Get Your China Visa Online
Fast visa processing for the Middle Kingdom — from the Great Wall to Shanghai, your journey begins here
TrustpilotHow to Get Your China Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 4-7 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our comprehensive application form with your personal details, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit. Our intelligent system validates your information in real-time, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Chinese visa requirements before submission to the consular authorities.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan showing bio page with at least 6 months validity, a recent passport photograph meeting Chinese specifications (48x33mm with white background), flight reservations, hotel bookings, and invitation letter if applicable. Our document specialists review every submission for compliance.
3
We process your application
Your verified application is prepared and submitted through the appropriate Chinese visa processing channel. We handle communication with consular authorities, track processing status continuously, and keep you informed via email and SMS at every stage of the approval process.
4
Receive your China visa
Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. For collection services, we arrange secure courier delivery to your address. For in-person submission, collect your passport from the designated visa center. Welcome to China — prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
China Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa (L)
30-90 days
For sightseeing and visiting friends or family in China
Business Visa (M)
30-90 days
For commercial trade and business activities
Transit Visa-Free
24-144 hours
Visa-free transit available at select ports of entry
Work Visa (Z)
30 days initial
For employment requiring a work permit in China
Essential Requirements
- 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
Visa Policy
China maintains a comprehensive visa system with distinct categories for different travel purposes. Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter mainland China, though notable exceptions exist for transit travelers and citizens of specific countries with bilateral agreements.
Transit Visa-Free Policy
China offers generous transit visa-free policies at major international hubs. The 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit is available at airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other major cities for citizens of 54 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European nations. The 72-hour transit policy covers additional entry points. Travelers must hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country and stay within the designated administrative region.
Visa Categories Overview
The Chinese visa system uses letter designations: L (tourist), M (business/commercial), F (non-commercial visits like exchanges), Z (work), X (study), S (visiting family of foreigners working in China), Q (visiting Chinese relatives), and several others for journalists, crew members, and diplomats. Each category has specific documentation requirements and permitted activities. Tourist visas are most commonly issued for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends.
Visa Requirements
Standard Documentation for Tourist Visa (L)
All tourist visa applicants must provide: a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay with minimum 2 blank pages; completed Application Form for Visa to China with recent photograph (48x33mm, white background, no glasses); round-trip flight itinerary; hotel reservations covering entire stay or invitation letter from host; and proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements or employment letter.
Business Visa (M) Requirements
Business visa applicants need additional documentation including: invitation letter from a Chinese company on official letterhead stating purpose, duration, and itinerary; company registration documents from both inviting Chinese entity and applicant's employer; letter from employer explaining business purpose and confirming employment status. Trade fair and exhibition participants need related invitation credentials.
Special Requirements
Previous China visa holders may need to provide copies of past visas. First-time applicants from certain countries may require additional documentation. Some nationalities must apply at specific visa centers based on jurisdiction. Chinese-origin applicants need to provide information about previous Chinese nationality or citizenship status.
Application Process
Visa Application Centers and Consulates
China visa applications are processed through Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in most countries, which handle document collection and submission to consulates. Some applicants may need to visit consulates directly for interviews or fingerprint collection. Processing typically takes 4-7 business days for standard service, with express (2-3 days) and rush (1 day) options available at additional cost.
Interview Requirements
Most tourist and business visa applicants do not require interviews, though consular officers reserve the right to request one. First-time applicants from certain countries, those with complex travel histories, or applications with inconsistencies may be called for interviews. When required, interviews are conducted at the consulate and typically last 10-15 minutes.
Processing and Fees
Visa fees vary by nationality due to reciprocity agreements. US citizens pay higher fees than most other nationalities. Standard processing takes 4 business days; express service reduces this to 2-3 days for an additional fee. Multiple-entry visas valid for 6 months, 1 year, or 10 years are available depending on nationality and travel history, with 10-year visas primarily available to US citizens.
Travel Tips
Best Times to Visit
China's vast size creates diverse climates. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer comfortable temperatures across most regions. Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year (late January/February) and Golden Week (October 1-7) when domestic tourism peaks and prices surge. Summer brings monsoons to southern regions while winter offers skiing in the north and milder weather in Yunnan.
Entry Points and Transportation
Major international airports include Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). China's high-speed rail network is world-class, connecting major cities efficiently. For 144-hour transit, you must enter and exit through qualifying ports in the same region. Domestic flights require booking through Chinese platforms or authorized agents.
Practical Considerations
Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival if not staying at a hotel (hotels register guests automatically). Many Western websites and apps are blocked; consider VPN solutions before arrival. WeChat and Alipay are essential for daily transactions as cash usage declines. Learn basic Mandarin phrases as English is limited outside major tourist areas. Keep copies of your passport and visa separate from originals.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
2,500+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.7Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Excellent service! Got my China business visa in just 5 days. The team handled all the complex documentation requirements perfectly. Highly recommend for anyone traveling to China."
"First time visiting China and DoVisa made the visa process so easy. They caught an error in my photo before submission that would have delayed everything!"
"Good service overall. Processing took the full week but communication was excellent. Got my 10-year multiple entry visa without issues."
"DoVisa helped me get my tourist visa for my dream trip to see the Great Wall. The support team answered all my questions promptly. Amazing experience!"
"As a frequent business traveler to China, DoVisa has been invaluable. They understand the requirements thoroughly and always deliver on time."
"Straightforward process. Had to provide some additional documents but the team guided me through everything. Visa approved without problems."
"Impressed by the attention to detail. They reviewed my entire application before submission and caught several potential issues. Worth every penny!"
"Applied for family visas for our trip to Shanghai. DoVisa handled all four applications efficiently. Great family discount too!"
"Reliable service for China visas. Had used another provider before with mixed results. DoVisa was much more professional and organized."
"Got my visa just in time for my conference in Beijing. The express processing option saved me when I realized I needed to travel sooner than planned."
"Third time using DoVisa for China. Consistently excellent service. They make the complex Chinese visa requirements much more manageable."
"Good experience applying for my study visa. The requirements were quite specific but the DoVisa team knew exactly what was needed."
China Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for China?
China offers multiple visa categories designated by letters. L Visa (Tourist) is for sightseeing, visiting friends or family. M Visa (Business) covers commercial and trade activities. F Visa is for non-commercial exchanges, visits, and study tours. Z Visa (Work) requires a work permit and is for employment. X Visa (Student) is for academic study exceeding 180 days. S Visa allows visits to family members working in China. Q Visa is for visiting Chinese relatives. Additional categories exist for journalists (J), crew members (C), and diplomats (D). Most travelers apply for L (tourist) or M (business) visas.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter mainland China. However, several exceptions exist. Transit visa-free policies allow citizens of 54 countries to transit through select Chinese cities for 24-144 hours without a visa when traveling to a third country. Hainan Island offers 30-day visa-free entry for tour groups from 59 countries. Some countries have bilateral visa-exemption agreements with China for short stays. Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry policies and do not require mainland China visas. Check your specific nationality requirements as policies vary significantly.
What is the 144-hour transit visa-free policy?
The 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit allows citizens of 54 eligible countries to enter China without a visa when transiting to a third country. This policy applies at airports in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and several other cities. Key requirements: You must have confirmed onward travel to a third country (different from your origin country), tickets departing within 144 hours, a valid passport, and completed arrival card. You must stay within the designated administrative region and cannot travel to other provinces. This is ideal for extended layovers and short business trips.
What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?
Tourist visa (L) applications require: Passport valid for 6+ months with at least 2 blank pages; Application form completed with recent photo (48x33mm, white background, no glasses, front-facing); Flight itinerary showing round-trip bookings; Accommodation proof such as hotel reservations for entire stay or invitation letter from host; Financial evidence like recent bank statements or employment letter showing sufficient funds. Some applicants may need proof of previous China travel, copies of old passports with Chinese visas, or additional supporting documents based on nationality and circumstances.
How long does China visa processing take?
Standard processing takes 4 business days at most Chinese visa application centers. Express service (2-3 business days) and rush service (1 business day) are available for additional fees, though not all application types qualify for expedited processing. Processing times may vary during peak seasons like Chinese New Year and Golden Week, or when additional documentation is requested. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for any unforeseen delays or additional requirements.
Can I get a multiple-entry China visa?
Yes, multiple-entry visas are available for qualified applicants. US citizens typically receive 10-year multiple-entry visas by default due to the US-China reciprocal visa agreement. Other nationalities may qualify for 6-month or 1-year multiple-entry visas depending on travel history, purpose, and supporting documentation. Business travelers with frequent China visits and those with strong travel histories are more likely to receive multiple-entry visas. Each entry on a multiple-entry visa typically allows stays of 30-60 days, though this varies by visa type and nationality.
What is the cost of a China visa?
China visa fees are based on reciprocity and vary significantly by nationality. US citizens pay approximately $140 USD for most visa types due to reciprocal fee agreements. UK citizens pay around $135 USD. Most other nationalities pay $30-60 USD for single-entry and $45-90 USD for multiple-entry visas. Additional service fees apply when using visa application centers. Express and rush processing incur extra charges. Fees are subject to change; check current rates when applying. DoVisa provides transparent pricing with all fees clearly stated upfront.
Can I extend my China visa while in China?
Yes, visa extensions are possible through the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau (Public Security Bureau) in China. Tourist visas can typically be extended once for up to 30 days. You must apply before your current visa expires, preferably 7 days in advance. Required documents include your passport, completed application form, proof of accommodation, and extension fee. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your circumstances and local policies. For longer stays, it's better to apply for an appropriate multiple-entry visa or longer-validity visa before traveling.
Do I need an invitation letter for a China visa?
It depends on your visa type and circumstances. Tourist visas can often be obtained with hotel reservations as proof of accommodation, without an invitation letter. However, an invitation letter from a Chinese host can strengthen your application, especially if staying with friends or family. Business visas require an invitation letter from a Chinese company on official letterhead detailing visit purpose, dates, and itinerary. Visit visas (S and Q types) for visiting family require invitation letters from the Chinese-based relative along with relationship documentation.
What photo specifications are required for China visa?
China has specific photo requirements: Size must be 48mm x 33mm (different from standard passport photo size); Background must be white; Recency within last 6 months; Expression neutral with mouth closed; Glasses not permitted in the photo; Head position front-facing with full face visible; Head coverage not allowed except for religious reasons; Quality must be in color, high resolution, properly lit without shadows. Many standard photo services offer China visa photo options. DoVisa reviews all photos before submission to prevent delays.
Can I travel to Tibet with a regular China visa?
A regular China visa allows entry to mainland China but Tibet requires an additional Tibet Travel Permit (also called Tibet Entry Permit). This permit must be arranged through a licensed travel agency as individual travel is not permitted in Tibet. You'll need to book a guided tour and your agency will apply for the permit on your behalf, typically 15-20 days before your travel date. Additional permits (Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit) may be required for certain areas. Your regular China visa must be valid, and the Tibet permit must specify your exact itinerary.
What happens if my China visa application is rejected?
China visa rejections occur but are relatively uncommon for well-prepared applications. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, inconsistent information, insufficient financial proof, or concerns about purpose of visit. If rejected, you can reapply immediately with improved documentation; there's no mandatory waiting period. You won't receive detailed rejection reasons, but reviewing common issues helps identify areas for improvement. DoVisa's document review service catches most issues before submission. If your application is rejected due to our processing error, we offer guidance for reapplication and may provide service fee refunds.
Is travel insurance required for China visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for most China visa applications, but it's highly recommended. Chinese healthcare is excellent in major cities but can be expensive for foreigners without insurance. Recommended coverage includes medical expenses (minimum $50,000 USD), emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal liability. Some visa categories or extended stays may require proof of insurance. Having travel insurance can also strengthen your visa application by demonstrating preparation and financial responsibility. Keep insurance documents accessible during your trip as hospitals may request them.
Can I apply for a China visa if I've visited Tibet before?
Previous Tibet travel does not negatively impact China visa applications. However, be prepared to provide information about previous visits to China including Tibet when completing your application form. Having visited Tibet through proper channels (with required permits via licensed agency) demonstrates compliance with Chinese travel regulations. If you previously visited restricted areas without proper permits, this could potentially affect future applications. Accurate and honest information about all previous China travel is essential for successful applications.
What is the difference between Hong Kong/Macau and mainland China visas?
Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions with separate immigration policies from mainland China. Mainland China visa does not permit entry to Hong Kong or Macau. Hong Kong offers visa-free entry for many nationalities (US/UK citizens get 90 days). Macau also offers generous visa-free periods. If visiting both mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau, you may need a multiple-entry China visa to re-enter the mainland. The 144-hour transit visa-free policy does not cover travel to Hong Kong or Macau. Plan your itinerary carefully to ensure you have appropriate documentation for each region.
When is the best time to visit China?
China's best visiting times vary by region and preferences. Spring (April-May) offers mild weather, blooming flowers, and manageable crowds. Autumn (September-October) provides comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage, especially in northern regions. Avoid Chinese New Year (late January/February) and Golden Week (October 1-7) when domestic tourism peaks, prices surge, and transportation becomes extremely crowded. Summer brings monsoons to southern China while winter offers skiing in the north. For specific regions: visit Harbin in winter for ice festivals, Yunnan year-round for mild climate, and Shanghai/Beijing in spring or autumn for optimal conditions.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help 24/7Ready to Explore China?
Ancient wonders, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences await you
Apply NowOr apply via our mobile app
