You need a visa for People's Republic of China if you have an American passport

China Group eVisa

Government fees and our service are shown together — no charges added at the end.

Travelling to People's Republic of China

Visa required

China Group eVisa

Price: $163.81
Processing: from 15 days
Entries: Single entry
Maximum stay: 30 days
Enter within: 15 days

$112.62 government fee $51.19 our service

What you need for the China Group eVisa

These are the documents this application asks for. You can upload them after checkout — nothing is needed to start.

Applicant's Photo
Passport Bio Page

Need the photo? Our free passport photo maker produces one in the official format.

Everything about the China Group eVisa — conditions, what the authorities check and how long it lasts.

Applying for a People's Republic of China visa online

How it works

1
Answer the questions
One form, written in plain language. We ask only what People's Republic of China actually requires for a American passport.
2
We check and submit
Your application is reviewed for the mistakes that cause rejections before it goes to the authorities.
3
Approval by email
Approval usually arrives within 15 days. It comes by email, with everything you need to show on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Do American citizens need a visa for People's Republic of China?

Yes. American citizens need a visa for People's Republic of China, and the China Group eVisa can be applied for online.

How much does the China Group eVisa cost for American citizens?

$163.81. That is $112.62 in government fees and $51.19 for our service.

How long does it take to get the China Group eVisa?

From 15 days. Governments do not guarantee processing times, so apply as early as you can.

How long can American citizens stay in People's Republic of China?

Up to 30 days.

How long is the China Group eVisa valid for?

You must enter People's Republic of China within 15 days of approval. That window is separate from how long you may stay.

Is the China Group eVisa single or multiple entry?

Single entry — once you leave People's Republic of China it is used up, even if time is left on it.

When should American citizens apply?

Approval takes from 15 days, and you then have 15 days to enter People's Republic of China. Applying a few weeks before departure leaves room for both.

Still have a question?

Ask our assistant. It answers in the chat, and we hand it the route you are looking at — American passport, travelling to People's Republic of China — so you do not have to repeat it.

What People's Republic of China may ask for

Not every traveller is asked for all of these. A valid passport is checked every time; the rest is a spot check at the border, and some items belong to a visa application rather than the crossing itself.

Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
Photo 48x33mm with white background
Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
Hotel reservations for entire stay
Proof of sufficient funds for travel
Completed visa application form

Entry requirements for American travellers

These rules apply specifically to American passport holders entering People's Republic of China as tourists. Each one links to the official source where available.

Required
Travelers require a passport valid for the duration of stay in China
Travelers need a valid passport to enter China. The traveler's passport must remain valid throughout the traveler's stay in China.
China Visa Application Service Center Last checked 2026-07-27
Recommended
Save time on arrival: Digital Arrival Card
Travelers can complete their required arrival card online before arrival in China. The online service will be available through a government portal, WeChat (Alipay) mini-program, or by scanning a QR code. Travelers who cannot complete the form online can do so upon arrival by scanning a QR code, using devices at their port of entry, or filling out a paper card.
- The following travelers do not need to complete an arrival card: -Travelers with a valid People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; -Travelers with a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens); -Travelers holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry; -Travelers transiting directly without leaving the restricted area of the port; -Travelers entering and exiting with the same cruise ship; -Travelers entering through fast lanes; -Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Last checked 2026-07-27
Recommended
Recommended vaccinations for China
Travelers should consider: -Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines; -Typhoid vaccine for visits to smaller cities or rural areas; -Routine vaccines including Measles; -Japanese Encephalitis vaccine for extended stays or rural activities (not recommended for short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese Encephalitis season). Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.
CDC - China Last checked 2026-07-27
Not required
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for China
Travelers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before traveling to mainland China.
Last checked 2026-07-27
Not required
Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required
Travelers don’t need a COVID-19 test before traveling to China.
Last checked 2026-07-27
May be required
Transit visa may be required
Travelers do not need a visa to transit through China under the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy. Travelers may stay in China for up to 10 days (240 hours) in the permitted areas of designated exit-entry ports, provided they hold valid travel documents, have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region with a departure date, and are transiting to a third country or region. Travelers must remain within the permitted areas of the designated exit-entry ports during their stay. Check the government source for the 65 designated ports across 24 provinces.
Last checked 2026-07-27