga
- United Arab Emirates
- Brunei
- Japan
- Singapore
Other Visa Exemptions
In addition to citizens from the countries listed above, there are a few special cases where a visa is not required:
- Hainan Province Tourist Groups: Visitors from specific countries can enter Hainan without a visa if they’re part of a tourist group organized by an international travel agency registered in Hainan. This is valid for a stay of up to 15 days.
- Certain Tourist Groups: Travelers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, and Turkmenistan can enter China as part of a tour organized by a registered tour company.
- Airport Transit: If you’re transiting through a Chinese airport and staying there for less than 24 hours with a valid connecting ticket, you don’t need a visa.
- Short-Stay Transits: If you’re transiting through Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu within 72 hours, no visa is required.
- Hong Kong/Macau Tours: Visitors in Hong Kong or Macau can join a tourist group organized by a local agency for a trip to the Pearl River Delta region for no more than 6 days.
- Other Special Circumstances: This includes holders of APEC business travel cards, Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Card, or a Residence Permit for Foreigners issued by the Ministry of Public Security.
Note on Hong Kong
Hong Kong has its own entry regulations as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), so if you plan to visit Hong Kong, you’ll need to apply for a Hong Kong visa separately.
Types of China Visas
There are four main categories of Chinese visas:
- Diplomatic Visa
- Courtesy Visa
- Service Visa
- Ordinary Visa (the most common)
Ordinary visas are further divided into several categories, depending on the purpose of your visit:
- F Visa: For those invited to China for exchanges, visits, study, or other activities.
- M Visa: For business and trade activities.
- L Visa: For tourism.
- Group Visa: For tourist groups of at least five members.
- Q Visa: For family visits and long-term reunions. The Q1 subclass is for stays over 180 days, while the Q2 subclass is for stays up to 180 days.
- S1 Visa: For long-term visits to relatives who are foreigners working or studying in China, or for other private reasons exceeding 180 days.
- S2 Visa: For short-term visits to relatives who are foreigners working or studying in China, up to 180 days.
- Z Visa: For those taking up employment or commercial performances.
- G Visa: For transits through China.
- C Visa: For foreign crew members of aircraft, trains, ships, and others involved in cross-border transportation.
- X Visa: For students. The X1 subclass is for studies longer than 180 days, and the X2 subclass is for studies up to 180 days.
- R Visa: For high-level talents or those with skills urgently needed by China.
- J1 Visa: For resident journalists or media staff staying longer than 180 days.
- J2 Visa: For journalists or media staff on temporary assignments up to 180 days.
- D Visa: For those planning to reside permanently in China.
How to Get a China Visa
To apply for a China visa, you should follow these steps:
- Choose Your Visa Type: Determine which type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel.
- Book an Appointment with the Chinese Embassy/Consulate: Find the nearest embassy or consulate and make an appointment. It’s best to schedule it a few weeks in advance, as some embassies may be in neighboring countries.
- Complete the Application Form: You can find the application form online. Complete it accurately, print it single-sided, and sign it in blue or black ink.
- Gather Required Documents: The documents needed depend on the type of visa, but typically include a valid passport, a completed application form, a passport photo, and proof of accommodation and travel plans.
- Attend the Visa Appointment: At your appointment, submit the application form and other required documents. You may also need to provide biometric information. Children under 14 and adults over 70 usually do not need to provide biometric information.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee varies depending on the type of visa, the number of entries, and your nationality.
- Wait for a Decision: The typical processing time is about 4 working days, but you can opt for express service for faster processing.
- Collect Your Passport and Visa: Once approved, collect your passport with the visa from the embassy or consulate.
China Visa Requirements
To apply for a China visa, you’ll need the following:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity and at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
- A completed and signed visa application form.
- A passport photo (48mm x 33mm, taken against an all-white background).
- Proof of legal stay or residence status (e.g., a driver’s license or government ID).
- Proof of round-trip flight or departing flight.
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, lease, or similar).
- Itinerary plans.
- Certificate of COVID-19 vaccination.
China Visa Costs
Visa fees vary depending on your nationality, visa type, and number of entries. Here’s an example of typical costs:
- Single Entry: ¥284 (approx. $39.49/€39.28)
- Double Entries: ¥430 (approx. $59.88/€59.55)
- Multiple Entries (6 months): ¥568 (approx. $78.99/€78.59)
- Multiple Entries (12 months): ¥850 (approx. $118.48/€117.89)
Processing Time for a China Visa
Typically, a China visa takes about 4 working days to process. If you need it faster, you can request express service, which generally takes 3 working days.
When Should You Apply for a China Visa?
It’s best to apply about a month before your planned travel date. Don’t apply more than 3 months in advance, as the visa might expire before your trip. However, don’t leave it too late, or you may not get your visa in time for your trip.
What If My China Visa Application Gets Rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can appeal and provide more details to update your application. If that doesn’t work, you can reapply, preferably using a visa agency to improve your chances. Keep in mind that visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.