China Visa and China Tourist Visa Questions and Answers
Questions about your China visa?
Looking for useful China tourist visa information without the complicated jargon? Access the details you need from the guide right here and be travel ready for your adventure in China!
Start exploring before you depart
A China visa application can seem a little complicated if you’re unfamiliar with the process. That’s why we aim to provide just about everything a western traveler needs to know about the details and logistics of preparing a China tourist visa application, China visas for Hong Kong, and Tibet Travel Permits.
Every day we’re helping customers just like you make plans for their upcoming travels - and we can help you too. In this section of our Travel Guide, get the information you need to keep your travel preparations on track.
Keep your China tourist visa application simple
Although there are some exceptions to visa requirements for travel in China, most international travelers will find a China tourist visa is necessary, unless they intend limiting in-country travel to a single destination. The other exceptions are where a traveler’s country of origin has a special arrangement in place with China.
Visa-free travel is possible for western travelers - and very popular too. If your air ticket provides for travel to a third country after your time in China, then you can skip the queue on a China visa application.
The latest news in July 2024 confirmed that, from December 1 2023 to December 31 2025, China has decided to implement a unilateral visa-free policy for the ordinary passport holders from 15 countries: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland. Citizens from these countries are eligible for a visa-free entry if they come to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends and transit for no more than 15 days.
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However, if your plans include a multi-city tour around the country or even a short tour to several destinations, you will need a China tourist visa, and it’s wise to get help to ensure your application right the first time around. If you don’t, you may find yourself frustrated and confused at your local China embassy or China Visa Application Service Centre when you realize you haven’t quite ticked all the necessary boxes.
Whether you’re planning a countrywide adventure or a single city visit, get the drum here in our travel guide. We’ve got you covered for the many unexplored possibilities of travel in China.
Before heading to China, work through this China tourist visa checklist to be sure you have everything covered.
If you are in transit for 24, 72, or 144 hours, and at one of the designated international airports and ports in China (refer below for more on this), you may qualify for visa free travel. Referred to as the China Transit Visa or China Tourist Visa, foreign travelers from certain countries can take advantage of the convenience of this visa, which can be obtained on arrival. Be aware, you must have an air ticket to a third destination with a confirmed date of flight and seat, and you must not leave the port of entry. The availability of Transit visas in ports of entry is dependent upon the number of hours of your transit. For example, 24 hour Transit Visas are available in most ports, however 72 or 144 hour Transit Visas are only available in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, Guangzhou, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi’an, Xiamen, Wuhan, Harbin, Qingdao, Changsha, and some specified regions.
If your travels in China extend beyond one of the single destinations listed above, you will require a visa.
There are numerous visas available for travelers into China, however they fall into four main categories: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, ordinary visa. If you are traveling as a tourist, you will need an ordinary visa (L). You can learn more about the details of specific visa types on the Visa for China page of the China embassy in your country.
China Embassy in USA | http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/ http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/ |
China Embassy in United Kingdom | http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/ |
China Embassy in Australia | http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ |
China Visa Application Center | https://www.visaforchina.org/ |
A China visa application can seem like a lot of paperwork, so take care to assemble everything you need in advance of submitting your application. Here are just a few things you’ll need for your application:
- An original passport with 6 months validity and at least two blank visa pages
- A copy of the passport’s data page and the photo page (if it is separate).
- A completed Visa Application Form with genuine and accurate information about the applicant.
- One color passport-size photo (48mm x 33mm, taken within 6 months, full face, front view against a light background).
- Supporting documents, as required.
- Specific to a China Tourist Visa application is the provision of copies of all your travel itinerary documents, including air tickets and hotel reservations. An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity (for example, a travel agency) or individual in China is also required.
If you think clarification on the details might be helpful, you’re right, it will be! Questions regarding the specifics of a China visa application should be directed to your local Chinese embassy or China Visa Application Center.
To make the application itself, you will need to make your submission at a Chinese Embassy or a Chinese Consulate-General in the USA, or at a China Visa Application Service Centre (only for an ordinary visa application) in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries. Documents can be submitted by post or in person, however, it’s wise to check with relevant China visa issuing authorities in your country for the most up to date information. We strongly recommend you confirm with the China Embassy or Consulate in your country as to whether they accept applications via post or in person.
Visa fees can be paid via credit card (Visa, MasterCard), money order, cashier’s or company’s check. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
Remember to allow plenty of time for your visa application. It is wise to allow between 30 and 45 days in advance of your travel date. In the event you need to prepare additional information, this will allow sufficient time to address the requirements.
Visa processing usually takes approximately three to five working days. Once your visa is processed, you will be notified. You will then need to visit the China Visa Application Service Centre (in the UK, Australia or other countries) to collect your passport with the visa. A mail out service may be available, however you will need to confirm this at the time of submission.
China Visa Articles
China visa articles, China visa information, and more. Find it all here in our detailed posts about how to navigate the occasionally challenging - but ultimately satisfying - process to secure your China visa, regardless of how long you plan to travel. As with international travel anywhere, it’s important to prepare well in advance before departure. Travel to China does require a visa for most international visitors, and in certain regions, such as Tibet and Hong Kong, additional visas or permits are required if you are touring through other parts of the country. You’ll also find answers to these and many other frequently asked China visa questions. And if by some chance, you don’t discover the exact information you need, get in touch. Our team is here to help.
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Tours in China
Travelers joining us for multi-destination adventures can explore our growing selection of China visa tours, safe in the knowledge we are here to help at every step of your journey, including in the planning stages prior to departure. We’ll help answer questions like whether you need a China visa, tours that require a visa or permit, and where you can travel with which visa, as requirements vary in different regions in China. Let’s help you explore with peace of mind.
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Testimonials
- kraig l wrote a review 7 October 2024
A Day in Xi’an with CathyI really enjoyed my recent private tour with China Tours! I remembered I took a China Tours about 13 years ago in Beijing and since I had a long weekend during a recent business trip, I decided to take the chance on them again and booked on-line. Working with Martha via email on short notice and right before the National Holiday, she was able to arrange a 1-day private trip for me to the Terracotta Warriors, Mosque, and the Xi'an Wall with Cathy K. as my tour guide. Even before my tour began, Cathy reached out to me and gave suggested a few sites to visit in the city the afternoon I arrived. Morning of, pick up time was confirmed via WeChat and Cathy picked me up in a nice minivan and was escorted all day by a VERY knowledgeable tour guide in Cathy. She knew the tour well, the sites visited and their history, shared many welcoming stories and information. Her English was almost perfect and welcoming after a long business trip. More importantly, she knew her city well and made several great food recommendations - local lunch was amazing and so were the pomegranates! She even helped me purchase some jade necklaces as gifts. Although it rained all day long, Cathy kept the tour upbeat and engaging - cannot say that about my sneakers that did not make the trip home. The next day, Cathy went the extra mile by making sure I made it to the airport and my flight chatting me Chinese phrases for both the taxi driver and check in counter to ensure if needed I would not miss my flight. I would like to give a BIG "XIE XIE" to CATHY K - an outstanding tour guide (and food connoisseur)! I very much enjoyed my day (wishing I had longer) and look forward to my return and another China Tours tour with hopefully Cathy K again. - Steven P wrote a review 2 October 2024
Amazing Trip with China Tours 2024China is an amazing country to visit, and China Tours did an excellent job planning and arranging our itinerary. They handled all of the transportation and bookings for the hotels and sites. We went on the 12 day tour that included Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai. At each location we had knowledgeable local guide and there was ample free time to explore on our own. The accommodations were all 4-5 stars hotels in great locations and excellent breakfast. - PVR wrote a review 14 September 2024
I loved China, thanks to China tours and MarthaI am writing to thank Martha and team for our wonderful trip to China, we had an amazing time. I am already thinking of my next trip to come with my husband and kids. All your guides were exceptional, everyone. I would love to come again with my family and have Kevin and Julia show us Beijing and Xian, hopefully we can book something with their availability. Thank you again for taking care of every little detail, we felt cared and at home. Appreciate all what your team did for us, your guides definitely did it with genuine care ❤️. Will be getting in touch with you again. I loved China and thanks to China tours. Anyone looking for their first trip to this amazing country, don’t think twice China tours will not disspoint you. - Bhumika P wrote a review 4 September 2024
Highly recommend China Tours!I was recommended China tours through a family friend. Lora was amazing and nothing was too much trouble for her. She devised an itinerary based on my needs. I asked many questions and received prompt replies. We had a driver and English-speaking tour guide in each area. I would highly recommend China tours to anyone wishing to travel to China. - Frank O wrote a review 15 August 2024New YorkBucket List Memorable Trip !First, we would like to thanked Martha for her great organizational skills, very accommodating and understanding as we have to postponed our trip from March to July 2024. The trips were very well organized. All the tour guides from Kevin in Beijing, Helen in Xi’an and John in Shanghai were all very professional, Knowledgeable about the historical aspects of each place, very kind and accommodating. Everything was great and enjoyable, except the weather was not cooperating, it’s too hot and humid. Thank-you all ! From New York, Frank and Aida
- rehana wrote a review 11 August 2024LondonAmazing Solo Break!I had an amazing time in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, with a fantastic guide Frank. He was able to arrange all my halal meals, recommend restaurants and even stopped for lunch at a particular halal cafe. Frank was outstanding in all areas of knowledge, history of the area, what to see and answered all my questions. Thank you for everything and especially sorting out my return airline meals. Absolutely brilliant! Keven and Rita in Beijing were just as good. They were able to arrange the tours which were easy for us, away from the main crowds and as it was humid, worked perfectly! Again, thank you for all your suggestions and help. This is my second trip with China Tours and I am looking for my third! Rehana, London