chinese visa for tourist

Part 1. Visa Category

Part 2. Visa Application Processes

Part 3. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category

Part 4 .   Special Reminder

Part 1.   Visa Category

Part 2 .   Visa Application Processes

1.  Complete Visa Application Form Online

Please complete China Online Visa Application Form on the China Online Visa Application website ( cova.mfa.gov.cn ). Print out all pages of Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application which generated automatically.

Please Note:

1) Your application will be declined, or you can be refused entry permission to China if you provided inaccurate, false, or misleading information.

2) You need to upload an ID photo of yourself, and it must meet the visa photo requirement. Your application will be declined if you uploaded a photo of someone else.

3) Applicants must sign on the Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China and Confirmation of Online Visa Application.  

2. Submit application in person  

After completing the online application, applicants need to submit the following documents to the Chinese Embassy in person.

1) Visa Application Form  and Confirmation Form of Online Visa Application.

2) Passport . Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of bio-data page of the passport.

3) Photo . Must be a recent coloured ID photo, facing forward and with white coloured background, and bareheaded.

4)Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-Samoa passport holders applying for Chinese visa in Samoa).

5)Original and photocopy of previous Chinese passport and photocopy of naturalization certificate   (applicable to applicant who was of Chinese nationality and this is the first time to apply for Chinese visa after naturalization in a foreign country). If the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, an official document of name change is required.

6)For children born in Samoa with Samoa Citizenship and Chinese descent applying for Chinese visa for the first time, applicants shall also submit the original and photocopy of birth certificate, the photocopy of parents’ passports and permanent residence permits.

7)Original or photocopy of supporting documents. (Please refer to Part 3)

3. Biometric collection

Applicants are required to have biometric information collected when submitting application at the Embassy.

The following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

1) Applicants who under the age of 14 or over 70.

2) Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants who are eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas. 

3) Applicants holding the same passport with fingerprints collected within 5 years. (The exemption will only be granted when the biometric sticker visa is still identifiable)

4) Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or all ten fingerprints unable to collect;

5) Between 10 August and 31 December 2024, eligible applicants applying for single or double-entry visas under the categories of business, tourism, short-term family visit, transit, and crew membership are exempt from the fingerprint collection requirement.

4 . Payment and Pick-up 　

Applicant should proceed to an ANZ Bank counter with the Pickup Form issued by the Embassy, deposit the fee into the Embassy's bank account in accordance with the fee indicated on the Pickup Form, and fill in the Pickup Number in the reference field.

Once the payment is successful, applicant can collect visa from the Embassy on the date specified on the Pickup Form with the original Pickup Form and the Bank Payment Receipt.

Part 3 . Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category

A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China.

The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures).

3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, a signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date to the destination country or region.

J1 /J2 -Visa  should refer to the requirements of the competent authority.

Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. For invitation letters issued by individual, photocopies of Chinese ID (front and back) of the inviting person must be included. The invitation letter should contain:

2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.).

Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by a relevant entity. The invitation letter should contain:

2) Information on the planned visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity, financial source for expenditures).

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1)Information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address,  a signature of the inviting individual, etc.).

(2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons and granddaughters.

For foster care, the following documents are required:

(1) Foster entrustment notarisation issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China.

(2) Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1)Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.).

(2) Photocopies of both sides of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.

A photocopy of Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents.

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.).

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.

"Immediate family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 and parents-in-law.

For visiting family members for a short period , the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

2)Information on the visit (the purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.).

3)Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit.

(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.

"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, parents-in-law, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters.

For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs  should be provided as required by the consular officer.

1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.

2) Original and photocopy of "Confirmation Form for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202).

Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners

(1) 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.

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

(3) 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.

• Find a Tour
• China Tours
• Student Tours
• MICE Travel
• Destinations
• Virtual Tours

A Quick Guide to Chinese Tourist Visas

Since China does not have mutual visa-free agreements with many countries, ordinary passport holders from most countries who want to visit China as a tourist must obtain a tourist visa (L visa) unless they meet one of the visa exemption criteria.

While it does involve some documentation and logistics, applying for a Chinese tourist visa doesn't require too much effort or time. In this article, we will provide an overview and some tips on how to apply for a tourist visa for China or take advantage of one of the visa exemption policies. Please be aware that all government regulations are subject to change without prior notice. Contact the visa office at the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you for the latest requirements for a Chinese tourist visa.

Types of Chinese Tourist Visa

China usually issues three types of tourist visa: single-entry (valid for 3-6 months), double-entry (valid for 6 months), and multiple-entry (valid for 6 or 12 months). Single-entry tourist visas usually grant a maximum stay of 30 days, but you can ask for up to 90 days. The number of days you receive partly depends on the passport you hold. Tourist visas can normally be extended no more than two times within China.

US citizens are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry visa with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry. In order for US citizens to be eligible for the ten-year visa, US passport holders must have more than one year of validity remaining on their passports. If their passports have one year or less of remaining validity (more than 6 months), they will receive a visa with less than one year of validity.

When and How to Apply for a Tourist Visa

The single-entry tourist visa normally has a validity period of three months so it's best to apply for a China tourist visa 30 to 60 days before your intended date of entry. If you apply too far in advance, the visa may expire before you arrive in China.

Unless you are traveling as part of a group, you will need to arrange your own visa. Some countries have visa agents but this adds substantially to the cost. If you are able to go straight to the embassy/consulate nearest you, it will be cheaper. You can search on the internet to find the Chinese embassy or consulate closest to you. You can also apply for a Chinese visa outside of your home country—just make sure that you are able to fulfill all the application requirements.

Visa applications are normally processed within three to four working days, but you can choose to pay an extra amount for rush service. If you go to the visa office in person, you may be able to get a visa on the same day for a fee.

When applying for Chinese tourist visas, the procedures, requirements, issue time, and fee may vary from country to country. Details and application forms can be found on the website of the Chinese embassy in your country. If you need an invitation letter for your application, we can help issue one.

Whatever country you are applying from, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months at your time of arrival in China.

15 Days Visa-free Policy for Citizens of 12 Countries

Until the end of 2025, citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg with ordinary passports are allowed to enter and stay in China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.

The entry date is calculated as the first day. Visitors entering under this 15-day visa-free policy need to leave China before 24:00 on the 15th day.

24, 72, and 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

China allows 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free stays for travelers from certain countries who transit via mainland China for a third international destination (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are included).

The 24-hour visa-free transit is relatively simple: it applies to travelers from most countries at most Chinese ports of entry, except the airports in Shenzhen, Yanji, Mudanjiang, Fuzhou, and Huangshan. The stopover time is calculated from your scheduled arrival time until your scheduled departure time. Travelers with this visa-free transit are allowed multiple stops (for example, USA-to-Beijing-to-Guangzhou-to-UK) as long as they leave mainland China within 24 hours.

Xi'an, Chongqing, Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha also allow 72-hour visa-free entry for transiting travelers with passports from certain countries. The 72-hour period is counted from the moment you receive your entry permit. Travelers with this visa-free transit are only allowed to travel within the city they entered. For example, if you enter through Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, you are only allowed to travel within the Xi'an area.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, Guangdong, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Liaoning allow 144-hour visa-free entry for transiting travelers with passports from the same countries as the 72-hour visa-free transit. The 144-hour period starts from 00:00 of the day following your arrival; that usually means a few extra hours to spend in China. Travelers with this visa-free transit are not allowed to travel outside the region or province they enter. For example, if you enter through Beijing, you are only allowed to travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province, so you cannot visit Shanghai and/or depart from Shanghai.

Countries that are eligible for the 72-hour & 144-hour visa-free transit

European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, and Monaco Countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile Countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand Asian countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar

Here is a tool from the Chinese government that allows you to check if you are qualified for one of the above forms of visa-free transit.

How to apply for visa-free transit

To apply for any of the above three forms of visa-free transit, you must present your plane, ship, or train ticket with confirmed seat and date (a standby ticket is not acceptable) for a third country that must be different from the country you traveled from. For example, if you are doing a USA-to-Beijing-to-Hong Kong trip, you are eligible for visa-free transit, but if you are doing a USA-to-Beijing-to-USA trip, then you will not be eligible. You may also need a visa for the third country or region if applicable.

Make sure that your passport is valid at least 6 months from the date of entry, and remember to fill the arrival/departure card at the airport or on the airplane before you land before you apply for the visa-free entry permit.

Other Visa Exemption Policies

Travelers holding a valid ordinary passport from one of the following countries are eligible to visit Hainan province for 30 days without a visa: Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus.

Visitors must travel with a travel agency registered in Hainan province. They can enter Hainan Island through any airport or ship port in Hainan province, but are not allowed to travel outside the province.

Foreign travelers arriving in Shanghai on a cruise ship can visit Shanghai and some other Chinese cities (including Beijing) for up to 15 days without a visa provided they leave China on the same ship. Travelers making use of the 15-day visa exemption are required to travel with tour groups (of a minimum of two people) organized by a travel agency that is registered in China. Travel agencies must submit details of their tour groups to the authorities at least 24 hours before the ships arrive in Shanghai; this means that travelers need to book the tour in advance to leave enough time for the travel agency to complete the application.

No visa is required for ordinary passport holders from the following countries: 90 days: San Marino 30 days: Bahamas; Ecuador; Fiji; Grenada; Mauritius; Serbia; Seychelles; Tonga; Barbados (June 1st, 2017) 15 days: Brunei; Japan; Singapore

Travel to Tibet

The requirements for visiting Tibet are very different from those for other provinces in China. All travelers to Tibet must arrange their trip in advance with a registered travel agency. This is the rule and there are no exceptions. Tibetan authorities issue a Tibet Travel Permit only after a traveler has secured a Chinese visa. Depending on the places you would like to visit in Tibet, you may need further documents such as a Military Permit and/or Alien Travel Permit. Contact us for the most up-to-date information on how to travel to Tibet.

Important Note

Be sure to double check the visa requirements at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before you travel to China, as China's visa policies, especially their visa exemption policies, can be confusing and are subject to change from time to time. Sometimes the visa rules may be interpreted differently by various cruise lines or local officials at the port of entry.

In order to avoid any possible confusion or inconvenience, we suggest that every traveler who plans to take advantage of any visa-free policies check with the relevant port of entry in China or the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country before you travel to China. Before you board the plane bound for China, you can also ask your airline to check if you will be able to get the visa-free entry permit upon arrival. If you are not sure whether you are eligible for the visa-free entry permit, you can instead apply for a regular transit visa or a tourist visa in your home country. If you are planning a tour with us, our travel specialists will also help you with the visa issues. ■

The China Guide is a Beijing-based travel agency that customizes private tours, educational student tours, and incentive trips across China. We have more than ten years of experience crafting tours for tens of thousands of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and beyond. We promise all our tours have no hidden fees, no shopping stops, no touristy restaurants, just memorable experiences! Learn more about us or contact us to start planning your perfect China trip .

• Eating and Drinking in China
• Best and Worst Time to Travel to China
• Traveling in China as a Wheelchair User
• Safety Tips for Travelers to China
• Cash or Credit Card? How to Pay for Things in China
• Healthcare in China and Travel Insurance
• Everything You Need to Know about Chinese Toilet
• The Best Souvenirs to Bring Back from China
• How to Book Forbidden City Tickets Online
• How to Avoid the Crowds When Traveling in China
• The 10 Breakfast Foods You Should Try in China
• 10 Movies to Watch Before Your First Trip to China
• Five of the Best Documentaries about China
• Using Your Cell Phone and the Internet While Traveling in China
• The China Guide Rated "Excellent" Since 2012 on Tripadvisor
• 10 Best Tours for First-Time Travelers to China
• Report: Choices of Travelers to China
• How to Set up Alipay for Mobile Payments before Traveling to China

Q :How to apply for a Chinese visa?

A: I. Filling out the COVA form. Complete the online application form at the China Online Visa Application (COVA) website . Please refer to the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in the United States  and select corresponding Embassy/Consulate-General when you submit the form online. Attention: Once the application form is submitted, it cannot be modified. Please make sure that the information is true, accurate, and complete.

II. Preparing documents. Prepare the required documents by referring to the Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application . The application documents for each visa type consist of two parts: basic documents and general documents. Please read the instructions carefully.

III.  Submitting the physical documents. Print out the full set of paper application form and required documents. Submit them in person or by an agent within office hours of the corresponding Embassy or Consulate-General.  The Visa Section of the Embassy locates at: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007 .  Office hours: 9:30-14:30 (Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays).   The staff will review the documents and schedule the time for pickup. Usually, it will take 4 working days if the application meets all the requirements.

If there is an urgent need for travel, the applicant may apply for expedited processing by presenting the supporting documents. The processing time will be 3 working days (additional fee will be charged).

In some cases, it may take longer-than-usual-time, please be patient and wait for pickup notice.

IV . Pickup. Please use credit card (Master or Visa), Money Order or Cashier's Check for payment. More details .

Q: After I finished  the COVA form , I f ind  there is incorrect/incomplete information .   D o I need to fill out another  form?

A: Core personal information including Name (full name, middle name included) , Gender, Date of Birth, Current Nationality, Passport/Travel Document Type and Number must be exactly the same as the personal information page of the applicant’s passport. If any information above is incorrect, the applicant must fill out another application form.  As to other information, please follow the instructions of the staff on-site to correct or supplement.

Q: My passport expires in  6 months/ has less than 2 visa pages, can I use it to apply for a Chinese visa?

A: No. Please renew the passport first.

Q: I renewed my passport recently. I previously had a Chinese visa on my expired passport which is still within the valid period.Do  I need to apply for a new visa ?

A: Please check whether there is any change of Name, Gender, Date of Birth and Nationality between the new and expired passports. If the information above has not changed and the purpose of your upcoming trip to China is consistent with the visa type, a new visa is not required. Please travel to China with both passports. If your personal information has changed or the purpose of your trip to China is different from the type of current visa, please apply for a new visa.

Q: I am a Chinese citizen. My child was born in the U.S. with a U.S. passport. What are the requirements for my child applying Chinese visa for the first time?

A: According to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, a person whose parents are both Chinese nationals and have both settled abroad, or one of whose parents is a Chinese national and has settled abroad (for example, holding a non-conditional permanent resident card  of the U.S. ) , and who has acquired foreign nationality at birth shall not have Chinese nationality. These foreign nationals are required to apply for a visa to travel to China. Please refer to the Chinese Visa Application Requirements for U.S.-born Children of Chinese Descent .

Q: I live in Florida . Florida   belongs to the embassy's consular jurisdiction,   but it is far from D.C.. C an I apply my Chinese visa through the mail?

A:The Chinese Embassy does not provide mailing services for visa application. Please follow  Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application  and submit the application material in person or by an agent.

Q: It has been more than 4 working days since I submitted my application documents to the Embassy but   I haven't obtained my visa   yet. What will be the reason of delay ?

A: Please check the email address or phone number provided in the COVA form. The Embassy might inform the applicants to provide additional documents. Also, check with your agent for updated information. Some applications may take longer to process. If the staff informs you to wait for phone call to pick up, please be patient.

Q: Why the visa is different from my application in terms of type/number of entries/validity/duration of each stay?

A: Whether to issue a visa, the type of visa, number of entries, validity and duration of each stay will be determined by consular officials. Consular officials will take the applicant's purpose of travel, the duration of stay and the supporting documents into comprehensive consideration and make the decision.

Q: I found that my personal information on the visa is inaccurate. What should I do?

A: Please contact the Visa Section of the Embassy through email [email protected]  or call 202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays) as soon as possible. You may also contact staff on-site to adjust the information in time.

Q: My 10-year multi-entry visa was suspended due to the COVID-19. Is there any compensation measures?

A: U.S. citizens holding multi-year multi-entry visas issued by Chinese authorities abroad before March 28, 2020 under bilateral reciprocity agreements, whose visas temporarily suspended of use between March 28, 2020 and March 14, 2023 due to the COVID-19, may apply for compensation. However, if a new multi-year multi-entry visa or residence permit has been issued after March 28, 2020, no compensation will be given for the original multi-year multi-entry visa. Applicants may choose whether to apply for compensation after the expiration of their visas. A three-year multi-entry visa can be applied free of charge in compensation. If applicants choose to give up the compensation, a new 10-year multi-entry visa can be applied for with normal charge. Please check for more details .

• [email protected]
• 86-773-286-5632 (Intl rates apply)

China L Visa (Tourist Visa): Requirements & Application

Until December 31, 2025 , citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland with ordinary passports can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days.  If you're from Singapore or Thailand, you can enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 30 days.

If your country isn't listed above, or you wish to stay in China for more than 15 days, we offer a Port Visa Service for just USD 100 p.p. when you book a tour with us. No embassy visits or visa interviews are required, saving you a lot of hassle.

China L Visa (Tourist Visa) is designed for foreigners who wish to visit China for tourism.

In this article, we will share the details of the China L Visa, including the application process, requirements, and other vital information to ensure your trip to China goes smoothly.

Who Needs a China L Visa?

China L Visa is required for normal visits to China Mainland for almost every foreigner.

If you are planning to travel to China and you are not eligible for any of China's visa-free policies (such as the 144-hour transit visa exemption ), then you need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to enter China.

China Tourist Visa Requirements

To successfully obtain a China L Visa, you are required to provide the following documents:

1. A Valid Passport

Original signed passport with at least six months validity and two blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

2. A Completed Visa Application Form

The China visa application form  can be downloaded from the China embassy website of your country or our website. You need to complete it by computer, print and sign it. 

3. A Recent Passport-Style Photograph

You need to prepare a recently taken color photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background of the size of 48mm×33mm.

4. Proof of Legal Entry or Residence Status (applicable to applicants who apply for visas outside their country of nationality)

If you are not applying for the China visa in the country of your citizenship, you need to provide proof of legal stay, residence, work, or study in your current location, as well as a copy of the document.

5. Original Chinese Passport or China Visa (applicable to former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign nationality)

If you are applying for a China visa for the first time after acquiring foreign citizenship, you need to provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport's information page.

If you have previously obtained a China visa and are now applying for a China visa with a new foreign passport, you need to provide a copy of the information page of your new foreign passport, as well as copies of the China visas issued on your previous passport.

In case the name on your new passport is different from the name on your original passport, you will also need to provide an official document proving the name change.

6. Additional Supporting Documents for China Tourist Visa

If you are planning independent travel (free travel) in China, you need to provide proof of round-trip international flight tickets and hotel reservations within China.

If you will join a guided tour within China, you need to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered China travel agency.

The invitation letter should include the following information:

• The invited person's personal information includes full name, gender, and date of birth.
• The invited person's planned itinerary includes arrival and departure dates and tourist destinations.
• The information of the inviting entity or individual, including their name, contact number, address, official seal or signature, and legal representative or inviter's signature.

If you travel with us, we will create a valuable tour for you and provide you with an invitation letter for free if you request. Please contact us for more details.

China Tourist Visa Application - How to Get a China L Visa?

Step 1:  Prepare essential documents according to China Tourist Visa Requirements.

Step 2:  Submit all necessary documents in person at the nearest China Embassy or Consulate in your country. You can make an appointment online at China Online Visa Application  (COVA).

Some Chinese Embassies and Consulates have established China Visa Application Service Centers  (CVASC) to handle the application process. You can submit the required documents directly to them. The CVASC will accept and forward the application to the embassy for further processing and issuance.

Step 3:  Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip. Check details of China Tourist Visa Fees.

Step 4:  Once your application is approved, collect your passport and China Visa on the assigned date (usually within a week). The processing time may vary, check the details of China Tourist Visa Processing Time.

With the pick-up slip, you may pick up your passport in person or with a trustworthy person for help.

China Tourist Visa Processing Time

Typically, Chinese embassies or consulates abroad can process tourist visas within four to five working days . However, in certain special circumstances, the processing time may be extended at the discretion of the embassy or consulate.

You are advised to submit the visa application approximately one month before the intended date of entry. This allows for sufficient time for processing and ensures that the visa is obtained on time.

It is always recommended to plan and allow ample time for visa processing, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience to China.

China Tourist Visa Cost - How Much Is a China L Visa?

The cost of a China tourist visa varies depending on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa, the processing time chosen, and where you submit the application.

For example, if you are going to apply for a China L visa in the US, here are the visa fees.

Visa fees for certain non-U.S. citizens may vary from the list above based on reciprocal agreements. Please check with the Visa Office for special fees.

How Many Times Can I Enter China on a Tourist Visa?

The number of entries allowed on a China tourist visa depends on the type of visa issued. In general, there are single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry tourist visas available.

A single-entry visa  allows the holder to enter China only once during the visa's validity period. Once you leave China, the visa becomes invalid, and if you plan to re-enter, you will need to apply for a new visa.

The duration of stay for each entry is usually limited to 30 days.

A double-entry visa  permits two entries into China within the visa's validity period. This means you can enter China on two separate occasions. After the second entry, the visa becomes invalid.

The multiple-entry visa  grants multiple entries into China within the visa's validity period. With this visa, you can enter and exit China multiple times during the specified duration.

China 10-Year Visa (Long-term Visa)

China's 10-year visa is an option for travelers who frequently visit China for tourism or personal purposes.

This long-term visa allows multiple entries into China over up to ten years. The maximum stay per visit is 60 days for tourists.

If you are holding a US, Canadian, or UK passport, you are now eligible for a 10-year visa for tourism.

Can I Apply for the China L Visa Online?

No, you can’t apply for and get a China visa online. E-visa is not available in China . The consular officer needs your passport to put the visa in it, you are required to have your fingerprints collected.

It is possible to download the visa application form and submit it online.

Suppose you are eligible for the China Online Visa Application system . In that case, you can fill in the application form online and print it out to submit it at your nearest visa application center.

If not, you need to download the China Visa Application Form , print it out, and fill in it. 

You Might Want to Read

• How to Apply for a China Visa
• China Visa on Arrival
• China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized trip

Create Your Trip

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Travel China Cheaper

Travel China the smart way! Expert tips and travel advice for China tourists and expats.

PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here

China Visa for US Citizens in 2024 | Information Guide and FAQ

February 27, 2024 By Josh Summers

What is the application process of a China visa for US citizens in 2024? So much has changed now that China has re-opened post-COVID. What do you need to do? How long will this take? What kind of visas are available? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know as a US citizen applying for a Chinese visa.

If you’re like most people, you have multiple questions about applying for your China visa. Everything from what documents you need to apply to whether or not you can send in your application by mail (hint… you can’t mail in a China visa ).

To make matters worse, the Chinese embassy website is a mess (seriously). It’s hard to find any organized, useful information on there.

As a citizen of the United States myself, I’ve applied for over a dozen different visas ranging from tourist visas to student visas to dependent visas to business visas.

I’ve learned a lot through the process and I’m hoping I’ll be able to provide you with guidance and answer some of your most pressing questions.

China Visa for US Citizens

• Covid Restrictions

China Visa Requirements for US Citizens

• Cost & Time to Get a Visa
• FAQ: China Visa for US Citizens
• Step 1: Embassy
• Step 2: Application
• Step 3: Submission

Use the navigation links above to jump to a specific section, or continue to scroll to read more about getting a China visa for US citizens.

Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use one of the services listed. I only recommend what I’ve personally used, and I appreciate your support!

Covid Requirements & Restrictions (Updated 2024)

Let’s begin with the elephant in the room: the global pandemic known as Covid-19.

Despite the fact that Covid first appeared in China back in December of 2019 , it wasn’t until 2024 that the country officially re-opened to new visa applications.

Now, for a US citizen trying to get into China right now, the process has changed quite a bit, which includes a new online application and appointment system. Here are a few of the requirements and restrictions you’ll face:

• New Online Application: Before applying for any China visa, you will now be required to submit an online application to get an ID number. You can’t make an appointment without an ID, and if even one bit of the application has an error or was filled out wrong, you will need to submit a new application to get a new ID.
• Limited Appointments: In an effort to create efficiency, China implemented a new process whereby an appointment was required to apply for a visa. Unfortunately, this creates a huge bottleneck since there are limited appointments (the embassy seems to be trying to add more slots).

Thankfully, visitors are no longer required to quarantine upon entering China . This policy, of course, can change at any moment and it’s impossible for me to keep this article updated with daily changes. This is why I always suggest using a reputable China visa agency to help you with the process since they usually have the most up-to-date knowledge of what’s happening.

The China Visa requirements for US citizens is slightly different for each type of China visa.

I’ll go over the variances below, but first, here are the items that are the same no matter what kind of China visa you’re applying for.

• China Visa Application ID : Every China visa requires that the applicant go through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) . BUT…before you go filling out this form, be sure that you’re ready with everything you need. One of the reasons I recommend using Passport Visas Express is because they coach you through filling this out so you don’t make any errors. Any errors result in an immediate rejection!
• U.S. Passport: The passport must have 6 months of validity, measured from the date at which you are scheduled to land in China. It also needs to have at least two (2) blank pages in the passport – one for the visa and one for the customs stamps.
• Proper Headshot Photo: This photo must follow the general requirements of all passport visa photos: no head covering, no smile, nothing covering the eyes (regular glasses allowed, not sunglasses). The background should be pure white.

• Itinerary with Hotel and Flight Confirmations: It used to be that China required visitors to present a travel itinerary that included confirmed hotels and flights. Thankfully, these annoying requirements have been dropped . And once you are issued your visa, you are also not required to maintain any kind of itinerary. Nobody anywhere in China will check your visa against a submitted itinerary as you travel.

These are the requirements of all visa applicants, no matter you’re a student, a tourist or a person doing business.

If you’re planning to apply for a specific visa other than a tourist (L) visa, check the following requirements:

• China C Visa (Crew): You’ll also need to present a letter of guarantee issued by your transportation company.
• China J Visa (Journalist): You will need to present a Visa Notification letter issued by China’s Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. This is in addition to an official letter from your media organization.
• China M Visa (Business): For those doing business, you will need to present the invitation letter issued by your Chinese trade partner or fair organizer on the Chinese side.
• China Q1 & Q2 Visas (Family Visitation): You will need an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen that includes their residence permit, copies of their passport and other documentation.
• China S1 & S2 Visas (Student): Students will need to submit a JW202 form to the institution where they intend to study. Once this has been approved, they will be given a letter of invitation that they will need to submit with their China visa application.
• China Z Visa (Work Visa): If you will be teaching English in China or some other form of business, you will need to submit a Foreigners Employment Permit and a letter of invitation from the company with whom you will work. Your school or company should supply these.

The problem here is that these requirements can be very confusing and one wrong document can mean your Chinese visa application is rejected. It’s a huge waste of time and money!

This is why I always recommend people use a professional visa service to help the process. I’ve personally used Passport Visas Express many times from here in the United States and it’s been a great experience. I highly recommend them.

No-Hassle China Visa Service!

Get 10% off service fees with this link:

BONUS: I’ve negotiated an exclusive discount for TravelChinaCheaper readers that means when you use my link for Passport Visas Express , you’ll get a 10% discount on their services!

Cost & Time | China Visa for US Citizens

For those interested in a China visa for US citizens, the two most common questions have to do with the cost and the timing of the visa.

Let me address both of those questions here.

How much does a China visa cost for a US passport holder?

For 2024, the cost of a China visa for US citizens remains US$145. This is the same whether you apply for a 6-month visa, a 1-year visa or even a 10-year visa.

This visa service fee for US citizens can be paid by Visa, Mastercard, Money Order or Cashier’s Check (make check payable to “Chinese Embassy”). The Chinese embassy does not accept cash or personal checks.

**Note**: This cost is accurate as of March 2024. While visa application fees don’t change often, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Check with your nearest Chinese consulate in the United States to find out the most current visa fees.

How long does it take to receive a China visa in the United States?

Processing times prior to the pandemic were 4 business days, but Covid has made things a bit less “normal”. Because of the new appointment system, that processing time jumped to somewhere between 26-29 business days.

Thankfully, that timeframe is slowly decreasing, but it’s still good to give plenty of time for the visa process.

There are expedited services available, but so far they don’t seem to speed up any part of the process except the mailing of documents (using next-day mail). It’s best to just plan for this process to take a while.

How to Apply for a China Visa for US Citizens

The application process to get a China visa for US citizens is pretty straight forward. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Another unfortunate reality is that not every China consulate follows the same rules, so keep that in mind.

Step 1: Submit a COVA (China Online Visa Application)

Before you can visit the China embassy/consulate or submit your visa application, you will first need to fill out the COVA, or China Online Visa Application , to receive a visa ID number.

Step 2: Make Appointment at the China Embassy/Consulate

Unfortunately, you can’t just apply to any Chinese embassy. You must apply to the embassy that serves the state which is your legal residence (i.e. the state listed on your driver’s license).

Based on this map, you’ll see that if your legal residence is Tennessee, you will have to apply for your Chinese visa in Washington D.C. If you try to apply in Los Angeles, your application will be rejected.

Note: Due to ongoing political tensions, China was ordered to close the China consulate in Houston . Residents of the southern states are now directed to the embassy in Washington D.C..

You will need to use the ID from the COVA in step 1 to make an appointment at the embassy.

Step 3: Bring Documents & Passport to Consulate for Appointment

Once you have your COVA ID and an appointment, you have to wait for that time to physically bring your passport and all of the required documentation with you to the consulte.

You cannot mail this in!

Unless you live next to a consular office, this is on reason why it’s best to work with a visa service like Passport Visas Express . Somebody has to bring your passport and documents to the appointment, and it’s usually easier to have a trusted service do it for you.

The last thing you want it to show up for an appointment only to find out that you didn’t bring the right documents or you filled out the COVA incorrectly. A visa service helps to prevent that.

They will pick up your passport once the visa has been issued and mail it back to you.

The link above includes a 10% discount on your visa service fee, so make sure you take advantage of the savings!

Frequently Asked Questions | China Visa for US Citizens

In addition to all the information I’ve shared above, I get a number of other questions from travelers about getting a China visa for US citizens. Hopefully this can answer some of your questions as well.

Yes. These visa-free policies were suspended during COVID but are now slowly being reinstated. There are a number of specific requirements to get a transit visa and not every person fits them.  Read more about the China transit visa  to get up-to-date information.

Yes. The crazy thing is,  China’s 10-year visa  is the same price as any other visa available to Chinese citizens, so there’s no reason not to apply for the 10-year China visa for US citizens.

No. While an invitation letter might make the process easier, it’s not necessary. Instead of a letter of invitation, you can submit an itinerary that details all your flights and hotels, although this is no longer required for China visa applications.

No. There is no point in the China visa process when the embassy or customs will ask for proof of immunizations or check your health. This only happens if you apply to stay long-term. Still, I recommend you check  what vaccinations are recommended for US citizens in China .

At this time, there aren’t. While the relationship of the two countries isn’t great, there are no travel restrictions for US citizens in China. That said, you might want to check the  US State Department China travel page  for any warnings prior to your China travel.

Final Thoughts | Getting a Chinese Visa as a US Citizens

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the process for a US citizen to get a Chinese visa is pretty straight forward. There are no major hoops to jump through and no big pitfalls you need to watch out for.

That said, the application form can be a bit confusing at times and the act of turning in the application to the right consulate is inconvenient for some.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to use a reliable China visa service to handle the process. You ship your passport and application to them, they’ll look it over for any mistakes and then submit it on your behalf.

If you’re needing a recommendation, I’ve used Passport Visas Express for many different kinds of visas and it’s been a great process. I highly recommend them.

Further Reading & Resources

Traveling or Moving to China Soon?

Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip !

Download the Tips Here

About Josh Summers

Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.

Are you planning to travel or move to China soon?

Don't miss out on these 44 money-saving tips!

© 2024 Go West Ventures LLC   |  Best-Selling China Travel Guide    |    Contact    |    Affiliate Disclaimer    |    Privacy Policy

China Travel Restrictions & Travel Advisory (Updated June 17, 2024)

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.

Content Preview

• What Ways to Enter China
• Do I Still Need a PCR Test to Enter China
• Hong Kong/Macau Travel Restriction

International Flights to China

What to expect when traveling in china, best times to travel to china, 8 ways to enter china: all open now.

Since China has fully permitted visa applications, there are now several ways to enter the country.

If you still hold a valid Chinese visa (any type including a tourist visa, 10-year visa, a port visa, etc.), you can use it to enter China.

If you don't have a Chinese visa or your visa has expired, you can apply for a new one. All visas can now be applied for, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and so on. (International visitors can apply for a tourist visa to the Chinese Mainland in Hong Kong.)

For the documents required for a visa application, you can refer to the information given by a Chinese embassy/consulate . Please submit your application at least two months in advance.

To apply for a tourist visa (L visa), you will be asked to provide an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency or individual or round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings.

When booking a private tour with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter, which is one more thing we do to make your travel more convenient, giving you more flexibility with your air tickets and hotel bookings.

Now it is very easy to apply for a visa . You can easily apply by yourself without an intermediary. The following is how one of our clients successfully applied for a Chinese tourist visa:

• First, fill out the form at the China Online Visa Application website ;
• Second, make an appointment on this website to submit your visa materials on Appointment for Visa Application Submission website ;
• Third, take the required documents to the embassy to submit;
• Finally, you will get a return receipt if your documents are qualified.

Usually, you will get your visa after 7 working days. The application fee is about USD185 for US citizens.

Q: What if my passport expires but my visa doesn't?

A: You can travel to China on the expired passport containing valid Chinese visa in combination with the new passport, provided that the identity information (name, date of birth, gender, nationality) on both passport identical.

If there is a change to any of the above details, you must apply for a new visa.

2. 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

If you do not apply for a Chinese visa, you may still have the opportunity to visit these areas of China visa free: the Shanghai area (including Suzhou, Hangzhou, etc.), the Beijing area (with Tianjin and Hebei), the Guangzhou area (Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.), and more. Take advantage of the 6-day visa-free entitlements.

Find out if you could use the 144-hour visa-free transit policy with our information on China's 144-hour Visa-Free Policy (Eligible Entry/Exit Ports, Applicable Countries, Documents to be Prepared...)

You can also obtain entry and exit control policies through the 24-hour hotline of the National Immigration Administration:

• Beijing: 0086 (+86)-10-12367
• Shanghai: 0086 (+86)-21-12367
• Guangzhou: 0086 (+86)-20-12367

Quick Test: Will My Route Qualify for China 72/144-Hour Visa-Free Transit?

1. I will depart from (only applies to direct or connected flight):

2. I will arrive in China at [city], [airport / railway station / port].

3. My arrival date is...

4. I will leave for [country/region] from China (the bounding destination on the air ticket):

5. My departure date is...

6. My nationality is...

8. I have Chinese visa refusal stamps in my passport.

You qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour visa-free policy.

You qualify to enjoy China's 144-hour visa-free policy.

You don't qualify to enjoy China's 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free policy.

Reason you don't qualify:

• You must be in transit to a third country or region.
• You must leave the city area (prefecture or municipality) after the 72/144 hours (the 72/144-hour limit is calculated starting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, i.e. 24:00 on the arrival date).
• Your passport must be valid for more than 3 months at the time of entry into China.
• Your passport nationality is not eligible for the 72/144-hour visa exemption program.
• You have Chinese visa refusal stamps in your passport.

3. Port Visas (Landing Visas)

If you don't have time to get a visa, or if you find it cumbersome to apply for a tourist visa, you could consider traveling to China through a port visa.

Port visas can be applied for a group at least including 2 people. You need to enter the country within 15 days after you get your entry permit. The port visa allows a stay period of 1 to 2 months.

Applicable ports include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Guilin, Xi'an, Chengdu, etc.

Book your China trip with us and we can help you apply for a port visa.

4. Visa Exemption for ASEAN Tour Groups to Guilin

In addition, tour groups from ASEAN member countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines, can visit Guilin for 144 hours without visas as long as they meet the visa-free transit policy requirements.

5. Shanghai Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups

Shanghai has a 15-day visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via a cruise. You must arrive and depart on the same cruise and be received by a Chinese travel agent at the Shanghai Cruise Terminal (or Wusong Passenger Center).

6. Hainan Visa-Free Access

No visa is required for staying on Hainan Island for up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders from 59 countries. Groups and individual tourists must book a tour through an accredited travel agency.

Find out whether you qualify for the policy here .

7. Visa Exemption for the Pearl River Delta Area

International travelers from Hong Kong or Macau are able to visit the Pearl River Delta area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.) visa-free as long as they go with a registered tour provider, such as us.

8. APEC Cards

If you hold a valid APEC business travel card, you can simply enter China with the card without applying for a visa.

Travelers who hold a valid APEC business travel card can stay in China for up to 60 days.

• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour - Essence of Beijing
• 11-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai Tour - Classic Wonders
• 13-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai Educational Family Vacation

Do I Still Need a PCR Test or Antigen Self-Test to Enter China

No. Starting from August 30, all travelers entering China will no longer need to undergo any COVID-19 testing. You do not need to submit any test results for COVID-19 before departure.

• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour - China Golden Triangle
• 13-Day Riches of China - Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Hangzhou - Suzhou – Shanghai

Hong Kong / Macau Travel Restriction

Hong kong entry requirements.

Travelers from any region bound for Hong Kong will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test) from April 1.

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Hong Kong to the Chinese Mainland. Hong Kong could be a good gateway for your China trip. See suggestions on China Itineraries from Hong Kong (from 1 Week to 3 Weeks).

Direct high-speed trains from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Hong Kong are available now. In preparation for the Canton Fair, it is expected that direct high-speed ferries will be launched from Guangzhou Pazhou Port to Hong Kong's airport in mid-April.

• 10 Top China Tours from Hong Kong

Macau Entry Requirement

From August 30, travelers from any region bound for Macau will no longer need to take pre-flight COVID-19 tests (no PCR test, no RAT test).

There is also no need for any tests when traveling from Macau to the Chinese Mainland.

Inbound and outbound international flights in the week beginning March 6th rose by more than 350% compared with a year earlier, to nearly 2,500 flights, according to Chinese flight tracking data from APP Flight Master.

At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable. Testing at transit airports is now not required!

The Coronavirus outbreak in China has subsided. China looks like it did in 2019 again. No special measures (like PCR tests or health codes) are required when traveling around China. All attractions are open as normal.

Wearing a mask is not mandatory when traveling. In hotels, masks are off for the most part. But in some crowded places, such as airports or subway stations, many people still wear masks.

Weather-wise, the best times to visit China are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when most of the popular places have their most tourism-friendly weather, except for the "golden weeks" — the first week of May and of October — when most attractions are flooded with Chinese tourists.

If you are looking for smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather, you should consider March and April or September.

Tourism in cultural and historical destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an is hardly affected by weather conditions. They are suitable to be visited all year round.

• 11-Day Family Happiness - Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin/Yangshuo-Shanghai
• 13-Day Private Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu –Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai - China Essence and Panda Tour
• More Chengdu and Panda tours

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Tour China with Us

We've been building our team for over 20 years. Even over the past three years we have continued, serving over 10,000 expats with China tours and getting a lot of praise (see TripAdvisor ).

We are based in China and can show you the characteristics and charm of China from a unique perspective. Just contact us to create your China trip .

Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and prepare the best plan for you.

• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Highlights Tour — the classic Golden Triangle
• 11-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai — our top itinerary for families
• 2-Week Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai Tour — the best choice for panda fans

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty & Referral Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) – The Complete Guide

If you need information about how to obtain a tourist visa (or L visa) for China, you’ve come to the right place.

If instead, you’re interested in another type of visa (work, student, business, etc) then you can read our complete guide on Chinese visas .

Do I need a visa to visit China as a tourist?

• You are in transit in China for less than 144 hours .
• If you’re staying in Shenzhen (on the border of Hong Kong) for less than five days or in Zhuhai (at the border with Macao) for less than three days .
• If you’re staying on Hainan Island with an organized tour with a minimum of five people for a maximum of fifteen days.

To stay for tourism reasons in Hong Kong or Macao for less than six months no visa is required (depending on your nationality).

When should I apply for a Chinese visa?

Where can i apply for a chinese tourist visa, in your country.

In many countries visas are by now handled by the CVASC ( Chinese Visa Application Service Center ).

As far as the United States goes, you need to contact the Chinese Consulate in your state of residence ( here you’ll find a list of consulates ).

If you’re not a US resident and your country isn’t on the CVASC list (see the link above), then you’ll have to contact one of the Chinese Consulates in your own country.

Note that, aside from rare exceptions, it’s not possible to send your passport and request a visa through the mail; you have to show up in person at the CVASC or at the Chinese Consulate.

If for some reason you don’t want to, or you can’t show up personally, you can use an agency to get your Chinese Visa . This will have a supplementary cost, but it may still be cheaper than the cost of the trip to the nearest CVASC or Chinese Consulate.

In this case, you’ll have to send your passport (and other necessary documents) to the agency and they will handle everything. To apply for a visa service through an agency you can use the form above on the right.

At the moment we recommend Visa HQ, a reputable agency that charges 79 USD for its Chinese Visa service. Click here to learn more!

From 2016, in some cases, you can also apply for a group visa online . You can click on the previous link to learn more.

Even if in theory you can only apply for the visa in your country of residence, in practicality you can also get it elsewhere, so long as it’s a country that holds diplomatic relations with China. The easiest place to get one is certainly Hong Kong. You can check out our complete guide to applying for a Chinese visa in Hong Kong to learn more.

How long will a Chinese visa last?

How much does a chinese visa cost and how long will it take to get one.

In general, obtaining a visa will take four business days. To get a visa in 2-3 business days you can apply for the Express Service (it costs an additional 20 USD); while to get a visa within one business day you can apply for Rush Service (which costs an additional 30 USD). Note that the Rush Service is granted only in documented cases of extreme urgency.

What documents will I need to get a visa?

• A passport valid for at least six months (that is it will not expire in less than six months and has at least two empty pages);
• Photocopy of your passport (both the photo page and pages with Chinese visas);
• A properly filled-out visa application ( you can download it here );
• Two passport photos;
• A return air ticket to and from China ( click here to read our guide on flights to China ) plus your intended itinerary during your stay in China;
• Your proposed itinerary for your stay in China . Even if, in my opinion, it’s a formality since I’ve never heard of anyone getting in trouble for not having followed the itinerary presented during the visa application process (obviously so long as you don’t go to Tibet – or in other limited access areas – without having the necessary permits);
• Receipt from the hotel, which must be reserved before applying for the visa and contain the full names of all people that will apply for the visa ( click here to read our guide to reserve a hotel in China ).
• As an alternative to a hotel receipt, you can also present an invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a residence permit. The letter should contain information about the applicant (such as your name, gender, and date of birth), information about your stay in China (itinerary, length of stay, etc), and information about the person that is inviting you (name, telephone number, address, signature and copy of their Chinese identity card, or if the person isn’t Chinese, a copy of their passport pages containing their photo and residence permit).

How do you read a Chinese visa?

The visa is valid for three or six months from the date of issue. If for example you have a visa valid for three months, the visa will become unusable if you don’t enter into China within three months of the issue date (this is the reason that you don’t want to apply for a visa too soon).

Number of entries

The number of times you can enter and exit China with the same visa. If you have a single entry visa, this will expire automatically once you leave China (note that visiting Hong Kong or Macao counts as leaving the country).

The number of days you can stay in China (starting from the day you enter the country). For a tourist visa the stay is a maximum of 60 days.

Can I extend the length of my Chinese visa?

About The Author

Sapore di Cina

Related posts.

The Stone Forest and the legend of Ashima

From Lijiang to Lugu Lake: Chronicle of a Hectic Trip

Gubeikou: Hiking on the Wild Great Wall

3 thoughts on “chinese tourist visa (l visa) – the complete guide”.

Hi there :) I am planning a bike travel to China. However, I plan to exit China via land border and therefore will not be able to provide a return flight ticket. Do you know how to handle that at the visa application? All the best!

You can try to provide a train ticket, but it will depend on the embassy o CVASC if they accepted it or not. Notice that at the moment they are not emitting tourist visas (it seems that tomorrow they will start again), so the requirements could change.

The information is well understood. Thou would like to help me with agency what it means

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Get 3 Months FREE with EXPRESS VPN

+ Best VPN For China + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee + 24/7 Live China Customer Support + 3 Months Free on 12 Months Package

How do I get a visa for China?

Oct 14, 2021 • 6 min read

The first step towards walking along the Great Wall is getting a visa for China © Hung Chung Chih / 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. Though the country shut up tight after the world’s first COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan in January 2020, China is making fast progress towards its 85% vaccination target and international tourism is expected to resume by 2022.

Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for China, based on the requirements in place before the pandemic, which are likely to remain when China reopens to international tourists. Always check the latest regulations with the Chinese authorities before you travel.

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 a few nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center – their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. 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?

Holders of passports from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of Brunei, Japan and Singapore get 15 days, citizens of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Tonga, and the United Arab Emirates get 30 days, citizens of Mauritius get 60 days, and citizens of Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and San Marino get 90 days.

Who can get a transit visa?

Visitors from 49 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, 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, Guangzhou, 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, or to Hong Kong or Macau . These visas start counting down at 12.01 am on the date following arrival and there are restrictions on where you can travel within each region. 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. British visitors to Hong Kong get 180 days, and South Africans get 30 days. To travel from here 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 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

By far the most straightforward option is to apply in your home country. If your country of residence is different, the Chinese authorities may charge an extra processing fee for non-citizens. Either way, you’ll need to fill out a form giving a proposed itinerary for your trip (it’s advisable to never mention Xinjiang and Tibet in your application), plus a flight ticket, and proof of accommodation booked for your first night in China.

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. 

Remember that it can be hard to obtain a Chinese tourist visa from an embassy or consulate outside your home country. Caravanistan publishes a useful list of which Chinese embassies accept applications from third-country citizens.

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. Reflecting frosty relations between China and some foreign governments, UK citizens pay £151, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$142, Australian citizens pay A$109 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €126.

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. Citizens of the US, Canada, Argentina and Israel can obtain tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years, Brazilians and South Africans are eligible for tourist visas valid for up to five years, while citizens of the UK can get tourist visas lasting two years. 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 fine is ¥500 a day, with the possibility of being deported and banned from re-entering China for the next five years. 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 ¥760/500 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. The Caravanistan website has some useful visa extension reports from travelers. A second extension is harder to get, and a third extension is extremely unlikely.

You may also like: The best time to visit China China’s most epic high-speed train journeys Where to see pandas in China

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Aug 29, 2024 • 7 min read

Train, plane, shared taxi or your own car? There are many ways to get around Uzbekistan. Here’s a full guide to them.

Aug 20, 2024 • 13 min read

Aug 12, 2024 • 12 min read

Aug 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Jul 18, 2024 • 6 min read

Jul 15, 2024 • 5 min read

May 29, 2024 • 7 min read

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 10 min read

Jan 10, 2024 • 6 min read

• General Information
• How to get a Visa
• Step By Step Guidance
• Quick Access(visa)
• Step By Step Guidance(authentication)
• Quick Access(authentication)
• About the Visa Centre
• Office Hours & Location
• Legal Information
• Help by E-MAIL
• Suggestions and Complaints

Updated 15 March, 2023

As of15 March 15 2023, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India will adopt the following new measures for Chinese visa application.

1. Application Procedures

1.1 Visa applications are processed in accordance with respective consular jurisdiction areas of Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in India. For applicants who reside in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chattisgarh, and West Bengal, their visa applications are processed by Chinese Consulate-General in Kolkata. For applicants who reside in Maharashtra or Karnataka, their visa applications are processed by Chinese Consulate-General in Mumbai. For applicants who reside in areas other than those mentioned above, their visa applications are processed by Chinese Embassy in India. Please check issue place of your passport for confirming the jurisdiction areas.

1.2 For applicants residing in the consular jurisdiction area of Chinese Embassy in India, please submit visa application documents through Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi. First of all, please visit the website of Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi  https://www.visaforchina.cn/#/nav/quickSelection?visacenterCode=DEL2&request_locale=en_US&site_alias=DEL2_EN&isAuthentication=N  

fill out visa application form and confirmation page online，make an appointment, print out the confirmation page and full form, and sign name. Then at the appointment time, submit the application in person with materials (please see Part 2 for material requirements) at Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi and retain ten fingerprints.

1.3 The following applicants can be exempted from fingerprint collection: those who are under the age of 14 or over the age of 70; those who already had fingerprints collected within the past five years at Chinese Embassy in India or Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi using the same passport; Applicants with all fingerprints uncollectable.

2. Material Requirements 

2.1 General Documents

(1) Chinese Visa Application Form and Confirmation Page of Online Visa Application.

(2) Original passport still valid for at least 6 months, with 2 or more blank visa pages, and the photocopy of relevant passport pages；and expired passports within 5 years and the photocopy of relevant passport pages.

(3) Two recently-taken color passport photos (full face, front view and bare head，size: 48mm×33mm，within 6 months).

(4) Original and photocopy of the proof of legal stay, residence, employment or study status or valid visa (applicable to applicants of non-Indian citizens).

(5) Covering letter (For details, please check following2.3  Special Reminder and Other Supplementing Document Requirements )

2.2 Category Documents

In addition to the general documents in 2.1, the following supporting documents for respective visa categories must be submitted:

2.3  Special Reminder and Other Supplementing Document Requirements

(1) Non-regular scheduled flight, chartered flight, private plane must get the Aviation Permit before departure.

(2) Personal or Company's written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person).

D Visa

Personal or Company's written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person).

(1) An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b.Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

c.Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

G Visa

Personal or Company's written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person if applicable).

(1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

c.Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual).

(2) Personal or company's written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person).

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

b. Information on the visit ( purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place(s) of intended residence, intended duration of residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting  individual, financial source for expenditures)

c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature etc.)

(2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person).

Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)

c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)

(2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person).

Personal or company's written statement (covering letter with details as follows:basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person).

(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

b.Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)

(2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows:  basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person).

We kindly remind you that:

Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people's governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners' residence permits.

(1) An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:

b. Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)

(2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows:  basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting person).

Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows:  basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of theuniversity).

 Z-Visa

(1) One of the following supporting documents is required:

a. Original Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security. If the work period is 90 days or less, original Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China is needed.

b.Original Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

c.Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit in the People's Republic of China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

d.Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of Enterprises of Foreign Countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration.

e. An original approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs. If the performance period is 90 days or less, original Approval of Short-Term Employment for Foreigners Working in P.R. China is needed.

f.Original Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;

(2) Personal written statement (covering letter with details as follows:  basic information of the applicant, visiting purpose,place to visit, name, address and contact number of the inviting / contact company or person).

A holder of category Z visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China unless the Duration of Each Stay on the visa is marked as 30 days.

Other Important Reminder

(1) The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China.

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

(3) Consular officers may require the applicant to provide other supporting documents, or require an interview with the applicant. Consular officers 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.

3. Cases Not Needing To Apply For A New Visa

(1) Foreign nationals who subject to mutual visa exemption agreements; 

(2) Valid permanent resident permit ID card;

(3) Valid residence permits;

(4) Holding valid APEC Business Travel Cards  (please note: To further facilitate business travel, APEC Virtual Cards holders will also be accepted for entry from 1 May 2023. As transitional arrangement, APEC Virtual Card holders who need to apply for a visa before 1 May 2023 will be facilitated by the Embassy, please contact the consular section of the Embassy for details);

(5) Transit Visa Exemption Program.

(6) Hainan visa-free policy; Visa-free policy specified for foreign cruise-group-tour through Shanghai port; Guangdong visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups entering from Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR; visa-free policy specified for foreign tour groups of ASEAN countries entering Guilin, Guangxi province (For details, please contact the immigration inspection authorities of the intended destination).

4.Submitting Channels for Visa Application

Please submit visa applications to Chinese Visa Application Service Center in New Delhi, or in Kolkata or in Mumbai, according to respective consular jurisdiction area (checking issue place of your passport). For details of visa process, requirements, time limit and fees, please contact relevant visa center or refer to their websites.

4.1 Chinese Visa Application Service Center In New Delhi

Address: Concourse Floor, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi -110001 India.

Tel：91-9999036735 (Weekdays 9:00 am - 14:00 pm, 15:00 pm - 17:00 pm).

E-mail：[email protected]

4.2 Chinese Visa Application Service Center In Kolkata

Address: BIPI Building Omega, Ground Floor, Bengal Intelligent Park, Block EP & GP, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata, India.

Tel：91-9999036735 (Monday, Friday), 91-033 40010210 (Tuesday, Wednesday andThursday), Weekdays 9:00 am - 12:00 am, 13:00 pm - 16:00 pm.

E-mail：[email protected]

4.3 Chinese Visa Application Service Center In Mumbai

Address: 8th Floor, Mafatlal Center, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021.

Tel：91-22-22855271 (Weekdays 9:00 am - 12:00 am, 14:00 pm - 17:00 pm).

E-mail：[email protected]

5. Applications For Diplomatic And Service Passport Holders And Diplomatic, Service And Courtesy Visas

Please fill out  the visa application form online  through website of Chinese Visa Application Service Centre New Delhi https://www.visaforchina.cn/#/nav/quickSelection?visacenterCode=DEL2&request_locale=en_US&site_alias=DEL2_EN&isAuthentication=N  

 (no online appointment is required), print out the confirmation page and full form, sign name, and submit visa application with original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate, one color passport photo and an official note to the Consular Section of Chinese Embassy in India. Diplomatic and Service Passport holders and Diplomatic, Service and Courtesy Visa applicants are exempted from fingerprint collection. For relevant questions, please directly contact the Consular Section of Chinese Embassy in India.

6. Consultation For Visa Application Within Consular Jurisdiction Area of Chinese Embassy In India

Address: Gate No. 4, Chinese Embassy, Nayaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021.

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel：91-11-24675259 (Weekdays 9:30 am-12:30 pm，15:30 pm-17:30 pm).

Fax：91-11-26111105.

7. Interpretation of Notice

This notice is interpreted by Chinese Embassy in India. In the event of any inconsistency between the previously released information and this notice, this notice shall prevail.

       Chinese Visa ApplicationService Centre, New Delhi

                   15 March, 2023

Chinese Visa Application Service Center(New Delhi)

Address: CONCOURSE FLOOR, BABA KHARAK SINGH MARG, SHIVAJI STADIUM METRO STATION, CONNAUGHT PLACE, NEW DELHI -110001 INDIA.

Call:+91-9999036735

E-mail:   [email protected]

• Useful Links

Cannot be less than the current date

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Visa-free Policy to Ordinary Passport Holders of Australia 2024-06-27
• Notice on issue 5-year multi-entry business, tourism, and family visit visa for Australian ordinary passport holders 2024-06-27
• Notice on Labour Day 2024-09-05
• Notice on Chinese National Day 2024-09-05
• Expand the Exemption of Fingerprints Collection for Visa Application 2024-09-02

Visa info more

• Visa Category
• How to fill in Visa Application Form

Beautiful China

VIP Service at Sydney Visa Application Center

VIP Service Phone：+61-2-94758800

• Asia Briefing
• China Briefing
• ASEAN Briefing
• India Briefing
• Vietnam Briefing
• Silk Road Briefing
• Russia Briefing
• Middle East Briefing

China’s Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates

China offers multiple visa-free travel policies to foreigners, enabling people from a wide range of countries to visit China on a short-term basis. In this article, we provide an overview of all of the China visa-free travel policies currently available and explain who is eligible to enjoy them.

UPDATE (August 7, 2024): On July 20, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) officially announced the implementation of a 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao entering Hainan ,  effective from July 30, 2024. This policy aims to attract more international tourists to Hainan, enhance its global reputation and tourism competitiveness, and strengthen economic and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong, Macao, and Hainan. Read more here . 

UPDATE (August 2, 2024): On July 18, the Beijing Port Visa Office released a guideline on how inbound travelers can apply for a “port visa” (similar to a “visa on arrival”). Travelers facing emergencies can apply via email to [email protected] to receive a ‘Pre-Acceptance Receipt’ to board flights to China. After arrival, they must complete the visa application process at 24/7 Port Visa Offices in Beijing airports and obtain relevant types of visas based on their purpose of visit, with an allowed stay period of up to 30 days. 

UPDATE (July 15, 2024): The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has expanded China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports as of July 15, 2024. Zhengzhou aviation port in Henan now offers this policy, with the stay limited to the administrative region of Henan Province. The stay range of Yunnan Province’s policy has been expanded from Kunming to eight other cities (prefecture-level) including Lijiang, Yuxi, Pu’er, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, and Wenshan. Additionally, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, and Mohan Railway Port have been added as ports applicable to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Read more here .

UPDATES (June 25, 2024) : Chinese President Xi Jinping and Polish President Andrzej Duda met in Beijing on June 24, 2024, to discuss enhancing cooperation between China and Poland. During the meeting President Xi also announced that China will remove the visa requirement for Polish citizens, allowing them to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days.

UPDATES (June 17, 2024) : Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China will include Australia and New Zealand in the list of unilateral visa-free countries (up to 15 days). Li made the remarks separately during a joint press meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and during talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. 

UPDATES (May 15, 2024) : China’s National Immigration Administration announced that it will grant a visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups to enter China by cruise at all cruise ports along the coast of China, starting from May 15, 2024. The tourist group must remain with the same cruise ship until its next port of call and stay within permitted areas for no more than 15 days.

UPDATES (March 7, 2024) : According to official news, China will expand its unilateral visa-free travel policy to six additional European countries including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, during the period from March 14 to November 30, 2024. Ordinary passport holders from the above countries may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days. 

UPDATE (February 18, 2024):  On February 9, 2024, China’s National Immigration Administration announced the expansion of the 30-day visa-free travel policy to the province of Hainan – to include more allowed purposes of entry. The expanded entry purposes for the Hainan visa-free policy include for business, visiting, family reunions, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions. However, work and study purposes are excluded from this arrangement.

UPDATE (January 25, 2024): China and Singapore  have officially agreed  to implement a visa-free entry policy for their citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days. Starting from February 9, individuals holding ordinary passports and traveling for tourism, family visits, or business purposes will benefit from this new agreement. The agreement, signed in Beijing, marks a significant step in creating closer ties between the two nations and facilitating smoother travel for their citizens.

UPDATE (January 8, 2024): China and Thailand have agreed to a permanent visa-free policy starting March 2024, fostering diplomatic relations and stimulating economic activity in their respective tourism sectors. Click here  for more information regarding this mutual free-visa agreement between China and Thailand.

UPDATE (December 8, 2023): On December 8, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the Notice on Temporary Reduction of Fees for Applying Visa to China . According to this notice, during the period from December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024, China shall cut visa fees by 25 percent across the board for foreign travelers. For more details, please consult with your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

UPDATE (December 7, 2023): China and Singapore are seeking to establish a mutual 30-day visa-free travel arrangement to boost people exchanges between the two countries, according to  Reuters . At the time of writing, no further details have been released regarding the timeline or the eligibility, requirement, and application procedures of this new arrangement. Click here for more information regarding this mutual 30-day visa-free travel between China and Singapore. 

UPDATES (November 24, 2023) : According to the official announcement on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will grant unilateral visa-free travel for holders of ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, during the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. Holders of ordinary passports from the above countries may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days. Click here for more information on this new 15-day visa-free travel/transit policy granted to citizens of five European nations and Malaysia.

UPDATES (November 17, 2023) : According to an official announcement from the China National Immigration Administration (NIA), China has added Norway to the list of applicable countries that qualify for the 72/144-hour visa-free transit on arrival. Starting from November 17, 2023, Norwegian citizens will be able to enjoy the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy offered in 23 Chinese cities, covering 20 cities and 29 entry and exit ports. Click here for more information related to the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy.

After almost three years, China has finally reopened its borders to international travelers and tourists, and in March 2023, it resumed issuing all types of visas to foreigners . This means China has begun permitting people with valid travel documents that allow visa-free entry back into the country and has once again started issuing its short-stay entry permits that are available on arrival for citizens of certain countries.  

Below we provide an overview of all the visa-free options that are currently available for people traveling to China, and who is eligible to enjoy these policies.  

Countries with mutual visa exemption agreements with China  

China has also signed agreements on mutual visa exemption with over 150 countries, which enables certain citizens to travel to China without a visa. However, for the majority of countries, visa-free arrangements apply only to diplomatic or official passports.

A few countries do enable visa-free travel to China for citizens holding ordinary passports. Citizens from these countries are allowed to travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days for the purposes of tourism, travel, business, and visiting family or friends.  

These countries are:  

• The Bahamas  
• Bosnia and Herzegovina  
• The Maldives  
• Mauritius  
• San Marino  
• Seychelles  
• The United Arab Emirates  

Citizens from the above countries will still need to apply for a corresponding visa to China if they intend to work, study, or settle in China, or intend to stay for longer than 30 days.  

Countries with 30-day visa-free travel to China

China and Singapore have officially agreed  to implement a visa-free entry policy for their citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days.

Starting from February 9, 2024, individuals holding ordinary passports and traveling for tourism, family visits, or business purposes will benefit from this new agreement. The agreement, signed in Beijing, marks a significant step in creating closer ties between the two nations and facilitating smoother travel for their citizens.

Countries with 15-day visa-free travel to China 

China offers 15-day visa-free travel to multiple countries, including:

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• New Zealand

To note, citizens from these countries would previously also have had to apply for a visa in advance if they:  

• Expect to stay in China for more than 15 days; or
• Intend to study, work, settle down, or attend an interview in China.

In the past, citizens with a valid ordinary passport from Japan, Brunei, and Singapore have been permitted to travel to China for a period of up to 15 days without applying for a visa for the purposes of tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting to a third country. However, this policy was suspended since the end of COVID-19 restrictions in China. On July 26, 2023, the 15-day visa-free travel to China policy was resumed for citizens of Brunei and Singapore, the latter of which has been upgraded to a 30-day visa-free travel since February 2024, as introduced earlier.

Most countries recently included in China’s 15-day visa-free travel initiative in 2023 and 2024 can take advantage of this policy until  November 30, 2024 . It remains uncertain whether China will prolong this deadline.

Additionally, as of now, the resumption date of this policy for Japanese citizens has not been announced. Consequently, Japanese nationals are required to obtain a tourist, business, or other types of visa for entry into China at present.

24/72/144-hour China visa-free transit  

China allows eligible travelers from certain countries to enter and stay in certain areas of China for 24, 72, and 144-hour periods without prior application for a visa when transiting to a third country.  

Note that people are excluded from this policy if they are:  

• Not permitted to enter the country as stipulated by laws and administrative regulations (such as people who have been subject to sanctions or travel bans);  
• Hold a passport or other international travel document that is valid for less than three months upon the time of arrival, or which has a refusal stamp from a Chinese visa issuing agency;  
• Have records of illegal entry and exit, illegal residence, and illegal employment in China in the last five years; and/or
• Have violated accommodation registration regulations in the last two years and the circumstances are deemed serious.  

144-hour visa-free transit  

Under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy , foreign travelers can apply for a six-day entry permit to certain Chinese cities upon arrival at the port of entry, provided they hold a passport from one of the 54 eligible countries. They also must show that they are traveling to a third country after leaving China, which means they must show a connecting ticket to a third country when arriving in China. This is a great option for people who want to make a short stop-over to explore various areas of the country.  

The 54 countries are:  

• 25 countries in the Europe Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.  
• 15 other countries in Europe: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.   
• Six countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.   
• Two countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.   
• Six countries in Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.  

Eligible travelers can only apply for the 144-hour visa-free transit if they enter through one of the 37 designated ports. In addition, travelers are only allowed to travel within a certain area on the entry permit and exit the country through designated ports as well. People who travel outside the permitted area and exit the country through a non-designated port may face certain penalties.  

For more information on eligibility requirements, permitted ports of entry and exit, and permitted scope of travel, see our dedicated article: 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy for Foreigners .  

72-hour visa-free transit  

Travelers from the 54 countries that are eligible for the 144-hour entry permit are also eligible for the 72-hour visa-free policy . However, there are currently only three entry ports in China that offer 72-hour visa-free entry, as the majority of ports that previously offered it now offer the 144-hour permit instead. The ports are Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, Harbin Taiping International Airport, and Changsha Huanghua International Airport.

Travelers who enter through Guiling and Harbin are only allowed to travel within the scope of the cities themselves, whereas travelers who enter through Changsha are permitted to travel within the whole of Hunan Province.  

All the same requirements and restrictions for the 144-hour entry permit apply to the 72-hour entry permit.  

24-hour visa-free transit  

All international travelers (except those exempted due to special circumstances ) that are transiting through China are permitted to apply for a 24-hour visa-free entry permit upon arrival. As with the other two visa-free transit policies, travelers must provide a connecting ticket to a third country. They are not permitted to leave the city in which they arrived during their 24-hour stay and must leave the country within 24 hours.  

China visa-free policies for individual travelers and tour groups

Pearl river delta  .

People from countries that have established diplomatic relations with China and are traveling in a tourist group organized by a travel agency registered in Hong Kong or Macao can travel to the nine mainland Chinese cities of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and Huizhou) for up to six days (144 hours) without a visa. The same policy also applies to tour groups visiting Shantou in Guangdong Province, as long as their activities do not extend beyond the administrative area of Shantou.  

To be eligible for this policy, the tour group must depart from Hong Kong or Macao.  

Citizens of 59 countries are now eligible for 30 days of visa-free travel to the province of Hainan for purposes s uch as business, visiting, family reunions, medical treatment, exhibitions, sports competitions, and other needs (excluding long-term working and studying). Eligible travelers are free to travel around the whole province of Hainan and can travel from Hong Kong or any other place outside Mainland China with a direct flight to the island.  This visa-free access will count its 30-day duration from 00:00 the day following the entry date.

This policy was previously only applicable to tour groups but was expanded to individual travel as well on March 15, 2023. On February 9, 2024, the 30-day visa-free travel to the province of Hainan was expanded again to include more allowed purposes of entry. 

The 59 eligible countries are Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, and Belarus.  

The NIA also introduced a new 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao entering Hainan ,  effective from July 30, 2024. This policy aims to attract more international tourists to Hainan, enhance its global reputation and tourism competitiveness, and strengthen economic and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong, Macao, and Hainan. Key points of the policy are summarized below:

Tour groups consisting of a minimum of two people from the 10 ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines) that are organized and hosted by a travel agency registered and approved by the tourism authority of Guilin, Guangxi Province, can enter and exit through Guilin airport port and stay in Guilin for up to six days (144 hours) without a visa.  

Visa-free travel for tour groups from six countries  

Some of the agreements on mutual visa exemption also enable visa-free travel for tour groups. These countries are Azerbaijan, Belarus , Russia , Georgia, Moldova, and Turkmenistan.  

The requirements for the tour groups differ slightly between the different countries’ agreements and may include having a minimum of five people in the tour group, and in general, the trip can last up to 30 days. There are no limits placed on where the tour group can travel, but the tours must be organized by certain designated agencies.  

Visa-free travel for tour groups on cruise ships

Effective May 15, 2024, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has officially implemented a  visa-free policy  for foreign tourist groups entering China via cruise ships . This progressive move aims to enhance personnel exchanges and foster cooperation between China and other nations, furthering the country’s commitment to high-level openness.

Under this policy,  foreign tourist groups , comprising  two or more individuals , who travel by cruise ship and are organized by Chinese domestic travel agencies, can now enjoy  visa-free entry  as a cohesive group at cruise ports in  13 cities  along the Chinese coast.

These cities include:

• Dalian (Liaoning)
• Lianyungang (Jiangsu)
• Wenzhou (Zhejiang)
• Zhoushan (Zhejiang)
• Xiamen (Fujian)
• Qingdao (Shandong)
• Guangzhou(Guangdong)
• Shenzhen (Guangdong)
• Beihai (Guangxi)
• Haikou (Hainan)
• Sanya (Hainan)

The tourist group must remain with the same cruise ship until its next port of call and stay within China for no more than 15 days. The eligible areas for this policy are 11 coastal provinces/autonomous regions /municipalities (Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan) and Beijing .

Special cards enabling China visa-free entry  

Apec business travel card holders  .

Holders of a valid Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) can enter China multiple times within the card’s validity period for business purposes for periods of up to 60 days at a time. The ABTC is valid for five years and thus functions as a five-year multi-entry visa.

Only citizens of the 21 APEC member economies are eligible for the ABTC (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia; Singapore; Taiwan, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam).  

Note that although Canada and the US do offer ABTCs, they only provide fast-track immigration processing and do not offer reciprocal entry arrangements, meaning that ABTC holders from the US and Canada are not eligible to enter China directly without a visa, and vice versa.  

In addition, candidates must engage in regular business travel through the APEC member economies and not hold a criminal record.  

Entry to China with the ABTC was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed on August 24, 2022.  

Permanent residence card holders  

It goes without saying that holders of a Chinese permanent residence card do not need to apply for a visa to travel to China, and can freely leave and enter the country through all passenger ports for work, business, family visits, and travel.  

To be eligible for the permanent residency card, foreigners must meet a relatively high bar of work and liquidity requirements, which vary from region to region. For more information on this topic, see our articles on applying for a permanent residence card in Shanghai , Guangdong , and Beijing .  

Residence permit holders

Foreigners with residence permi ts issued by Chinese public security organs who are in China for work or study are permitted to leave and enter the country as many times as they wish without applying for a visa each time, provided it is during the vali dity period of the residence permit.

Foreigners and foreign journalists who come to China for work or study are required to apply for a residence permit after first entering the country.  

Note that the residence permit will be provided as a sticker in the passport with the word “residence” on it, rather than as a separate residen c e card .  

Q1: Do foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China need to notify Chinese embassies or consulates in advance?

A: Foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China do not need to pre-notify the Chinese embassies or consulates.

Q2: Do Chinese immigration inspection authorities check the purpose of visits before allowing foreign citizens to enter China? Are there additional documents other than a passport required upon entry?

A: Foreign citizens entering China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit purposes who are eligible for visa-free entry, will be allowed to enter China after being checked by the Chinese immigration inspection authorities. For individuals whose purposes of visit do not align with the visa-free entry policy or in categories of entry denial, the Chinese immigration inspection authorities will make entry denial decisions according to relevant laws and regulations. It is encouraged to take necessary supportive documents with you on entering China — invitation letter, flight tickets, hotel reservation confirmation, etc., which will help to verify your purpose of visit. Individuals coming to China for work, study, or journalism purposes do not qualify for the visa-free entry policy.

Q3: Are there special requirements for minors who are eligible for visa-free entry?

A: No special requirements; same as adults.

Q4: Are there certain requirements for the type and validity period for border-entry certificates?

A: Foreign citizens holding ordinary passports should ensure their passport validity covers their stay in China. Travel documents, temporary or emergency document holders do not qualify for the visa-free entry policy.

Q5: How do I interpret the 15-day stay period?

A: Foreign citizens applying for visa-free entry, upon their arrival in China, can stay 15 consecutive natural days, until the 24th hour of the 15th natural day, before leaving China.

Q6: Can foreign citizens applying for the visa-free entry policy depart from countries other than the one(s) of citizenship(s)?

A: Foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China can depart from any country (region) outside of China.

Q7: Does the visa-free entry policy apply to travel methods other than aviation?

A: The visa-free entry policy applies to all open sea, land, and air travel to foreign citizens (except where laws, regulations, or bilateral agreements specify otherwise). If arriving in China by private transportation, relevant procedures for entry and exit of the vehicle should be processed in accordance with certain Chinese laws and regulations.

Q8: Are tour groups eligible for the visa-free entry policy?

A: Foreign citizens eligible for the visa-free entry policy, whether in groups or as individuals, can apply for the visa-free entry policy.

Q9: If the stay in China exceeds 15 days, can an extension be requested?

A: If a foreign citizen intends to stay in China for more than 15 days, they should apply for a visa meeting that purpose in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates. If there are reasonable and justifiable reasons for a stay longer than 15 days after entering China using the visa-free entry policy, an application for a temporary stay permit must be submitted to the Chinese exit & entry administration of the public security departments before the 15-day stay permit expires.

Q10: Are multiple entries allowed? Are there requirements for the duration of entry intervals? Are there limits on the number of visa-free entries or total days of stay limit?

A: Foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China can enter multiple times. Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of visa-free entries or total days of stay limit. It is of vital importance to keep in mind not to be engaged in activities inconsistent with your purpose of entry.

(Source: Chinese embassy in Switzerland)

(This article was first published in November 2023 and was last updated on August 1, 2024.)

China Briefing is one of five regional Asia Briefing publications, supported by Dezan Shira & Associates . For a complimentary subscription to China Briefing’s content products, please click here .

Dezan Shira & Associates assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing , Tianjin , Dalian , Qingdao , Shanghai , Hangzhou , Ningbo , Suzhou , Guangzhou , Dongguan , Haikou , Zhongshan , Shenzhen , and Hong Kong . We also have offices in Vietnam , Indonesia , Singapore , United States , Germany , Italy , India , and Dubai (UAE) and partner firms assisting foreign investors in The Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand , Bangladesh , and Australia . For assistance in China, please contact the firm at [email protected] or visit our website at www.dezshira.com .

• Previous Article New Draft Measures to Further Clarify Implementation of China’s Amended Company Law
• Next Article China and Italy to ‘Relaunch’ Bilateral Ties: Trade and Investment Outlook

Our free webinars are packed full of useful information for doing business in China.

DEZAN SHIRA & ASSOCIATES

Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed.

Want the Latest Sent to Your Inbox?

Subscribing grants you this, plus free access to our articles and magazines.

Get free access to our subscriptions and publications

Subscribe to receive weekly China Briefing news updates, our latest doing business publications, and access to our Asia archives.

Your trusted source for China business, regulatory and economy news, since 1999.

Subscribe now to receive our weekly China Edition newsletter. Its free with no strings attached.

Not convinced? Click here to see our last week's issue.

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

China Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 12, 2024, mainland china, hong kong & macau - see summaries.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws , including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Summary:  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.

The Department of State has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the PRC government exists in the PRC.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

PRC authorities appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third-country firms, such as professional service and due diligence companies, operating in the PRC. Security personnel could detain U.S. citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.

Security personnel could detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments.

In addition, the PRC government has used restrictions on travel or departure from the PRC, or so-called exit bans, to:

• compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations;
• pressure family members of the restricted individual to return to the PRC from abroad;
• resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens; and
• gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law. Relatives, including minor children, of those under investigation in the PRC may become subject to an exit ban.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter Mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

Check with the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC. In some limited circumstances travelers to Mainland China may face additional COVID-19 testing requirements to enter some facilities or events.

The Department of State does not provide or coordinate direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens overseas may receive PRC-approved COVID-19 vaccine doses where they are eligible.

Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC. A positive drug test, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC. PRC authorities may compel cooperation with blood, urine, or hair testing. Penalties for drug offense may exceed penalties imposed in the United States.

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, and TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURES

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence and surveillance, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

If you decide to travel to Mainland China:

• Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for Mainland China .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.
• Review the  China Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Embassy Beijing on  Twitter ,  WeChat , and  Weibo .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the PRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020. Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s enactment of its own Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, Hong Kong SAR authorities are expected to take additional actions to further restrict civil liberties.

The 2020 National Security Law outlines a broad range of vaguely defined offenses, such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance builds on this framework with additional vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference. According to the legislation, these offenses are applicable to foreign nationals within the Hong Kong SAR and to individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, located outside its borders. Under these provisions, anyone who criticizes the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution. Hong Kong SAR authorities are attempting to enforce these provisions against individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, residing outside of their jurisdiction by offering cash rewards for information leading to their arrests in the Hong Kong SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 National Security Law and/or the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

• Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR .
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Hong Kong SAR.
• Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  Citybus  for updates.

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Summary:  The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

• Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR .
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Macau SAR.
• Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• 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

TIANJIN, Sept. 5 -- This summer, China's visa-free entry policy has made the country a favored destination for international tourists. As more travelers share their Chinese experiences on social media, "China Travel" has surged to be a hot global social media trend.

As of July, China has implemented a 15-day visa-free entry policy for 15 countries on a trial basis and expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports of entry, offering citizens from 54 countries opportunities for short-term travel and business trips.

In north China's Tianjin Municipality, the visa-free policy has ignited interest among its foreign residents. Recently, more than 10 foreigners, organized by the Tianjin chapter of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, embarked on a tour of Tianjin's urban blocks at night, aboard bar-style sightseeing cars.

"I'm captivated by Tianjin's distinctive charm," said Mirko Turrina, general manager of Goglio (Tianjin) Packaging Co., Ltd. "With the increasing convenience for foreigners in Tianjin, I'm eager to invite more international clients to explore this vibrant city."

Even after years of working and living in Tianjin, Turrina did not want to miss the chance to immerse himself in the city's allure. As a gentle breeze and soft lighting set the mood, Turrina savored a cocktail while gazing out at the passing scenery. The beautiful, European-style buildings created a backdrop that flowed by, evoking a sense of relaxation and comfort.

"It's like being in Europe," said Nicolas Neumann from Germany, son of Joerg Neumann, general manager of TURCK (Tianjin) Technology Ltd. The young man was particularly impressed by the convenience of the visa-free entry policy.

"This is my first visit to Tianjin. China's visa-free entry policy is very convenient for foreigners. I quickly completed all the entry procedures. I hope more people will have the opportunity to visit China," said Nicolas Neumann.

"Tianjin has made good use of its tourism resources, including rivers, seas, mountains, buildings and ports, to create a unique 'intellectual property,'" said Chen Bing, deputy head of Tianjin municipal bureau of culture and tourism.

"The ancient and modern beauty of the Haihe River and the European-style buildings have become the preferred choice for many foreign tourists during their trips to the city," Chen added.

In addition, leveraging its international cruise home port, Tianjin has made significant efforts to develop the cruise tourism economy. The city is also taking full advantage of the visa-free transit policy and the medical payment convenience policy to enhance the service capabilities for foreigners.

Recently, a tour group of three Bulgarian tourists boarded the AIDA Mediterranean cruise and arrived at Tianjin. They completed the entry procedures at the entry window within just five minutes.

"We are very happy to benefit from China's visa-free entry policy, which allows us to visit the beautiful country without any trouble or worries," said Bulgarian tourist Dimitrova.

Since the resumption of cruise services in Tianjin at the end of September last year, the city has inspected more than 440,000 passengers and over 190 cruise ships entering and leaving the port.

In the first seven months of this year, the number of foreign visitors to China soared 129.9 percent year-on-year to 17.25 million, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

Additionally, foreign visitors are estimated to boost consumption to a total of over 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars), with a per capita daily average consumption volume reaching nearly 3,500 yuan, according to the NIA.

Through favorable measures such as the visa-free entry policy, more accessible mobile payment and the full coverage of foreign card POS machines in key tourism scenes, China has shown its goodwill and sincerity to the world and attracted more foreign tourists, said Ma Yiliang, chief statistician of the China Tourism Academy.

"With the more convenient experience in China, foreign tourists can learn a more open, confident and safe China during their travels," said Ma.

Copyright© www.gov.cn | About us | Contact us

Website identification code bm01000001 registration number: 05070218, all rights reserved. the content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to www.gov.cn., without written authorization from www.gov.cn, such content shall not be republished or used in any form., copyright© www.gov.cn | contact us, website identification code bm01000001, registration number: 05070218.

• CNA Explains
• Sustainability
• Latest News
• News Reports
• Documentaries & Shows
• TV Schedule
• CNA938 Live
• Radio Schedule
• Singapore Parliament
• Mental Health
• Interactives
• Entertainment
• Style & Beauty
• Experiences
• Remarkable Living
• Send us a news tip
• Events & Partnerships
• Business Blueprint
• Health Matters
• The Asian Traveller

Trending Topics

Follow our news, recent searches, ‘special forces-styled travel’ changing face of mainland chinese travellers triggers hong kong tourism rethink, advertisement.

Shifts in the age, priorities and perspectives of mainland tourists in Hong Kong are posing unique challenges for businesses in capturing their attention and spending. In the first of a two-parter, CNA explores how the city is coping on the tourism front.

A crowd gathers at an elevated basketball court in Hong Kong's Kennedy Town, trying to capture the seascape of Belcher Bay framed by surrounding buildings. (Photo: CNA/Melody Chan)

This audio is generated by an AI tool.

Melody Chan

HONG KONG: At the edge of an elevated basketball court in Kennedy Town, crowds press up against a battered iron fence with smartphones and cameras in hand, jockeying for the perfect shot.

The goal is to capture the seascape of Belcher Bay, framed by the surrounding buildings. The photographers are Mandarin-speaking tourists, all in their 20s and 30s. For them, taking photos and “checking in” at these iconic spots are crucial parts of their travel itinerary. 

Among them is Ms Tang Xueping, a 28-year-old sports teacher from Shanghai. She’s on a seven-day trip that includes an overnight stay in Macao.

“We ‘da ka’ (take photos at picture-perfect spots) almost every day,” she said, noting that their shopping purchases are limited to necessities. 

This trend of “special forces-style travel” or “tezhong bingshi luyou” in Chinese - quickly moving from one location to another at pace and on a budget - is reshaping Hong Kong's post-pandemic tourism.

That’s especially as it gains traction among mainland Chinese travellers. Making up the bulk of visitors to the city, mainlanders have already been tightening their belts - and a younger demographic plus changing perspectives have impacted how much and what they spend their money on. 

In the face of changing mainland tourist numbers and profiles, local businesses have switched up their strategies. Tour groups have pivoted to offering more in-depth tours, while retailers are placing greater emphasis on lower-priced items.

As businesses in Hong Kong bear the brunt, the government is taking steps to turn things around. It’s prioritising tourism as a key driver of service exports, with a budget of HK$1.5 billion (US$191.7 million) allocated to attract “high-value tourists”.

Still, analysts say the city has its work cut out to reel in the mainland tourist dollar. They point out other factors like stiff competition from visa-free regional destinations like Singapore and Malaysia, a strong local currency and rising costs of living.

“If things like food are expensive, the place becomes less attractive. Tourists can find better places to stay at a lower price point, you will be judged based on the overall cost,” said Mr Simon Lee, an adjunct faculty at Shenzhen Finance Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen).

All eyes will be on how Hong Kong tourism fares during the summer school holidays in China - typically from early July to end-August - when students and parents often travel. CNA visited the city in late July, staying in hotels, visiting tourist hotspots, and speaking to various industry stakeholders to get a first-hand look at the situation on the ground.

EXPLORING AT THEIR OWN PACE

Unlike the pre-pandemic days when tour buses and luxury shopping dominated, tourists to Hong Kong - particularly young people - increasingly favour flexibility and exploration, say analysts.

“I think young people nowadays may not like going on organised tours because you have to gather at fixed times, which is less flexible. Attractions are easily accessible online now, and young people can read about them and decide which spots are more fun to visit,” said Ms Tang.

Mainlanders are the driving force of Hong Kong’s tourism. They’ve accounted for nearly 80 per cent of yearly visitor numbers since the Individual Visit Scheme launched in 2003, allowing them to visit the city on their own.

Like many other places, the COVID-19 pandemic exacted a hefty toll on arrivals, and recovery has been slow. Last year, Hong Kong saw 34 million visitors - only 52 per cent of the 2018 total. 

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has forecasted that the city will receive 46 million visitors this year. That would be a 35 per cent increase from last year, but still 70 per cent of 2018 levels.

Even as they continue to make up the majority, a different ilk of mainlanders has been visiting the city since the border reopened with the mainland in February 2023.

For a start, they’re largely younger. The “post-00" generation - born after 2000 - is making up a growing share. 

Data from Chinese travel platform Qunar shows that among passengers flying from mainland China to Hong Kong, those aged 23 and below accounted for 35 per cent, compared to 28 per cent recorded in 2019.

Literature PhD student Gu Yufan from Soochow University is spending three days in Hong Kong for a summer vacation with her mother and friends. Her itinerary includes visiting popular spots like Victoria Harbour and exploring the city. 

“I planned my trip using social media like Xiaohongshu and also got recommendations from friends studying in Hong Kong,” the 24-year-old told CNA. “This is how I plan all my trips. it’s more relaxed, and I can rest whenever I feel tired.”

Official data shows this free-and-easy routine appeals to many youths, rather than the organised tours typically popular among the older generation.

Six out of 10 mainland visitors aged 16 to 25 years old went for a city walk around Hong Kong’s neighbourhood, according to HKTB’s latest Departing Visitor Survey. Of them, 53 per cent sought to experience the local lifestyle and culture.

MAINLAND TOURISTS SPENDING LESS

Mainland tourists to Hong Kong are also spending less. 

According to an HKTB report, 53 per cent of mainland visitors are day-trippers, spending about HK$1,400 each - 42 per cent less than the HK$2400 spent in 2018. The remaining visitors, who stayed an average of 3.5 days in Hong Kong compared to three days in 2018, also spent less overall. 

Changes in consumption behaviour are evident. Their spending on shopping has dropped to 49 per cent, 12 per cent lower than in 2018, while spending on hotels and restaurants has increased to 22 per cent and 20 per cent respectively, up from 15 per cent and 13 per cent in 2018.

Local retailers are feeling the pinch .

Take Tsim Sha Tsui's Canton Road, a usually bustling thoroughfare lined with luxury shops. When CNA visited the area on a Sunday evening in late July, the area felt noticeably quiet, with the usual crowds of eager shoppers largely absent.

A clothing store employee on the street reported a 30 per cent drop in sales, while a cosmetic shop saw sales halved.

Big brands have also been hit. Sasa, Hong Kong’s largest cosmetic chain, has seen spending by mainland tourists at its 82 stores in Hong Kong and Macao dip by between 26 per cent and 45 per cent.

Once the world's second-most expensive retail location, Canton Road has dropped in ranking, with retail rents falling 39 per cent from pre-Covid levels to an average of US$1493 per square foot in 2022, according to a survey by Cushman & Wakefield.

Experts note that the decline in tourism is influenced by several factors. In addition to changing consumer behaviour, China's economic slowdown and the strengthening of Hong Kong's currency - which is pegged to the US dollar - are also contributing factors. 

The Hong Kong dollar is allowed to trade in a range of 7.75 to 7.85 against the greenback, which has been gaining amid still sticky inflation and strong growth - although recent developments suggest the tide could be turning.

Associate Professor Lisa C Wan at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management and the Department of Marketing at CUHK explained that China’s slower economic growth, high youth unemployment, and property bubble have impacted spending behaviour.

“Falling housing values have made people hesitant to spend, which affects tourism patterns.”

Mr Lee pointed to Hong Kong’s soaring costs of living in international rankings for the lack of attractiveness for the city. 

Both experts also flagged competing regional destinations for mainland visitors, highlighting the allure of visa-free travel to Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

“The mainland visitors need to apply for entry into Hong Kong, (but) with visa-free policy it might be simpler for them just to travel abroad,” said Mr Lee.

STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE

At Mong Kok’s Ladies Market, a 1 km stretch of open-air stalls selling accessories and clothes, the scene is quiet on a Sunday evening. Most stall owners are idly scrolling through their phones, and several deserted stalls are present.

A 56-year-old stall owner who runs a clothing store at the junction of the street told CNA that business is now 70 per cent less than its peak two decades ago, with a steady decline over the past 10 years.

"It was very easy to make a living back then, as long as you were there," said the owner who only wanted to be known as Mr Miu.

Another stall owner Ms Chan has been selling accessories there for the past 10 years. The 40-year-old lamented that she is now earning "barely a fraction" of what she made before the pandemic.

Other businesses are adapting to the new tastes of travellers. 

Prince Traveller, originally a cultural exchange centre focused on providing history and cultural education to local secondary schools, has shifted to offering in-depth tours to both local and foreign tourists.

The centre’s director Andy Lam emphasises the need to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths to remain competitive with nearby cities such as Shenzhen.

“How can we compete with them? Be more advanced? Look at what Shenzhen has become - they even stopped using cash. Create more fun? They have so many things to do there that we don’t have here,” he said.

“We can only win if we compete on nostalgia, history, and culture.”

Tourism is crucial to employment in Hong Kong, but experts note that the protests and pandemic have severely disrupted the sector and hindered its recovery.

According to HKTB, tourism accounted for 4.5 per cent of the city’s GDP in 2018 but plummeted to 0.1 per cent by 2021. Meanwhile, employment in the sector shrank by a staggering 91 per cent from 257,000 to 22,500.

Assoc Prof Wan highlighted that by the end of 2022, 32 per cent of the 78,000 airport staff from 2019 had left the industry, according to the Hong Kong Airport Authority.

“Hong Kong was slow to reopen, and our high currency has led to complaints about prices, while manpower is still recovering,” she said. 

Mr Johnny Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Union (HKFTU) Tourism Committee, said that initially, there was a shortage of tour guides as many had changed occupations during the pandemic.

However, the situation has improved as fewer mainland tourists opt for guided tours. 

A total of about 570 inbound mainland tour groups, or an average of 145 per day, arrived in Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week holiday period in May, according to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

But this is still much lower than the 230 to 250 groups per day seen in 2019, as reported by the Travel Industry Council.

“In the past, a tour guide might be able to take four to five tours per month, covering about 20 days, but now, they have to take six to seven tours just to match the income they had before the pandemic,” said Mr Johnny Lam.

Hong Kong Dec retail sales up 7.8% as tourism recovers

Two Chinese cities join Hong Kong travel scheme to boost tourism

Commentary: Chinese tourists are travelling again, but mostly in their own country

Retailers finding new selling points.

In retail, Sasa is adjusting to new shopping trends by prominently displaying lower-priced items at storefronts and featuring niche brands to pique interest.

“Mainland Chinese consumers are increasingly open to trying lesser-known niche brands. This enables the Group’s beauty consultants to be more effective in introducing the Group’s portfolio of exclusive brands that enjoy higher gross margins,” according to a Sasa spokesperson.

History and culture tour provider Prince Traveller is also exploring new avenues.

“We are thinking of organising an overnight stay at the floating fish raft,” said Mr Andy Lam during a tour in Central, hinting at possible additions like a folk song singer to enrich the experience.

While the company has logged a 50 per cent boost in business since COVID restrictions eased, he highlights the need for a shift in strategy.

“You must pivot your business model to survive,” Mr Andy Lam stated, adding that Hong Kong’s past focus on luxury goods like handbags no longer suffices.

The local tour industry has faced notable challenges. According to the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, there were about 1,660 travel agencies pre-pandemic, but over 300 closed in 2022 as COVID-19 raged on. The tally was at about 1,400 in mid-August. 

Walk in Hong Kong, a tour operator that targets English-speaking tourists, has also adapted. An early adopter of virtual tours, it avoided staff layoffs by focusing on high-spending clients who value quality experiences.

The company’s co-founder and CEO Paul Chi-yuen Chan noted the sector’s “tough time” but assured they’ve managed to “survive”.

Mr Johnny Lam is optimistic about tourism recovery, noting a rise in mainland tour groups to 6,450 in July - a 10 per cent increase from last year. “Development in tourism will be visible; the city will be more vibrant, boosting overall confidence,” he said.

“Hong Kong has the resources,” he concluded. “We need to unleash our strengths and offer a diverse range of products tailored to changing tourist tastes.” 

Mr Andy Lam echoes this sentiment. “‘Poor tourism’ is just a gimmick term. These new tourists might actually spend even more than we do.”

HOW TOURISM SECTOR CAN IMPROVE

As mainland spending slows and becomes more targeted, attractions in Hong Kong are taking steps to grab a slice of the pie.

Outside the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station, crowds flock to photograph the iconic sign, many mimicking gun poses, reflecting the site's fame as a filming location. However, after snapping their photos, visitors often leave quickly.

Mr Johnny Lam from the HKFTU Tourism Committee pointed out that while the area includes historical sites like old theatres and markets, people only spend 10 minutes outside the police station.

He has proposed enhancing the site with museums and themed merchandise, like police teddy bears, to attract more visitors and cater to their spending habits.

The Hong Kong Police previously tested this idea with a pop-up store offering similar merchandise from last December to May. Mr Johnny Lam also suggests setting up a booth selling freshly cut fruit from the nearby wholesale market - so tourists have the option of both souvenirs and sustenance.

Mr Johnny Lam noted that effective revitalisation requires coordination among various authorities, saying: “You need different players to come together to consolidate things and revitalise the entire area.”

This summer, the Hong Kong government’s efforts to draw the tourist dollar have been visible. 

“Summer Chill” booths at airports, hotels and malls offer triple discount coupons for transport, dining, and shopping. They’re part of the “Summer Chill Hong Kong” campaign, featuring 500,000 reward sets worth over HK$100 million in deals.

Tourism authorities announced in May that pyrotechnic and drone shows would be organised regularly, in line with festivals and mega-events. The first displays took place early that month, coinciding with China’s Labour Day Golden Week holiday period.

HKTB has also forged closer cooperation with Xiaohongshu to attract mainland tourists, with various joint initiatives set to be rolled out next year. 

Heavily used by young mainland Chinese, Xiaohongshu has spurred business at some Hong Kong eateries and shops due to these venues being featured in users’ posts.

Restaurant chain Red Tea is one of them. Aleady popular with mainlanders before the pandemic, it is seeing an influx of these customers at its Yau Ma Tei branch.

While cheaper hotel rates nearby are a factor, posts on Xiaohongshu have kindled interest, shared Red Tea representative Hugo Chan, He added that post-pandemic, the demographic has shifted to younger visitors with a noticeable increase in spending.

“Before the pandemic, Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok outlets saw a 50-50 split between mainland tourists and locals, but this shifted to 90 per cent locals during the pandemic and is now back to 60 per cent mainland tourists,” he noted.

“Some younger customers will order many dishes, even if there are just four pax, they will order eight dishes, of course, I guess it is for ‘da ka’ (photo taking).

“Sometimes, a family of four will pass by, come in to put down their luggage, eat a pineapple bun with butter and a cup of milk tea, and leave, and they charge their phones.”

Instead of making use of its popularity on social media to do promotional stunts, Red Tea is taking netizen comments as feedback to improve on service quality.

“We actually didn’t do any of such actions (promotions), we only reflected on how we can improve our services based on their comments, how do we treat them, service them and in the long run, provide a better dining experience for the mainland visitors.”

At the same time, the city has warmly welcomed Beijing’s expansion of a solo traveller scheme. Starting from May 27, residents from eight mainland cities have been able to apply for the Individual Visit Scheme to travel to Hong Kong.

Assoc Prof Wan sees mega-events as key to attracting international tourists. The government has allocated HK$100 million for 2023-24 and 2024-25 to boost high-profile events, following the resumption of normal travel in February 2023.

Officials have said major events this year are set to increase from 150 to over 210, potentially drawing 1.7 million tourists. The 34th Hong Kong Book Fair, held on Jul 17, attracted 990,000 visitors and boosted per capita spending by 4.6 per cent to HK$912.

Mr Lee from CUHK argues that courtesy and price competitiveness are key to revitalising Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Complaints about poor service from restaurant waiters to taxi drivers are widespread on Xiaohongshu, hurting the city’s image.

In response, the Information Services Department has allocated HK$179.2 million to enhance Hong Kong’s profile. HKTB has released videos featuring stars like Louis Koo and Jessica Hester Hsuan, reviving the slogan “such attitudes in service are not enough these days.” 

Despite this, Mr Lee believes the campaign is overdue. “(The campaign launch) is quite late. It’s very different from Shenzhen, where waiters serve you at your table,” he noted.

He also emphasised the need to tackle high accommodation costs, which he attributed to government taxation. Mr Lee proposed offering short-term rebates or tax exemptions to encourage longer stays.

“If a tourist spends HK$5,000 and receives a HK$1,000 rebate, it will make Hong Kong more competitive,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to be year-round. It could be for half the year or during peak seasons. Let tourists know about these reimbursements or tax rebates. While the impact might be modest, it serves as an incentive and helps bridge the gap with our competitors.”

MONEY “GOING UP NORTH”

Even as the evolving profiles of inbound tourists hog the limelight, the travel trends of Hong Kong residents are also raising eyebrows as they turn to mainland China.

Weekends often see an exodus of Hongkongers taking the 15-minute high-speed rail to Shenzhen for hotpot, massages, and shopping at warehouse supermarkets.

In 2023, Hong Kong residents made 53.34 million trips "heading north," according to immigration data.

A quarter of them spent an average of 1,000 yuan or more per day during their mainland visits, revealed a February survey by the Hong Kong Research Association.

Observers note that this has impacted local Hong Kong businesses, particularly F&B.

Mr Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, told local media that around 300 eateries are closing in Hong Kong each month while fewer than 200 are opening. 

He attributed this to Hongkongers "spending up north" in mainland China.

Mr Lee from CUHK is among the Hongkongers who cross the border to Shenzhen at least once a week. He noted that food there is priced at half of what it costs in Hong Kong, with better services. 

He added that tourist spending has been affected by visitors opting for cheaper hotel options in Shenzhen and commuting to Hong Kong for day trips.

“The government has made significant efforts to attract tourists, but many visitors to the Greater Bay Area prefer low-cost day trips, opting to stay overnight in Shenzhen,” he said. 

Assoc Prof Wan pointed out that Hong Kong’s smaller space compared to other Greater Bay Area cities might put it at a disadvantage for indoor facilities during the hotter and typhoon-prone months from May to November.

“We need to think of other solutions for activities that aren't affected by outdoor weather. In Shenzhen and Zhuhai, they have fewer problems due to their larger spaces … such as building theme parks. It's harder for Hong Kong, but there are ways to make it work.”

In addition to Shenzhen, Hainan, a southern island province often dubbed “China’s Hawaii”, has eroded Hong Kong's once-exclusive shopping allure.

In the first quarter of 2024, Hainan’s service trade grew by 29.62 per cent on-year, reaching US$2.03 billion, according to provincial government data.

To bolster Hong Kong’s appeal for duty-free shopping, the central government raised the duty-free threshold for mainland residents aged 18 and older from 5,000 yuan to 12,000 yuan per trip, effective from Jul 1.

Additionally, the limit may increase to 15,000 yuan for purchases made at duty-free stores at border crossings.

Sign up for our newsletters

Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox

Get the CNA app

Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories

Get WhatsApp alerts

Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app

Related Topics

Also worth reading, this browser is no longer supported.

We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.

To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.

Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us