China Visa Application Guide
Everything you need to know about getting a visa for China โ tourist visas, business visas, 144-hour transit visa-free entry, and how to apply from your country.
China Visa Types
Choose the right visa based on your purpose of travel to China.
Tourist Visa (L)
18-26ยฐC ยท Warm & Humid
For leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting friends or family. Available as single, double, or multiple entry. Usually valid for 30-90 days per stay.
Business Visa (M)
10-20ยฐC ยท Cool & Crisp
For commercial activities, trade shows, business meetings. Requires an invitation letter from a registered Chinese company. Multiple entry options available.
Transit Visa (G)
Varies by season
For passing through China to a third destination. Available at most major international airports. Can be obtained on arrival at designated ports.
Visa-Free Access
Check eligibility below
Many countries qualify for visa-free entry for specified periods.ๆตทๅ59ๅฝๅ ็ญพ, 144-hour transit in major cities, and bilateral visa-free agreements.
How to Apply for a China Visa
A step-by-step guide to the China visa application process.
Check Requirements
Determine your visa type based on your purpose: tourism (L), business (M), transit (G), or student (X). Check if your passport nationality qualifies for visa-free or 144-hour transit options.
Prepare Documents
Passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages), completed Visa Application Form (V.2013), passport photo (48ร33mm white background), round-trip flight itinerary, hotel confirmation, invitation letter (business).
Submit Application
Apply at the Chinese embassy, consulate, or China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country. Some countries allow postal submissions. Schedule an appointment online first.
Collect Passport
Standard processing: 4-10 business days. Express service: 1-2 business days (additional fee). Collect in person or by prepaid courier. Check your visa details carefully before leaving the counter.
Required Documents
The standard documents needed for a China visa application.
Valid Passport
Original passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned entry date, and at least 2 blank visa pages. Damaged passports may not be accepted.
Visa Application Form
Completed and signed Visa Application Form (Form V.2013). One form per person. Can be completed online at cova.mfa.gov.cn and then printed.
Passport Photo
One recent colour photo (48mm ร 33mm) on white background. No glasses, no headwear (unless religious), no smiling showing teeth.
Flight Itinerary
Round-trip flight confirmation showing entry and exit dates from China. Can be a booking rather than a purchased ticket for initial application.
Hotel Confirmation
Hotel booking confirmation for your first night(s) in China, or a letter of invitation from a Chinese host with their address and contact details.
Business Invitation (M Visa)
Invitation letter from a registered Chinese company on company letterhead, including the inviter's details, your details, purpose of visit, and dates.
144-Hour Transit Visa-Free Entry
If you are transiting through China to a third country, you may qualify for visa-free entry for up to 144 hours (6 days).
- Your nationality must be from an eligible country (54 countries including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and most EU nations)
- You must hold a valid passport with at least 3 months validity
- You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (not your country of origin for most ports)
- You must enter and exit through the same port or designated area
- No pre-application needed โ just present your documents at immigration
Ports Offering 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Airports
Beijing (Local/Local), Shanghai (PVG/HGH), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Xi'an (XIY), Chongqing (CKG), Tianjin (TSN), Dalian (DLC), Qingdao (TAO), Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG), Kunming (KMG), Xiamen (XMN), Shenzhen (SZX), Guilin (KWL)
Railway Stations
Beijing West, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou East, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing North, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou East, Nanjing South, Kunming South
Ports
Shanghai International Cruise Terminal, Tianjin International Cruise Terminal, Dalian Port, Guangzhou Nansha Port
Eligible Countries (54 total)
Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, USA.
Major Ports of Entry with Transit Options
These major international airports and railway stations offer 144-hour or 72-hour transit visa-free access.
| City | Airport Code | Transit-Free Duration | Allowed Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | PVG, HGH | 144 hours | Shanghai municipality + Jiangsu + Zhejiang |
| Beijing | Local, Local | 144 hours | Beijing municipality + Tianjin + Hebei |
| Guangzhou | CAN | 144 hours | Guangdong province |
| Chengdu | TFU | 144 hours | Sichuan province |
| Xi'an | XIY | 144 hours | Shaanxi province |
| Chongqing | CKG | 144 hours | Chongqing municipality |
| Tianjin | TSN | 144 hours | Tianjin municipality + Beijing + Hebei |
| Dalian | DLC | 144 hours | Liaoning province |
| Qingdao | TAO | 144 hours | Shandong province |
| Hangzhou | HGH | 144 hours | Zhejiang province |
| Nanjing | NKG | 144 hours | Jiangsu province |
| Kunming | KMG | 144 hours | Yunnan province |
| Xiamen | XMN | 144 hours | Fujian province |
| Shenzhen | SZX | 72 hours | Guangdong province only |
| Guilin | KMG (via Kunming) | 144 hours | Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region |
Pro Tips for Your China Visa
Apply Early
Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Consulates can experience delays during Chinese public holidays. During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week), allow extra time.
Check Reciprocal Agreements
Some countries offer bilateral visa-free access to Chinese citizens โ this may mean smoother visa processing for you. Check if your country has a reciprocal agreement with China.
Use the Official Portal
Complete your application at cova.mfa.gov.cn (China Online Visa Application). Only use official visa centers or the embassy directly. Beware of third-party sites that overcharge.
Ready to Travel to China?
Book your airport transfer and city car service in advance โ we'll have an professional licensed driver waiting when you land.