China Tourist Visa

China Tourist Visa

China Visa and China Tourist Visa Questions and Answers

Questions about your China visa?

China map

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. If you are eligible travelers from 54 countries, you can apply for the 240-hour visa-free transit at 60 specific ports of entry in 24 provinces.

China has implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 38 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Negara Brunei Darussalam. From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders 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 30 days.

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However, if you are not eligible for visa-free entry or 240-hour visa-free transit, and your plans include a multi-city tour around the country or even a short tour to several destinations not in the permitted stay area, 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.

Step 1 – Check if you need a visa before traveling to China

If you are in transit for 24, 72, or 144 hours (now extended to 240 hours as of 17th Dec 2024), and at one of the designated international airports and ports in China, you may qualify for visa free travel. Referred to as the China Transit 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 must stay within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. There are 60 open ports in the 24 provinces for visa-free transit, including the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, Guangzhou, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi’an, Xiamen, Wuhan, Harbin, Qingdao, Changsha, and some other specified regions.

If your travels in China extend beyond the destinations in the List of Ports and Allowed areas for visa-free transit under 240 hours, you will require a visa.

(Learn more about China Transit Visa in the article below.)

In addition to the 23 countries signed the bilateral agreements with China (including Singapore and Thailand), China has extended the unilateral visa-free policy to 38 countries including Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these countries can be exempted from Visa to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, family visit, exchange visit and transit purposes. Those who do not meet the purposes of visit and time limit for visa free policy are still required to apply for Visas to China.

(Find more information in the article of China Visa Free Entry listed below.)

Step 2 – Identify which visa you need

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/

Step 3 – Prepare documentation for your visa application

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.

Step 4 – When and where to submit your China visa application

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.

Step 5 – Collect your visa

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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JimmyShu-lin
JimmyShu-lin
Reviewed on 31 Jan. 2025
Tripadvisor score Unforgettable trip

Jan 2025 • Family

Excellent tour guide that was very knowledgeable and courteous. Communication with the agent was smooth and responsive. I recommend to upgrade the hotels as you will get to stay at the Pig's Inn, which was a real highlight.
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Alexander M
Alexander M
Reviewed on 22 Jan. 2025
Tripadvisor score Excellent service

Jan 2025 • Couples

We did tours in Laos and Bangkok, both with excellent guides and drivers. This is our second experience with China Tours and the we have been more than happy with all service that we have received.
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Edvin T
Edvin T
Reviewed on 14 Jan. 2025
Tripadvisor score Yunnan trips, to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la

Dec 2024 • Couples

Good arrangement with daily schedule, hotel in good locations easy to walk around, nice tour guides, good food with reasonable prices, especially good admin staff that follow up us closely make our trip so nice and wonderful…..
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Sunshine23356127581
Sunshine23356127581
Reviewed on 10 Jan. 2025
Tripadvisor score Great experience!

Dec 2024 • Family

We started in Kunming and made our way to Shangr-Li, stopping by in Dali and Lijiang. The places were amazing and the agency was greatly supportive and flexible, catering very nicely to our needs (extremely appreciated when traveling with 1 baby and 1 toddler!!).
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Sophie Gillian C
Sophie Gillian C
Reviewed on 2 January 2025
Tripadvisor score Pleasant and professional service

Dec 2024 • Solo

It has been a very pleasant trip to Chengdu, albeit my first visit to the city. The guide, Robert and the driver had exhibited exemplary services during this period. Very professional and detailed in introducing the sites visited. Look forward to visiting the city again.
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Maps48010261076
Maps48010261076
Reviewed on 20 December 2024
Tripadvisor score Well arranged private tours.

Nov 2024 • Couples

We worked with Martha from China Tours.she was terrific in making all the arrangements. She was available by WeChat when we arrived in China. Hotels were top notch. The guides in each city were friendly and personable: . Ariel in Beijing , Elyshia in Xian and Warren in Shanghai. The guides assisted us at the airports or train station. Cars were comfortable. We chose China Tours because we were not interested in “ shopping tours “. We liked the guided visits to historic sights but liked having some free time to explore on our own. Would certainly use them again for future trips to China.
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Nicky B
Nicky B
Reviewed on 18 December 2024
Tripadvisor score 15 Days Around China

Dec 2024 • Family

We just returned from a 15 day trip around China. Leading up to the holiday China Tours helped us immensely by providing feedback and information regarding our itinerary and told us about all the apps required to get by in China. We had 3 day tours with China Tours in Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu with the amazing guides Kevin, Helen and Tracy who were very informative (spoke very good English) and took us to all the essential sights in China. China Tours went above and beyond to create an incredible experience for us which we will remember forever.
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 Lorna P
Lorna P
Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024
Tripadvisor score 35 day personalised trip of China & Tibet

Oct 2024 • Friends

2 couples just completed a 35 day tour of China using individual English speaking local guides in each area we visited. We planned what we wanted to see and China Tours organised all the linguistics. We travelled by bullet train, cars & a plane to access areas not included in group tours. China Tours also provided us with some smaller boutique hotels at our request, which were amazing. The difference in cost for this personalised tour was great value. All the guides and drivers were very experienced and did their best to give us the most enjoyable experience. China Tours head office representative was always available on WeChat for any questions or changes which could effect our trip. (Such as a typhoon in Hong Kong on our last 2 days) As very experienced self guided travelers we would highly recommend China Tours in a country where the language & logistics are challenging.
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