how to apply tourist visa china

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How to Apply for A China Visa - Application Guide & Tips

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on July 15, 2024 :

1. Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna and 5 regions in Yunnan Province are applicable to 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan.

2. Breaking News! a. China will be 15-day visa-free for Australia, New Zealand and Poland from July 1st, 2024 to December 31st, 2025. b. 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025. Read more »

3. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.

4. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

8. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

7. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

8. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

9. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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There are different ways to obtain a Chinese Visa according to your visa types and visiting destinations in China. Except visitors eligible for Visa Free Entry to China , most foreigners need to apply for a Chinese Visa from Chinese embassies, consulates or China Visa Application Centers abroad. Nations qualified relevant requirements can also apply China Visa on Arrival and China Visa Free Transit in specific ports of entry in China upon arrival.

With required passport, supporting documents and visa fees, applicants need to follow several steps to obtain a Chinese Visa. Applications of regular visas like China Tourist Visa (L Visa) and China Transit (G) Visa require just simple steps, while other visas like China Work (Z) Visa, Student (X) Visa and Family Reunion (Q) Visa have extra requirements. Below is the Complete Guide on How to Apply for Chinese Visas.

Step 1 - Complete the China Visa Application Form & Make Appointment for Submission Online

Find the right website to fill in visa application form.

Locating the appropriate website for submitting your visa application is a crucial step in the process. Begin by visiting the official COVA website , known as "China Online Visa Application" at https://cova.mfa.gov.cn . Once there, select your preferred language and locate your country in the Continents Category. This action will redirect you to new pages where you can efficiently complete the visa application form.

For citizens of countries like the USA and Moxica, the application form can be filled out directly on the COVA platform. On the other hand, applicants from countries such as Canada, France, the UK, and Australia will need to complete the visa application form on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center's website at www.visaforchina.cn .

After completing the application, check whether an appointment is required for on-site submission at the Visa Office of Chinese embassies or consulates. While many embassies and consulates currently allow no-appointment submissions, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest information by visiting the respective embassy or consulate websites where you intend to submit your documents.

Important Notice: Visa applicants should fill in the application form truthfully, accurately and completely, concerning personal information (about name, date & place of birth, gender, marital status, nationality and passport), type of visa, work, education, family, email, past China travel, etc. Once the visa form is submitted online, no information in the form can be changed. If any adjustment needs to be made, the whole forms must be filled out again.

After completing the application forms as required, please make sure to print the full set of COVA forms and sign on the Confirmation Page and other required pages . If the COVA forms are not prepared as guided, the application will not be accepted.

Tips : Handwritten application form is not acceptable. If the application form is completed by another person on the applicant's behalf, please fill out his or her information.

Step 2 - Prepared Required Documents for Your Chinese Visa Application

To successfully obtain a Chinese Visa, applicants need to prepare some materials to prove his/her legal identity and purpose of visiting. The most important requirements are basic documents, including your passport and a completed visa application form. And supporting documents related to your China visit, such as invitation letter, flight ticket, hotel booking record, visiting schedule, etc., are also helpful for your visa application.

Basic Documents

① Passport : A valid original passport with validity of at least 6 months and 2 blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the passport’s data page.

② Visa Application Form : One completed China Visa Application Form (should be filled in correctly, downloaded, printed and signed for submission).

③ Photo : 2 recent photos are required to be glued on the application form. The photos should be frontal bareheaded photos taken within past 6 months, in light color background, in size of 48mm x 33m (2x2 square inch). China Visa Application Photo Requirements >>

④ Certification of Legal Stay and Residence : If you do not apply for Chinese Visa in your own country, you are required to submit the original and copy of your valid visa, related proof of work, study, residence and legal stay.

⑤ Previous Chinese Passport and Chinese Visa : If you once was Chinese Nationality and acquired a foreign nationality, you must submit the former original Chinese Passport and copy of date page; If you once got a Chinese Visa on an old passport, you should submit copy of the date page and the previous Chinese Visa.

Supporting Documents

● For China Tourist (L) Visa : Travel itinerary materials including round-trip air ticket and hotel booking record, or invitation letter from an individual/company in China.

The Invitation Letter should cover personal information of the invitee’s name, gender, date of birth, travel schedule of arrival & departure date, visiting places and inviter’s name, contact number, address and signature or related information about the company.

● For China Business (M) Visa : Commercial activity documents and invitation letter for a trade fair by a Chinese trade partner.

● For China Student (X) Visa : Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter from a school or recruiting institutes in China, and original and copy of Visa Application for Study in China (Form JW201/JW202).

● For Family Reunion (Q1/Q2) Visa : Invitation letter from the Chinese Citizen or foreigners holding China Permanent Residence; photocopy of the inviter’s ID or foreign nations’ passport/Permanent Residence Permit; original and copy of the certification of the family relationships and etc.

Check more details about Chinese Visa Required Documents

Passport is the First & Foremost Requirement

Complete A China Visa Application Form

Air Ticket for China Tourist Visa Application

Canadian Granted 10 Year China Visa in Toronto

Step 3 - Submit the Application Form and Required documents

Go to China Visa Application Service Center , or Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulates that serves your application, and then submit your Visa Application Form and all the documents you prepared. Select whether you need a urgent visa service and postal service or not. Please keep the pick-up slip which tells you the date for collecting your passport & visa.

If you can not make the submission in person, you may entrust others to submit the signed application form and required materials. You may have to show yourself in the embassy office if you are required to input biometric information when Chinese Embassy or Consulate think it’s necessary.

Pay the visa application fee & pick up your passport & visa

1.) For submission at Chinese embassies and consulates, you can return to the visa office to pick up your passport and visa after being informed that your application is processed. Upon collection, you have to pay the visa fees. You can pick up your visa and make the payment in person or let aN agent help you. The embassies and consulates do not offer mail-back service . 2.) For submission at China Visa Application Service Center, you have to pay visa fees and service charges when submitting documents. Keep the pick-up slip and collect all the documents after be informed your application is processed.

How long does it takes to issue your Chinese visa? Usually, if you submit application on Monday, you can pick up your visa on Thursday (for regular service), on the 4th working day. Longer time may be needed if visa officer requires, even though you choose express or rush service. Express Service (2 working days) and Rush Service (1 working day) are also provided with extra fees.

Useful Link: Chinese Embassies and Consulates List and Website

China Visa Application Center in Canada

Visa Office of Chinese Consulat General in Los Angeles US

China Visa Application Fee - How Much Does a Visa to China Cost

China Visa Fee varies from different visa type, number of entry, duration of your stay, and nationality for each applicants. If you apply for a Chinese Visa, you will pay for the visa fee to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate and service charge to the visa office. Express and Rush Services for speeding up visa process need extra charges if you request such service. China Visa Fees and Cost >>

1.) Chinese Group Visa Fee is CAD 40 for Canadians, and $140 for US citizens applying as a group.

2.) Choosing Express or Rush service, an additional fee will be charged.

3.) Application to China Visa Application Service Centers, applicants still need to pay extra service fees.

4.) Acceptable visa payment includes money order, cashier's check, or Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard only). Cash, personal/company check is not accepted.

5.) The above regular visa fee for third countries may be charged differently, please check updated fees in official website. Applicants must pay the visa application fee upon collection.

China Visa Application Online/On Arrival

▶ apply for china visa online.

Currently, No China visa application online service is available. Based on authority agreements, applicants in certain countries are required to complete electronic visa application form online, make pre-booking appointment online, and submit application to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in your state or residence. If you apply for China Visa in Canada, UK, Australia , France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and so on, you are eligible for such way of application.

For other applications (e.g US Citizens), you should submit application directly to Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General based on your state where you reside. You can submit by yourself, or through a friend, a visa service agent. Just walk in during the business hours, a pre-booking appointment is no need. Individual is no need to come to the embassy unless the officer request a interview and no mail-in, mail-back and online application is provided. How to Apply for China Visa Online >>

▶ China Visa Application by Mail

Applicants residing in Australia can apply for Chinese Visa in person or by mail to the China Visa Application Center. If you submit postal application, you should locate the right visa center according to service areas, and mail all required documents to the visa center through Express Post and registered Post authorized by Australian official. It usually takes about 10 working days for mail application, and no rush service is available.

▶ Apply for China Visa on Arrival - Port Visa

For some applicants, it takes less time and simple procedures to get Chinese Visa at entry of ports upon arrival. There are four kinds of situations eligible for the VOA Application: authorized emergency entry, group tour , visiting Special Economic Zones ( Shenzhen , Zhuhai & Xiamen ,) and Hainan Province though certain ports. You need to complete a simple form, entry card, pay visa fee and accept frontier inspection at the port of entry.

Visitors obtaining Special Economic Tourism Visa must enter and exit at specific ports, stay within the cities, can not travel further to other cities unless apply for a new Chinese Visa. (Duration of Stay is 5 days for Shenzhen, 3 days for Xiamen & Zhuhai, 30 days for Hainan.)

Currently, completing all processes of Chinese Visa Application is not available. Applicants or applicant's agent can finish visa form and make appoitment online, but have to go to Chinese embassies, consulates or Visa Centers in persion to submit visa application documents and provide fingerprints when it's necessary.

For some applicants, it takes less time and simple procedures to get Chinese Visa at entry of ports upon arrival. There are four kinds of situations eligible for the VOA Application: authorized emergency entry, group tour (unavailable currently) , visiting Special Economic Zones (unavailable currently) ( Shenzhen , Zhuhai & Xiamen ,) and Hainan Province though certain ports (unavailable currently). You need to complete a simple form, entry card, pay visa fee and accept frontier inspection at the port of entry.

Note: Except cases of 24 Hour/72 Hour/144 Hour Visa-free Transit and other visa exemptions, US and French Citizens must obtain a Chinese Visa before entry, and not apply to China Visa on arrival or landing visa.

Website to Submit China Visa Application Form Online

Apply China Port Visa on Arrival in Luohu Port Shenzhen

Useful Tips about China Visa Application

1. Documents for China Tourist Visa : An invitation letter is an optional document. You better submit the original letter, and the printout, photocopy and fax version may be acceptable too.

2. 10 Year China Visa : The 10-year multiple entry visa is eligible for US, UK Citizens who meet related requirements. The visa only applies to certain visa types, like L Visa, M Visa. And the 10 Year Visa Fee (regular service) is £255 for British, $180 for American.

3. When to Pick Up : Usually, if you submit application on Monday, you can collect passport & visa on Thursday (for regular service), on the 4th working day, longer time may be needed if visa officer requires, even though you choose express or rush service.

4. China Visa Renewal & Extension : Applicants need to submit a new application if you want to update the visa type, duration of stay, number of entry. When in China, visitors wishing to stay longer need to extend China Visa in the local public security authority before expiration.

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Introduction to China Visa

• Ultimate China Visa Guide
• Do I Neee A Visa for China

China Tourist (L) Visa

Visa-Free Access to China : If you're from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, you can visit China visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. If you're from Singapore, you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days.

If your nationality isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, we offer a Port Visa Service for just US$100 per person  once your tour booking is confirmed with us. No stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

The Tourism (L) Visa (also known as the Travel Visa), is the visa you need for travelling Chinese mainland!

This visa is relatively easy to acquire, and rarely gets rejected, meaning that almost anyone can experience the beauty of the country. With this visa, you have access to almost all parts of Chinese mainland. (Tibet requires a Tibet Entry Permit as well, etc.)

The Tourist Visa is normally issued as single-entry, with 30-days of validity. A few countries may be eligible for the special multiple-entry 10-year visa !

Good news: Travellers enter China at selected cities with China Highlights can benefit from our "Hassle-Free Visa". Provide us a photo of your passport and we will handle your visas. Click to see details .

Who Needs It?

Anyone planning to pass through China in their travels needs to obtain a Chinese visa, but with two exceptions:

• You are travelling with an organized tour group, and therefore will not necessarily require an individual visa in your passport, and instead will have a shared group-visa handled by the travel agency.
• You are eligible to utilize the visa-free transit method, and plan to travel within its limitations.

If you are travelling independently and want to explore more locations in China in a care-free manner, you will need to apply for the Tourist Visa yourself.

How to Apply?

Step 1: prepare all the necessary documents.

As with any type of Chinese visa, there are specific documents that need to be handed over during application.

As the Tourist Visa is probably the easiest to apply for, there are only a few requirements:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months left, and at least one empty visa-page left.
• Photocopies of the passport main-information page, and other pages containing any previous Chinese visas or entry-stamps.
• 2 x recent passport-style photos
• Flight/Hotel Bookings and Itinerary OR Invitation Letter

You will be required to present either a full itinerary including all the hotel reservations, and round-trip flight bookings, or present an invitation letter. For more details on this requirement, click here . For either option, it is a good idea to also have a typed-out itinerary or general travel plan, including times and locations of your proposed trip.

• Finally, a filled out China visa application form (which can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website). This form should be fully filled-in in advance (typed and printed), and with no fields left empty (type "n/a" if not applicable).

Once you have all of these documents ready, you may continue in the application process.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Gather all your prepared documents (preferably in an organized file/folder), and head over to the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

Some countries' citizens may be allowed to mail-in submissions, or to send an agent to submit the application on their behalf. Normally, however, it is best to do submissions in-person, as consular officers may want to ask questions about the trip. As of 2018, citizens of some countries are required to be present during in the application for biometric finger-print collection.

Be sure to check with your local Chinese Embassy/Consulate regarding the submission times and other specifications, as they are always country-specific!

Step 3: Wait, Pickup and Pay

If you have submitted all of the requirements successfully, then your visa is most-likely on the way! You will leave your passport at the consulate/embassy and pick it up on the assigned date (usually within a week), depending on the type of processing service you use. Click here for full information on China visa processing time

On the pickup date, you may head over to the same location where you applied, and pickup your passport with the Chinese visa. The fees for the visa are usually paid on the pickup date.

China Visa Costs

The cost for obtaining a Chinese visa depends on many things, such as your nationality, and the type of processing service you choose. Visa costs are usually calculated based on number of entries, and duration of validity of the visa. The specific costs can normally be found on the official Chinese consular website of your country, but in any case, always come prepared with extra cash during application.

Extending Your Visa

Congratulations! You now have your Chinese Travel Visa, and are ready to embark on your amazing journey. Many travelers going to China find that the 30-day visa may not be enough to see all the magnificent sites China has to offer, and may want to extend their stay a little more. In that case, extending your travel visa from within China is an option.

Head over to the local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau (available in any major city) at least 7-days before the expiration date of your current visa. You will need the same set of documents provided in the original application, plus a temporary-residence registration form which will be obtained during your visit to China.

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How do I get a visa for China?

Sep 20, 2024 • 5 min read

The first step towards walking along the Great Wall is getting a visa for China. fotohunter / Shutterstock

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. After reopening to international travel in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic, China made several changes to its visa policies to encourage more visitors.

Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for China. Always check the latest regulations with the Chinese authorities before you travel, as policies may change.

Who needs a Chinese tourist visa?

The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though an increasing number of nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas can be obtained from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, or through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center . To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.

Can I travel visa-free to China?

As of September 2024, citizens from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. The following nationalities allow a 15-day visa-free entry: Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Norway.

Who can get a transit visa?

Visitors from 53 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina – can spend up to 144 hours (6 days) transiting in China without a visa if they arrive by air, ship or train at selected Chinese cities. The list of cities includes Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming, and Qingdao, opening up some interesting quick trip opportunities.   To be eligible, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country. These visas start from the time the traveler arrives at the Chinese border and receives an entry permit. Check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the current list of eligible nationalities, entry points and specific movement areas.

What about Hong Kong and Macau?

Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in either Hong Kong or Macau. To travel from there into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. These are fairly easy to obtain via China Travel Service in Hong Kong.

Since May 2018, the Chinese resort island of Hainan has offered 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 59 countries including the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. You can’t leave Hainan island and travel to mainland China on this visa – if you want to roam deeper into China, you'll need a standard tourist visa.

How about Tibet?

To travel to Tibet by air, road or train, you'll need both a China tourist visa (L visa) and a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit. To obtain this mandatory travel document you must book a guide for your entire trip and pre-arrange private transport for trips outside Lhasa. No direct applications are accepted, which effectively means that Tibet can only be visited on an organized tour.

How to apply for a Chinese tourist visa

Applying for a Chinese tourist visa in your home country is the most straightforward process. You'll need to fill out an application form, provide a proposed itinerary, flight ticket and proof of accommodation for your first night in China. If your country of residence is different than the country in which you're applying, the Chinese authorities may charge an extra processing fee for non-citizens.

Some embassies require extra documentation, such as an invitation letter from a person or a company in China, bank statements, and documents proving your employment record. And your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expiry date of your visa.

How much does a China tourist visa cost?

The cost of a Chinese tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa, the length of stay, the number of entries allowed, and your nationality. Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. UK citizens pay £130, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$132, Australian citizens pay A$95 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €111.

Some nationalities are entitled to long-term multiple-entry visas that allow travelers to visit China for stints of 30 to 120 days throughout the duration of the visa. Note these are not residence permits and do not grant any right to live or work in China. Contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest fees for long-term visas.

How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fines are high and may result in being banned from visiting China. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.

Can I extend my Chinese visa?

Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/469 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.

Because of the complicated permit system, extending your stay in Tibet is impossible, and Xinjiang, Beijing and Shanghai can also be tricky places to extend a standard tourist visa. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.

This article was first published Oct 14, 2021 and updated Sep 20, 2024.

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• Consular Service
• People-to-people Exchanges
• Economy & Trade
• Asia-Pacific Cooperation
• Military Exchange
• Science & Technology Cooperation
• Visa Application
• Passports&Travel documents
• Authentication
• Visa Center
• Latest News
• Overview of China-Thailand Relations
• China's Ambassadors to the Thailand
• About Thailand
• Press and Media Service

Holders of valid ordinary passports of the Kingdom of Thailand shall be exempted from visa requirement for entry into,exit from or transit through the territory of China, for each single stay not exceeding thirty (30) days and for a cumulative period of stays not exceeding ninety (90) days in any one hundred and eighty (180)-day-period.The above mentioned passport holders who intend to stay in China for a period of more than thirty (30) days or to reside or engage in employment, study, media activities, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities, shall apply for an appropriate visa before entering China.

1.The application procedures for ordinary visa to China:

(1) An applicant within the Embassy’s consular jurisdiction is required to complete an online application form and upload application documents via the website https://bio.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_ZH .Please print out the first and last page of “Visa Application Form”  and sign on it.

(2) Please submit first and last page of  “Visa Application Form”  ,valid passport and other essential documents  in person and have your fingerprints collected at Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Bangkok .

The following applicants can be exempted from fingerprints collection:

1) Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70;

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas;

3) Applicants who already had their fingerprints collected within the past five years with the same passport at the Chinese Embassy in Thailand or Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Bangkok.

4) Applicants all/some fingerprints of whom are uncollectible.

The four kinds of applicants mentioned above can entrust an agent or agency with application submission.

5) Applicants who apply for single-or double-entry business, tourist, family visit, transit, or crew visas.(The measure will expire on 31 December 2024)

2.Documents Required for Ordinary Visa Application

(1) Visa Application Form and Photo: Printed form filled in online, and hard copy of the photo uploaded;

(2) Original and photocopy of the applicant’s passport (with enough blank visa pages and a validity period of no less than six months from the day of submitting the application);

(3) Original and photocopy of the applicant’s proof of legal stay or residence status in Thailand (applicable to foreign citizens who stay in Thailand other than Thai or Chinese people);

(4) Original of applicant’s previous Chinese passport(s) or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizens who used to have Chinese citizenship).If this is your first time applying for a Chinese visa, the original Chinese passport and photocopy of Chinese passport information page is required.If you have been granted a Chinese visa and hold a new issued foreign passport, photocopies of previous foreign passport information page and previous Chinese visa need to be uploaded.

(5)Other essential documents required according to visa types：

3.Processing Time for Ordinary Visas

(1)Regular Service: If you have submitted all documents required in the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, it normally takes 4 business days (it may vary case by case).

(2)Express Service: If you have a special or emergent situation, you may request an express service (2 or 3 business days) with an additional fee after submitting all documents required in  the  Chinese  Visa  Application  Service  Centre .Approval for such services may or may not be provided by the Chinese Embassy.

4. Other Reminders

(1) For those who intend to visit China for humanitarian reasons, such as visiting an immediate family member who is in critical medical condition, arranging funeral matters of an immediate family member in China, or for other emergencies, please email [email protected] in advance for enquiry.

(2) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.

(3) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.

(4)The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

(5)Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants eligible for Diplomatic, please complete an online application form and upload application documents via the website  https://bio.visaforchina.cn/BKK3_ZH ,submit visa application directly to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand,and for enquiry please email [email protected].

• Useful Links

Cannot be less than the current date

• Notice of the Chinese Embassy in the UK on the Exemption of Fingerprints Collection for Short-term Visa Applicants 2024-09-02
• Notice on applications for Hong Kong and Macau SAR Visas via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center 2024-08-07
• ***Important Notice*** 2023-10-17
• Important Notice on Fingerprints collection of Visa Application 2023-08-03
• Notice of the Chinese Embassy in the UK on Extending the Exemption of Fingerprints Collection for Eligible Types of Visa Applicants 2023-12-15

Visa info More

• Visa Category
• Sample Application Form

Beautiful China

VIP Service at London Visa Application Center

VIP Email：[email protected]

• How to Apply
• Application Requirements
• China Visa Fees
• Entries /Validity /Duration
• 10-year China Visa
• Tourist (L)
• Business (M)
• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• Hong Kong Visa Policy
• Macau Visa Policy
• Chinese Residence Permit

FAQ about Chinese Visa Application

• INSTITUTIONS
• China Tourist Visa
• Here are the documents you are to prepare before submission of visa application
• Getting a visa
• Consular Authentication of Documents in China
• Notice of port visa application procedures for foreigners
• Do I need a visa?
• FAQs about China's port visas
• Other frequently asked questions about Chinese visa
• How can a foreigner travel in China on his own vehicle?
• What documents are needed to apply for group tourist visas?
• What are the requirements for 72-hour transit visa exemption?

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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK .

Immigration authorities may collect biometric data, including scanned fingerprints and photos, to register your entry into China.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering China. 

Passport validity requirements

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367, before or immediately upon receipt.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit mainland China.

You can visit Hainan without a visa if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point. Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information.

Visa-free transit through China is permitted depending on location. See  China Visa Application Centre  or National Immigration Administration website for more information.  

Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.

Applying for a visa

If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa online and then go in person to a visa for China application centre . Officials will take a scan of your fingerprints as part of your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. If you’re aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, you do not have to attend in person.

The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply .

If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you.

If you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit.

Teaching visas

Teachers have been detained and deported for working on the wrong visa. It is your responsibility to check you’re working on the correct visa.

Dual Chinese-British nationality

China does not recognise dual nationality. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be:

• considered by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality
• treated as a Chinese citizen, even if you used a British passport to enter China

If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy will not be able to offer you help. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China .

Working in China

You can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including:

• imprisonment
• deportation
• an exit ban, which stops you from leaving China
• an exclusion order, which stops you from returning

Before you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. If the details are incorrect – even if your employer or others submitted the application on your behalf – the authorities can detain you, fine you or deport you.       

If you are going to change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.

Vaccine requirements 

To enter China, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s China guide .

Registering with the authorities

You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreign nationals’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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