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How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

Visa-Free Access to China : If you're from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Malaysia, 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$50 per person (valid until June 30th, 2024) once your tour booking is confirmed with us. No stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

How to Apply for a China Visa

Planning to visit China, but don't know how to apply for a China visa? We're breaking it down for you with our step-by-step guide, follow the steps and get your China visa efficiently.

The visa information we provide is for reference only. We are a travel agency. If you book a trip with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa.

1. Find out if you need a visa

The first thing is to check whether you need a visa or not. You usually need to apply for a Chinese visa unless you meet one of China's visa-free policies . 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit offer great convenience if you have a layover in China.

2. Find out which visa you need.

There are many types of China visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

3. Prepare the required documents.

The following list of documents are required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it. In some countries such as UK you should complete an online form . On the form, you might find an item "Serial number of invitation letter of the authorized organization", you may skip this item if you don't have an invitation letter, or the invitation letter is not of this type.)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for.

For instance, if you are applying for a tourist L visa , you need to prepare an air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency. ( An invitation letter could be provided by us without extra charge if a China tour of 3 days or more is booked .)

An invitation letter can replace the air ticket and hotel booking if you are planning to stay with friends or family who live in China and can't provide the hotel confirmation, or if your travel is being organized by a travel agency (or other duly authorized organization) in China . We can provide you with the invitation letter if you book a tour with us.

4. Submit the application.

You may submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (also called CVASC) if they are operating in your country.

Starting from 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected .

The regular service processing time is 4 days, and the rushed service takes about 1 day. The latter is only available in extreme emergencies pending a consular officer's approval.

5. Pay the fee and collect your visa.

Go to the place where you apply for a China visa, pay the fee, and collect your visa.

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

The fees shown in the table are only for the cost of visa. If you apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the service fee and tax are required.

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When to Apply for a Visa

It is important to get your visa early, but not too early because it is only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date.

It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel .

Apply for Special Permits, If Necessary.

If you are planning on traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need to get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Chinese travel agency. As a travel agency based in China for more than 20 years, we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Check the most popular Tibet tours .

Apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong

If you are already in Hong Kong and want to visit the Chinese mainland, it is possible to get a China visa in Hong Kong. Read our step-by-step guide .

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• China , Local Knowledge

How to Get a China Business Visa (M-Visa)?

• Author Antoine Boquen
• September 27, 2021

Hire and pay talents with Horizons in 180+ countries

Key Takeaways

1. If travelling to China on business, or arranging for an employee to do so, it is crucial that the correct visa is acquired. 

2. The ‘M Visa’ is the China business visa. It can be granted for varying periods and for single entry or multiple entries. 

3. When applying for an M Visa, ensure that you submit all the required documents together. 

4.  Consider engaging a global mobility partner to ensure that you and your employees enter China on the right visa. 

How to get a China Business Visa

The China Business Visa (M Visa) is issued to applicants who intend to come to China for commercial and trade activities purposes.

A China Business Visa can be granted for 30, 40, 60, 90, 180 days, or 1 to 10 years (in some cases, Business visas can be granted for more than 1 year and up to 10 years). It can also grant a single entry, a double entry, or multiple entries.

Important notice: To work in China a Z Visa (China Work Visa) will be required.

Required Documents

Generally, the following documents are required to be produced:

• Application Form V.2013
• Flight Tickets (at least one way)
• Proof of Accommodation (hotel booking, an invitation letter from a relative…)
• Proof of Financial Resources
• Invitation Letter from the inviting company located in mainland China
• Business License of the inviting company
• (Mission Statement from a company located abroad and willing to send their employee to China)

Invitation Letter

As one of the required documents for a China Business Visa application, the Invitation Letter shall follow some rules and state the following required information:

Information related to the applicant

• Passport number
• Nationality
• Date of birth

Information related to the inviting company

• The relationship between the applicant and the inviting company located in China

Information about the trip planned in China

• The purpose and the planning of the visit to China (visited cities, flight/plane tickets…)

Information related to the Business Visa application

• Requested Visa, here a “China Business Visa”
• The number of entries + duration of each stay in China

Also, the Invitation Letter needs to be stamped by the inviting company chop.

Hire globally in 24 hours with Horizons EOR services.

Exceptions per countries.

Some countries have special agreements with China that allow their citizens to benefit from specific visas.

• United States: up to 10 years Business Visa
• Canada: up to 9 years Business Visa
• Argentina: up to 10 years Business Visa
• Israel: up to 10 years Business Visa
• United Kingdom: up to 2 years Business Visa

Other exceptions:

• Foreigners who already obtained a Business Visa in the past are also entitled to ask for a 1-year Business Visa.
• Foreigners living in hong kong , and having an HKID Card: 1-year China Business Visa
• APAC citizens holders of the ABTC (APEC Business Travel Card) containing “CHN” on the back: up to 60 days for Business Trips without needing any Visa
• Holders of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao passports: special Travel Permit valid for up to 10 years
• Foreigners going from Hong Kong to Shenzhen (and staying in Shenzhen) for a Business Trip can enjoy a 5-day Visa when they arrive; the same for Foreigners going from Macao to Zhuhai (and staying in Zhuhai) for a Business Trip can enjoy a 3-days Visa when they arrive.

Application from Hong Kong

Except if the applicant holds an HKID Card , it is almost not possible anymore to apply in person for a Chinese Visa in Hong Kong. However, a lot of agencies provide a Chinese Visa application service.

Through an agency, it is generally possible to obtain a Business Visa for 30 days in Hong Kong. Sometimes, it requires that the holder of such a visa activate it at the Shenzhen border between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Extending a China Business Visa

It is possible in some circumstances to extend your M visa if you ask for an extension at least seven days before the original expiration date. This may be a good option for you if the permitted duration is inadequate to cover your trip. You must go to the local exit and entry administration to apply for this extension. You will also have to pay an additional fee for an extension.

Can I work with a China Business Visa?

If you work for a foreign company and are paid by this company, you can work in China for up to three months. 

However, if you are paid by a domestic company or you will be working in China for a foreign company for more than three months, you will need to apply for a China Z visa . 

Our local experts can assist you with the immigration process. 

Frequently asked questions

It depends on where the applicant is applying from (i.e., where is the embassy located?).

Usually the processing time is about 4 working days. A Same day pickup may be available, but as an express service will carry an additional charge.

Previously, the F visa was a broad class of visa that covered non-commercial activities as well as business activities. Now business activities require an M visa and the F visa is only allowed for non-commercial visits to China.

Horizons Business Visa and Immigration Solutions

It is important that when carrying out business in China you arrive on the correct visa.

Horizons  can organize visas for you and ensure that your arrival is in full compliance with visa and immigration requirements. 

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How to Get a Visa for Business Travel to China

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Many companies, especially large companies, conduct some parts of their business abroad, and China's colossal economy makes it a top spot. But business travelers to China can't just hop on a plane and arrive. Before you go, you need to make sure you have the right documents , as business travelers will need a visa in addition to a passport for a trip to mainland China .

The whole application process may take about a week, and that's not including the time required to hear back on your application. For an extra fee, you can select same-day or rush services. It's good to make sure you're planning in advance for any trip.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region that does not follow the same visa policy as mainland China. American tourists in Hong Kong do not need a visa, but if you're traveling there for business, you'll need to obtain a business visa for Hong Kong .

Business travelers to China usually obtain an "M"-type visa. M visas are issued to travelers who are visiting China for business reasons, such as trade shows, meeting with clients, visiting factories, and other commercial purposes.

There are various options for the validity period of the visa and the number of entries you're permitted to make during that period of time. U.S. citizens pay the same amount regardless of the validity period and number of entries, so it makes sense to choose the most generous option—multiple entries over a 10 year period.

Complete the Paperwork

The place to start is by making sure you have a valid U.S. passport with at least six months remaining on it and at least one blank page. You should also make a photocopy of the page with your photo on it.

The first step in applying for a visa for travel to mainland China is to download the visa application from the Chinese Embassy website. Once you've downloaded it, you'll need to fill it out. When selecting the purpose of your visit, you should choose "Business and Trade." The "Work" option is for someone moving to China to work for a Chinese company.

You'll also need to attach one passport photo (2 inches by 2 inches in color) to the application, and submit a copy of your hotel and roundtrip flight information as well.

You will also need to include an invitation letter from an authorized Chinese business or a letter of introduction from your U.S.-based company, that includes information on the traveler, the purpose of the visit, and contact information for the inviting party in China.

Application fees can be paid by credit card , money order, or cashier's check. Check on the consulate webpage for updated fees. Some consulates outsource their visa processing to a third-party company, which may incur an extra cost.

If you need express or same-day processing, you'll need to pay an extra fee as well as provide justification for the urgency.

Submitting the Paperwork

Visa applications must be submitted in person. Mailed applications are not accepted.

Once you have all your materials assembled (visa application, passport, passport photo, a copy of hotel and flight information, and invitation letter), you should deliver them to the nearest Chinese consulate . You will have to leave your passport with the consulate since the visa is attached to a page inside.

If you can't make it to a Chinese consulate in person, you can hire an authorized agent to do it for you or entrust a family member or friend. You can also ask a travel agent for assistance.

Obtaining the Visa

Once your materials are submitted, all you have to do is wait. Processing times vary, so it's best to leave plenty of time before your trip to obtain the visa. The regular processing time is four days. If all goes well, you—or an authorized person—will have to return to the consulate to pick up your passport with the newly attached visa inside.

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China Business Visa (M): The Ultimate Guide

The China Business Visa (M) is an essential document for individuals intending to engage in business-related activities within China.

Whether you’re attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or exploring potential business ventures, obtaining the China Business Visa (M) is a vital step in ensuring smooth entry and legal compliance.

Eligibility Criteria for China Business Visa (M)

1. purpose of visit.

The China Business Visa (M) is specifically designed for individuals traveling to China for commercial or trade activities. It covers a wide range of purposes, including attending conferences, exploring business opportunities, and establishing partnerships.

2. Documentation Requirements

To apply for a China Business Visa (M) , applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents, including:

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• One Visa Application Form completed  online  and signed by hand.
• Passport-sized photographs meeting specific requirements
• Invitation letter from a Chinese business entity or organization
• Proof of business registration or incorporation
• Travel itinerary and accommodation details
• Financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay in China

3. Financial Stability

Applicants must demonstrate financial stability to support their stay in China.

This includes providing bank statements, tax returns, or proof of income to ensure that they can cover their expenses without seeking employment in China.

Application Process for China Business Visa (M)

1. submission of documents.

Once all required documents are gathered, applicants can submit their visa application to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. It’s essential to ensure that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejection.

2. Visa Interview (if required)

In some cases, applicants may be required to attend a visa interview at the embassy or consulate. During the interview, they may be asked about the purpose of their visit, their itinerary, and other relevant details.

3. Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a China Business Visa (M) varies depending on the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of the planned travel date to allow for sufficient processing time.

4. Visa Collection

Once the visa application is approved, applicants can collect their China Business Visa (M) from the embassy or consulate. It’s essential to check the visa for accuracy and validity dates before traveling.

Tips for a Successful China Business Visa Application

1. plan ahead.

Start the visa application process well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any unexpected delays or additional document requirements.

2. Double-Check Documents

Ensure that all required documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date before submitting your visa application to avoid any potential issues or delays.

3. Follow Instructions Carefully

Carefully read and follow all instructions provided by the Chinese embassy or consulate regarding the visa application process, document requirements, and visa interview (if required).

4. Seek Professional Assistance if Needed

If you’re unsure about any aspect of the visa application process or require assistance with document preparation, consider seeking guidance from a reputable visa service or immigration consultant.

Obtaining a China Business Visa (M) is a crucial step for individuals looking to engage in business activities within China.

By understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and application process outlined in this guide, applicants can navigate the visa application process with confidence and ensure a smooth and successful experience.

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The Ultimate Guide To Applying For A China Visa For Business Travel

• Last updated Apr 30, 2024
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category Travel

China is a vast and diverse country that offers a plethora of opportunities for business travelers. From booming industries to bustling trade shows, there is no shortage of reasons to visit this economic powerhouse. However, before you can embark on your journey, you must navigate the process of applying for a China visa. With ever-changing regulations and strict requirements, understanding the ins and outs of this process can be daunting. That's why we have created The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a China Visa for Business Travel. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time visitor, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information and resources you need to successfully obtain a China visa and make the most of your business trip. So, get ready to conquer the bureaucratic maze and unlock the doors to your next business venture in China.

What You'll Learn

Types of china visas for business travel, required documents for a china business visa application, step-by-step guide to applying for a china business visa, tips for a successful china business visa application.

When planning a business trip to China, one of the most important steps is obtaining the appropriate visa. China offers several types of visas for business travel, each with its own requirements and restrictions. Understanding the different types of visas available will help you determine which one is best suited for your needs. Here are the most common types of China visas for business travel:

• Business (M) Visa: The M visa is the primary visa for business travel to China. It is usually valid for multiple entries within a period of 10 years, with each stay allowing a maximum duration of 60 or 90 days. To apply for an M visa, you will typically need an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization, a letter from your employer, a completed visa application form, and other supporting documents.
• Work (Z) Visa: If you are planning to work in China for an extended period of time, you will need a Z visa. This visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry and can be converted into a residence permit after arrival in China. To obtain a Z visa, you will need an employment permit or work permit issued by the Chinese government, a letter of invitation from your employer, and other supporting documents.
• Internship (F) Visa: If you are planning to undertake an unpaid internship in China, you will need an F visa. This visa is valid for a period of between 30 and 180 days and is single entry only. To apply for an F visa, you will typically need an invitation letter from a Chinese company or institution, a completed visa application form, and other supporting documents.
• Crew (C) visa: The C visa is for crew members of international transportation companies who will be working on a vessel or aircraft that is traveling to China. This visa is usually valid for a maximum of 30 days and is single entry only. To apply for a C visa, you will need an invitation letter from the transportation company and other supporting documents.
• Trade Fair/Exhibition (F) Visa: If you are planning to attend a trade fair or exhibition in China, you may be eligible for an F visa. This visa is usually valid for a stay of 30 days and is single entry only. To apply for an F visa, you will typically need an invitation letter from the trade fair or exhibition organizer, a completed visa application form, and other supporting documents.

It is important to note that the visa application process can vary depending on the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. It is recommended to consult the embassy's website or contact them directly to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on the specific requirements and application process for the visa you need.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of visas available for business travel to China is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. Whether you need an M visa, Z visa, F visa, C visa, or another type of visa, make sure to gather all the necessary documentation and follow the application process carefully to increase your chances of success.

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Applying for a China business visa can sometimes be a complex process, but with the right documents, the application becomes much easier. It is important to ensure that all the required documents are accurately filled out and submitted. In this article, we will walk you through the essential documents you need for a China business visa application.

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China. It should have at least one blank visa page.
• Visa Application Form: Complete the online China Visa Application Form (Form V.2013). Ensure that all the required fields are filled out accurately, including your personal information, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
• Passport-sized photo: Attach one passport-sized photo to the visa application form. The photo should meet the specifications set by the Chinese embassy or consulate.
• Invitation Letter: Obtain an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization. The letter should be on official company letterhead and include the purpose of your visit, details of the inviting company, your personal information, and the planned duration of your stay in China.
• Business Registration: You need to provide a copy of the business registration certificate of the inviting company in China. This document confirms the legal status of the company and its authorization to invite foreign visitors.
• Introduction Letter: Write an introduction letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your relationship with the inviting company, and a brief description of your professional experience and qualifications.
• Flight Itinerary: Provide a copy of your flight itinerary, showing the dates and details of your travel to and from China.
• Hotel Reservation: Include a copy of your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in China stating the accommodation arrangements during your stay.
• Financial Documents: Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in China. This can be in the form of bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters if someone else is sponsoring your trip.
• Previous Chinese Visas: If you have previously visited China, include copies of your previous Chinese visas and entry/exit stamps.
• Supporting Documents: Depending on the nature of your business trip, you may be required to provide additional supporting documents. These can include, but are not limited to, an employment letter, proof of business relationships, or event invitations.

It is important to note that the requirements for a China business visa may vary depending on the country where you are applying. It is advisable to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for specific instructions and any additional documents that may be required.

Remember to carefully review and double-check all your documents before submitting your application to avoid any delays or rejections. Providing all the necessary documents and completing the application accurately will greatly increase your chances of obtaining a China business visa successfully.

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If you are planning to visit China for business purposes, you will need to apply for a China business visa. The process may seem daunting at first, but with a step-by-step guide, it can be a smooth and straightforward experience. In this article, we will walk you through the process of applying for a China business visa.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa

The first step in applying for a China business visa is to determine the type of visa you need. The most common type of business visa for China is the M visa, which is issued to foreigners who are visiting China for commercial and trade activities. However, there are also other types of business visas, such as the F visa for non-commercial visits and the Z visa for employment purposes. Make sure you select the correct visa type based on the purpose of your visit.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Once you have determined the type of visa you need, you will need to complete the China visa application form. The application form can be downloaded from the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. Fill out the form carefully, ensuring that all the information is accurate and up to date. It is important to note that the application form may vary slightly depending on the embassy or consulate you are applying to, so make sure to check for any specific instructions.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documents

After completing the application form, you will need to gather the required documents for your China business visa application. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality and the embassy or consulate you are applying to. However, the common documents typically include:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China.
• Invitation Letter: You will need to provide an invitation letter from a business or company in China, explaining the purpose of your visit and providing details of the inviting company.
• Business Documents: You may be required to submit additional business documents, such as a letter from your employer confirming your employment, proof of business registration, or financial statements.
• Flight and Hotel Reservations: It is advisable to provide flight and hotel reservations as proof of your travel plans.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to submit your China business visa application. Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country during their business hours and submit your application in person or by mail, depending on their specific requirements. Make sure to pay the visa fee, which may vary depending on your nationality.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa to be processed. The processing time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the type of visa you are applying for. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any possible delays.

Step 6: Collect Your Visa

Once your China business visa application has been approved, you can collect your visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate. Some embassies or consulates may offer a mail-in service to return your passport with the visa, while others may require you to collect it in person.

In conclusion, applying for a China business visa may seem like a complex process, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully navigate the application process. Make sure to carefully read the instructions provided by the Chinese embassy or consulate and provide all the required documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visa application.

Navigating International Travel with an H1B Visa: What You Need to Know

When planning a business trip to China, it is important to understand the visa application process and requirements in order to ensure a successful application. Here are some tips to help you navigate the China business visa application process:

• Determine the type of visa you need: China offers several types of visas for business travelers, including the M visa for commercial and trade activities, and the F visa for non-commercial exchanges, visits, and investigations. Determine which type of visa is appropriate for your business activities in China.
• Gather the necessary documents: To apply for a China business visa, you will need to gather several documents. These typically include a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photo, and an invitation letter from a Chinese entity.
• Complete the visa application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Be sure to provide all required information, including details about your intended business activities in China and your itinerary.
• Obtain an invitation letter: In order to apply for a China business visa, you will need to have an invitation letter from a Chinese entity. This letter should be on the company's official letterhead and include details such as the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, and a guarantee of financial support if necessary. It should also include the full name and contact information of the inviting company or organization.
• Provide proof of financial stability: It is important to provide proof of your financial stability in order to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay in China. This may include bank statements, tax returns, or a letter from your employer stating your salary and duration of employment.
• Provide your travel itinerary: Include a copy of your flight itinerary or confirmed air ticket reservation showing your entry and exit dates for China. This will help to establish the purpose and duration of your stay.
• Submit your application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, submit your application to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. It is important to double-check that all documents are complete and accurate before submitting your application, as any mistakes or omissions could result in delays or a rejection.
• Pay the visa fee: China business visa application fees vary depending on your nationality and the processing time. Be prepared to pay the visa fee when submitting your application.
• Track your visa application: After submitting your application, it is advisable to track the progress of your visa application. You can do this through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate's website or by contacting their visa processing center. This will help you stay informed about the status of your application and any additional documents or information that may be required.
• Collect your visa: Once your visa application is approved, you can collect your visa from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Make sure to check the validity and conditions of the visa before your departure.

By following these tips and carefully preparing your China business visa application, you can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Remember to start the application process well in advance to allow for any potential delays and to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip to China for your business purposes.

Traveling to Canada: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with a US Visa

Frequently asked questions.

The basic requirements for a China business visa application include a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photo, an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organization, and proof of onward or return travel.

The processing time for a China business visa application can vary depending on the country and consulate where you are applying. Generally, it takes about 4-5 business days for regular processing. However, expedited processing may be available for an additional fee, which can shorten the processing time to 1-3 business days.

No, China does not currently offer an online application system for business visas. You will need to submit your application in person at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your country of residence or at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) if available.

Yes, as part of your China business visa application, you will generally be required to provide a detailed itinerary of your business trip. This should include information such as the purpose of the trip, dates and locations of planned meetings or events, and contact information for the Chinese companies or organizations you will be visiting.

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China Business Visa Application Guide: What You Need to Know

Posted on November 28, 2023 | Last Updated on January 11, 2024

Planning a business trip to China? You’ll need a Chinese Business Visa!

China stands as a magnetic hub for business visas, attracting professionals from around the world.

Whether it’s the M Visa for short-term business engagements or the F Visa for academic purposes that you’re looking for, we’ll cover the essentials in this article.

We will outline the various visa types, validity periods, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and more.

Read on to unlock your business opportunities in China!

What is the China Business Visa?

This visa is for temporary visits to China for business-related activities.

There are two main business visa types, the M Visa and the F Visa.

• M Visa – The M Visa is suitable if you intend to go to China for short business trips, such as business meetings, negotiations or conferences.
• F Visa – The F visa is designated for academic purposes, such as engaging in research, participating in conferences, and university collaborations.

What are my entry options and how long is the business visa for China valid?

This visa has single, double and multiple entry options, with stays between 30, 60 or 90 days (note that it is up to the embassy on the length of stay you will be granted).

Here are the different entry options and durations available:

If you have a single-entry visa you can enter China once within the validity period of the visa (typically 30 to 90 days). Once you exit China, the visa expires.

There is also a double-entry visa which allows you to enter China twice within the visa’s validity. The visa can be valid for 90 days or six months.

Lastly, the multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit China multiple times. The validity here can be six months or 12 months.

Eligibility for the different durations and entry options depends on factors like your nationality, the circumstances of your trip, and the documentation you provide when applying.

If this is your first time applying for a business visa, note that you can only obtain a single or a double-entry visa.

Read also: Chinese Visas Explained: Tourist Visa VS Business Visa

What are the Chinese Business Visa requirements?

The requirements vary slightly depending on factors like your nationality and the type of business trip you are planning. However, here are some common requirements and documents required for a China Business Visa, these generally include:

• Completed Chinese Business Visa application form
• Passport valid for at least six months past the date of your intended departure from China and have at least one blank visa page
• Copy of your passport’s bio page
• Passport-size photo taken in the last six months
• Invitation letter from a Chinese host organization including information on the purpose of your visit, your expected arrival and departure dates, the places you will visit, and who will be responsible for your expenses

You may need additional documents to support your application depending on your specific circumstances when you apply for this China visa.

Eligible Countries

There are no specific countries outlined for a China Business Visa, instead this visa is issued based on the specific circumstances of the individual traveler, such as the purpose of the visit, their relationship with the inviting Chinese entity, and their ability to meet the visa requirements.

Are there still Covid restrictions in China?

As of August 30, 2023, there are no more Covid-19 restrictions for those traveling to China.

So no need to worry about Covid tests or filling out the Customs Health Declaration Form.

Read also: Back to Business – China Reopening to International Business Travelers

Can Irish citizens work in China on a business visa?

To put it simply, ‘working’ on a business visa in China does not mean that you can permanently work there.

Instead, the business visa allows you to carry out activities such as going to conferences, doing business meetings, etc. for the specified amount of time on your visa.

How long can Irish citizens stay in China while on a business visa?

As an Irish citizen, the main type of visa available if you are visiting China for business purposes is the M visa.

Depending on the visa you apply for and are granted – whether it be valid for three, six, or twelve months, with one, two, or multiple entries, you may be able to stay for either 30, 60, or 90 days after entering China .

How can Irish citizens apply for a China Business Visa?

If you are an Irish citizen planning to travel to China for Business, you can apply for the M Visa.

The general process is as follows:

• Gather all the documents you need, such as your passport, passport-sized photos, an invitation letter, and any other specific documents.
• Complete the Chinese visa application form and ensure all information is accurate and matches the details in your other supporting documents.
• Submit your application, along with all the required documentation.
• Pay the visa application fees as required.

Visa First can assist with your application for a smooth and stress-free process.

Apply for China Business Visa

How to apply with Visa First?

You can apply for your Chinese Business Visa with us! That means we take care of the complicated paperwork.

The process is as follows:

Step 1: You will first need to complete our application form and email it to us along with a digital photo, a copy of your passport and an invitation letter.

Step 2: We will then prepare your application form. Then we will send you an email with your documents, a typed application and instructions on what you can expect on the day you go to the embassy.

Step 3: You will then need to attend the Chinese Embassy personally to submit your documents and fingerprints but you don’t need to book an appointment before that.

How long is the China Business Visa processing time?

The processing time of your application starts after you have submitted your application to the embassy.

You can choose one of the two services when applying for your visa at the embassy, either:

• Standard service – the visa will be ready for collection in four working days.
• Express service – the visa will be ready for collection in two to three working days.

Note that we also offer a collection service where we collect your visa when it’s ready and post it to you.

Why Visa First?

• Stress-free application process
• Our experts will guide you through the entire visa application process
• Boost your chances of securing your visa
• We organise more than 10,000 visas yearly

Ready to apply for your China Business Visa?

*Reviewed by a visa expert.

About the Author

Timea fodor.

Timea is an enthusiastic author at Visa First with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a passion for writing. She aims to simplify complex topics and inspire others to navigate immigration with ease.

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

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Until December 31, 2025 , citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Ireland, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg with ordinary passports can visit China Mainland without needing a Chinese visa for up to 15 days .

This visa exemption extends to various purposes, including tourism, business trips, transit, and visiting friends and relatives in China.

Usually, foreign travelers need a visa when traveling or doing business in China. This China Visa Guide will help you answer almost all the questions you need to know before applying for a China Visa.

This article includes information on China visa types, requirements, applications, costs, visa-free transit policies, and visas on arrival.

China Visa Types

• China Visa Requirements (How to Apply)

China Visa-Free Policy

The type of visa you need to apply for depends on the main purpose of your visit to China.

There are four major categories of Chinese Visa: Chinese Diplomatic Visa, Service Visa, Courtesy Visa, and Ordinary Visa.

We usually refer to the Ordinary Visa types of the Chinese Mainland when speaking of Chinese visas.

1. Ordinary Visa

• C (Crew Visa): issued to foreign crew members using international transportation. It includes aircraft, trains, ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities and their accompanying family members.
• D (Resident Visa ) : Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
• F (Visitor Visa) : issued to those who intend to visit China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities.
• G (Transit Visa): Issued to those who intend to transit through China.
• J1/J2 (Journalist Visa): J1 is issued to foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. J2 is issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
• L (Tourist Visa) : Issued to those who intend to visit China as a tourist.
• M (Business Visa): Issued to those who intend to visit China for commercial and trade activities.
• Q1/Q2 (Family Reunion Visa): Q1 is issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with Chinese permanent residence. They intend to go to China for family reunions. Q2 is issued to those who plan to visit their relatives. They are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China.
• S1/S2 (Private Visa): issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc. S1 permits a long-term stay exceeding 180 days. S2 permits are short-term to no more than 180 days.
• R (Talent Visa): Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.
• X1/X2 ( Student Visa ): X1 is issued to those who intend to study in China for more than 180 days. X2 is issued to those who intend to study in China for no more than 180 days.
• Z (Work Visa) : Issued to those who intend to work in China.

2. Hong Kong Visa & Macau Visa

Hong Kong and Macau, as two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) in China, are regarded as third regions from China Mainland. They have their own visa policies, and a China Visa is NOT valid for visiting Hong Kong or Macau.

Ordinary passport holders from 170 countries are visa-exempted from entering Hong Kong. Read  Hong Kong Visa for the complete list. 

Macau also provides visa exemption for passport holders from 81 countries. Read Macau Visa  for the full list.

3. Visa on Arrival for Tourists – Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen, Hainan

Read China Visa Arrival  for more details about China Port Visa or Landing Visa.

4. Tibet Travel Permit

Non-Chinese passport holders and Taiwanese have to get a Tibet Travel Permit with the help of a China-based travel agency , like China Travel, before visiting Tibet.

Foreigners are not allowed to do the application and travel in Tibet independently. You have to travel with a tour guide.

Read How to Apply for a Tibet Permit for more detailed information.

If you book the Tibet tour with us, we will make all necessary arrangements to obtain the Tibet Permit for you . Feel free to contact us and learn more details about Tibet travel requirements.

China Visa Requirements - How to Apply for a China Visa

When to apply for china visas.

As ordinary visas are only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date, you are suggested to apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel.

Where to Apply for China Visas

Find out your visa type. Then submit your application to the visa office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General based in your country.

A travel agent or a visa agent can also help you deal with the visa in the embassy or consulate office.

Documents for China Visa Application

• Valid Passport: valid for more than six months with at least two blank visa pages
• Visa Application Form : You need to complete it by computer, and print and sign it.
• A recent passport-type photo: 33mm x 48mm
• Relevant proof for your purpose to China: an invitation letter.

China Visa Fees

• According to the reciprocity agreements, visa fees for some non-U.S. citizens may vary from the list above. Please check with the Visa Office.
• Express I service: pay an extra fee of USD 25 for each
• Express II service: pay an extra fee of USD 37 for each

Read How to Apply for a China Visa to get a step-by-step guide.

Visa-Free Transit Policy in China Mainland

There are three types of transit without visa (TWOV for short) policies in China mainland: 24-hour visa-free transit , 72-hour visa-free transit , and 144-hour visa-free transit .

30-Day Visa-Free Policy for Singapore and Thailand

Citizens from Singapore and Thailand with ordinary passports can visit China for up to 30 days without needing a visa.

With this policy, travelers can visit any mainland destination in China during this period, except for certain regions like Tibet and Xinjiang, which require special tourist permits.

15-Day Visa-Free Policy for Specific Countries

From July 26, 2023, Bruneian citizens holding ordinary passports can enjoy a 15-day visa-free policy when traveling to China.

From December 1, 2023, until December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can benefit from a 15-day visa-free entry to China.

From March 14, 2024, until December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders of  Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium , and Luxembourg  can visit China for 15 days without a visa.

These visa-exempt policies apply to purposes such as tourism, business, transit, and visiting friends and relatives in China.

6-Day Visa-free Policy for ASEAN Groups to Guilin

From May 28, 2015, tourists from the ASEAN nations (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Brunei) traveling in groups (of 2 or more) can visit Guilin for up to six days without a visa.

The requirements are that the group needs to be arranged through a local travel agency and every group member must come in and go out via Guilin Airport.

To get this visa-free trip, you need to apply at least one week in advance and it usually takes about three days to get everything settled. If you meet all these conditions and book a Guilin tour with us , we can help make the process easier for you.

6-Day Pearl River Delta Visa Exemptions

Foreigners traveling from Hong Kong or Macau can visit the Guangdong Pearl River Delta area (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and Huizhou) for up to six days without a visa.

This visa-free policy is applicable if you are part of a tour group (of 2 or more people) organized by a local travel agency in Hong Kong or Macau.

Additionally, this policy extends to tourist groups visiting Shantou, as long as you enter and exit directly from Shantou, and your activities are limited to Shantou.

Shanghai 15-Day Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups

Since October 1, 2016, the 15-day visa-free policy has been operating for foreign tourist groups entering China from Shanghai by cruise .

Under the 15-day visa-free policy, your group can visit and depart from any port within the designated areas as long as you remain together on the same cruise ship.

The visa-free privilege applies to specific regions, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin, and provinces such as Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan.

During the 15 days, the group is permitted to explore these areas without the need for a visa.

Read about the  15-Day Visa-Free Cruise Trip in China for more details.

Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Stay

From May 1, 2018, ordinary passport holders from 59 countries can have visa-free entry to Hainan if they are received by Hainan-based travel agencies.

They must apply for a visa-free stay at least 72 hours before arrival and enter/exit from Sanya or Haikou by flight with a hotel booking confirmation voucher. They can stay and travel in the whole Hainan Province for up to 30 days without a Chinese visa.

The full list of the qualifying 59 countries are:

Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the 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, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco, and Belarus.  

Check Hainan’s official tourism website for updated visa-free info and find eligible travel agencies.

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Business Visa for China – The Complete Guide

The business visa (or M visa) is issued to those coming to China Mainland for commercial activity.

Get your Business eVisa for Shanghai now and enjoy a 5% exclusive discount!

If you are interested in another type of visa, below you will find a list of our guides:

• General Guide to Chinese Visas
• Tourist Visa
• Chinese Visa for visiting family or friends
• Student Visa
• 10 Year Visa
• Taiwan Visa

What is required to obtain an M visa?

• Original passport valid for at least six months
• Two photos  4.5cm*3.5cm
• Invitation letter from a trade fair such as  Canton Fair or from a Chinese firm (in the event that you get your visa through a Chinese agency, it’s possible that they will be the ones to procure the letter for you)
• A copy of the Chinese firm’s business license
• A business card with your company’s name and contact information (telephone, email, etc)

The invitation letter should contain your information:

• Your personal data : Name, birthdate, etc.
• Details about your trip : Purpose of your visit, dates of arrival and departure, where you will be visiting, etc.
• Information about the Chinese firm that granted you the invitation letter
• Signature of legal representative of the Chinese entity and official seal .

If you intend to apply for a visa in Hong Kong that permits you to stay in China for six months or more, you will also need to meet the following criteria:

• Your passport must contain at least two Chinese visas issued outside of Chinese territory (those visas have a green background instead of blue or gray)
• Among your last three Chinese visas, one of them must have been issued in your country

What are the requirements to obtain an electronic visa (business e-visa)?

To apply for it, you will need the following documentation:

• Flight ticket
• Hotel reservation for all the nights you will spend in China
• Passport photo
• Invitation letter

The e-business visa, once issued, must be used within a maximum period of 30 days.

Where can I apply for an M visa?

If you are going to enter through Shanghai, you can easily apply for it online through this page

Alternatively, 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!

How long is an M visa good for, and how many entries can I get?

Can i renew my m visa in china, how much does an m visa cost.

For Europeans, it’s usually cheaper, while Americans are often required to pay more than 100 USD.

If instead, you apply for the visa in Hong Kong the cost depends on the length of stay (from 450 to 1,550 Hong Kong Dollars ). Click here to find out the details.

How do I read an M visa?

• Category: M
• Entries: 1, 2 or M ( “M” multiple entries)
• Enter Before: XX-XX-XXXX (the visa’s expiration date)
• Duration of each stay: XX days after entry
• Issue date: XX-XX-XXXX (date the visa was issued)

How can one get an M visa on arrival at Shanghai Airport?

IMPORTANT: The issuance of this type of visa is temporarily suspended

This type of visa, which is good for 30 days, is for those who are forced to enter China due to an emergency situation but, for some reason, do not possess a visa. Here are the most common “emergency situations”: needing to sign a business contract, needing to carry out an inspection regarding merchandise acquired from China, needing to repair a machine, or participate in a trade fair .

Even in this case you should have an invitation letter that serves to confirm the emergency situation that justifies your entry into China. In order to issue an invitation letter with the purpose of obtaining an M visa on arrival, the company doing the inviting must have at least a million Yuan in capital and be registered in one of the following provinces: Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui or Guangdong.

In addition, you can only obtain this type of visa if you land at either Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao airport. To conclude, if you hold a French or American passport you cannot apply for this type of visa.

How can one get a 5 day visa on arrival at the border between Hong Kong and Shenzhen?

If you land in Hong Kong and have a European, American, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport, you can immediately head to the Chinese border and apply for a 5 day visa which will be issued right then and there (to apply all you’ll need is your passport and 150 HKD).

This visa is only valid for the special economic zone of  Shenzhen, namely the cities of  Shenzhen, Shekou and the factories dispersed throughout the surrounding countryside.

The visa is called “Tourist visa to Shenzhen Special Economic Zone” so, technically, it’s a tourist visa. However it is also convenient for those who come to Shenzhen, the world capital of electronics, for business purposes.

If instead you’re in Macau you can apply for a similar visa for the Zhuhai area (in this case for a length of three days).

Can I work in China with an M visa?

About The Author

Sapore di Cina

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151 thoughts on “business visa for china – the complete guide”.

Hello there,

I‘m a German citizen studying in Shanghai, so I got lot of X-Visas in my passport. Recently, I would like to apply for M visa to go back to China and got the PU letter from a company in Shanghai already. But I‘m scared that the Chinese Embassy may deny my application, if I don’t fill the application correctly, because first of all I‘m a student and second of all I don’t have any work experience in a (trade) company or something. I’m curious, is there a high chance that I will be rejected? Thanks!

Thanks for the tone of knowledge you share on this website! I am a Polish citizen staying in China on a double entry, 30 days maximum duration of stay, M visa. It is my first M visa, but I have quite a few student visas in my passport (it’s practically Chinese visas only, from page one to almost the last ;) ). I am planning on applying for a new M visa and considering Hong Kong and Taipei. Would you say that one is better than the other, or the process should be equally smooth in both places? The other question is my chances for multiple entry, one-year visa. Is it really that rare to get one-year M visa and if so, what are the ways to improve my chances to get one? I am working in education, representing a foreign company providing training in cultural institutions, but occasionally help other companies in contact with business partners in China. In general, I work on various projects and therefore I was thinking that maybe providing a sort of work itinerary in the letter from the inviting company would be a good idea?

Would appreciate some thoughts!

You don’t need to provide any details of any work with your M visa application form. The invitation letter should include arrival date and departure date and I suggest you pick dates no more than 90 days apart because that is the common maximum stay on an M visa. If you apply in Hong Kong you will not get more than 30 days. Your home country or country of residence are always the best locations to apply from.

Is there a limit on the number of M visas you can be granted in a given time period?

In the last 2 year or less, I have been granted (and in the following order), 1x single entry (30 day), 1x single entry (15 days), 2x multiple entry (6 months), and 1x single entry (30 day) visa.

Out of the past 12 months, I’ve been staying in China for roughly 10 months in total. Last time, I applied for a 1 year M visa but was only given a single-entry 30-day visa.

I’m a Swedish citizen but I’ve applied for visas in the Philippines (where I used to reside).

I have business interests in China but I do not by definition work in China, so an M visa has always been my to-go choice as I travel frequently between China and HK.

Given my track record of being given several M visas in a short period of time, would perhaps my chances of successfully getting another 6-12 month visa be higher if I provide a more detailed itinery in the application form?

I think it will be difficult for you to get a one year visa. They may think that you are working/living in China instead of doing commercial or trade activities.

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• Licensing Requirements for Professional Services
• Distribution and Sales Channels
• Selling Factors and Techniques
• Trade Financing
• Protecting Intellectual Property
• Selling to the Public Sector
• Business Travel
• Investment Climate Statement

Business Customs

Business/name cards are common in Chinese business culture and will frequently be exchanged upon meeting a stranger in a business context. The card should be held in both hands when offering to the other person; offering it with one hand is considered ill mannered. When receiving a card, use two hands and study it before continuing. Do not miss an opportunity to develop an appropriate new business contact, as relationships, called guanxi in Mandarin, remain very important in China. With China’s shift towards a digital society, the exchange of contact information via WeChat is becoming increasingly common – particularly among younger business professionals who may not even carry business cards. It is important to have business cards available, but also expect that a new contact may not have any to exchange.

Travel Advisory

The threat level for the PRC is considered low for crime and terrorism. Americans should reconsider travel in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

For the most up-to-date information related to traveling and living in China, please see the U.S. Department of State section on China International Travel Information .

Travel Documents

When visiting China, keep in mind:

• Visitors arriving without valid passports and Chinese visas are not permitted to enter China and may also be subject to fines. 
• Visitors traveling to the PRC on a single-entry visa should be reminded that trips to Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions are treated as a visit outside Mainland China. If the traveler tries to return to Mainland China after a visit to one of these two destinations but only has a single-entry visa, they will be denied entry. Visitors facing this dilemma should apply for a new visa at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the China Travel Service in Hong Kong to re-enter China. 
• Transit through the PRC without a visa is permitted in some circumstances. See the visa requirement section below. Before travel, always check your itinerary and the most recent Chinese visa regulations to be sure your trip meets the regulations. 
• Recent travel advisories and other useful information can be found on the U.S. State Department’s travel website .
• Remember to connect with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program .

Visa Requirements

For the most up-to-date entry, exit, and transit requirements, please visit the Information on Chinese Visas section of the U.S. Embassy Beijing website.

Additionally, you may contact the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C. for specific information on China’s immigration and nationality laws.

The People’s Republic of China’s currency is officially called the Renminbi (RMB) and is also known as the Yuan, or colloquially as the Kuai.

Counterfeit Notes

Electronic payments are the overwhelming choice in China, and the distribution of counterfeit currency continues to be a major issue. Unsuspecting Americans are passed fraudulent notes at restaurants, stores, and in taxi cabs.

Cashless Payments

China’s merchants almost exclusively utilize cashless transactions. While credit cards are often accepted at international hotels and/or expat-friendly restaurants, many stores, shops, and restaurants only accept payments via Alipay and or WeChat Pay . Both can be accessed through a phone-based app that can be linked to a credit card.  A local bank account is required for WeChat payment; however, Alipay Tour can generally be linked to a foreign credit card.

Telecommunications/Electric

International and domestic phone calls can be made with little difficulty in China, particularly in the major cities. International and domestic calls can typically be made directly from hotel rooms and phone cards and SIM cards are widely available. Phones can be rented at the airport arrival terminals for short term use.

Calling China from the United States

When calling China from the United States, add “011” before the country code. Next dial 86, the country code for China. 

Cities shown are where the U.S. Government has an Embassy or Consulate:

Beijing: 10

Guangzhou: 20

Shanghai: 21

Shenyang: 24

Hong Kong: 852

For calls made within China, add a “0” before the city code.

Local Directory Assistance (some English): 114

Other Numbers (Emergencies)

U.S. Embassy: 011-86 10-8531-3000. Within Beijing, dial 8531-4000 (American Citizen Services) and listen for the menu options.

Additional important information, including travel advisories, can be found at the U.S. Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy website.

Emergency/Fire (Chinese & English): 119

Police (Chinese & English): 110

Medical Emergency (Chinese & English): 120

Privacy on Calls

All visitors should be aware that they have no expectation of privacy in public or private locations. The U.S. Embassy regularly receives reports of human and technical monitoring of U.S. citizens.

All hotel rooms and offices are subject to on-site or remote technical monitoring at all times. Hotel rooms, residences, and offices may be accessed at any time without the occupants’ consent or knowledge. Elevators and public areas of housing compounds are also under continuous surveillance.

All means of communication—telephones, mobile phones, faxes, e-mails, text messages, etc.—are likely monitored and likely accessed by other parties. The government has access to the infrastructure operated by the limited number of internet service providers (ISPs) and wireless providers. Wireless access to the Internet in major metropolitan areas is extremely common.   It is advised to bring only the bare minimum electronic equipment when traveling with minimal and only necessary company information, and to reset completely upon departure.

Transportation

Metered taxis exist, but cannot be hailed along main streets without the use of an app. Transportation is easily arranged at the front door of the hotel, and concierge desks have cards with the name and address of the hotel in Chinese and will often assist with giving instructions to the taxi driver.

Ride Hailing Services

Several different services are available, and it is best to ask for apps used locally.  Some services, including ShouYue, have an English version that can be linked to a foreign credit card as well as a foreign phone number. These apps tend to be similar in price to metered taxis if not cheaper. Many cars are metered, with an estimate given before starting the trip which may be adjusted upon completion of the trip. Payment is made through the app. Didi, formerly very popular all over China, is currently restricted. As of July 4, 2021, Chinese regulators ordered all app stores to remove Didi’s app and banned the company from registering new users.

Air travel to and from China has been severely impacted by the PRC’s COVID-19 prevention policies. Gradual return to normalcy is expected over the course of 2023.

High-Speed Trains

The Chinese government has invested significantly into China’s rail transportation system, and it is one of the largest and most efficient systems in the world.  Trains are a popular and convenient transportation option, offering several classes of services including business class, which is the most comfortable (and most expensive) option.

Mandarin Chinese is the national language. Other than Mandarin there are six major Chinese dialects, as well as numerous local dialects.

Pinyin refers to the standardized Romanization system used to represent the pronunciation of Chinese characters.

For business purposes, it is important to provide contacts with bilingual business cards, usually with Chinese characters on one side, English on the other. Titles and company names should be translated with care into Chinese to ensure a positive meaning.

Western-style medical facilities with international staff are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and a few other large cities. Many other hospitals in major Chinese cities have so-called VIP wards. These feature reasonably up-to-date medical technology and physicians who are both knowledgeable and skilled. Most VIP wards also provide medical services to foreigners and have English-speaking doctors and nurses.

Most hospitals in China will not accept medical insurance from the United States. Prior to departing for China, travelers are advised to consult the Travelers’ Health section published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Medical Assistance page on the U.S Embassy Beijing website.

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Time throughout China is set to Beijing time, which is eight hours ahead of GMT/UTC.  When it is noon in Beijing it is also noon in far-off Lhasa, Urumqi, and all other parts of the country. However, western China does follow a later work schedule to coincide with daylight hours.

Business Hours

China officially has a five-day work week, although some businesses stretch to six days. Offices and government departments are normally open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with some closing for one or two hours in the middle of the day.

Embassy Holidays

The Embassy is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Embassy Holiday Calendar lists the American and Chinese holidays observed by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

Temporary Entry of Materials for Personal Use

Reasonable quantities of items for personal use by short-term visitors may be imported duty-free. Although travelers will notice that China Customs officials at the airports do not routinely subject baggage to careful inspection upon arrival, random searches are possible. China allows an individual to import 400 cigarettes (600, if staying more than six months), 100 cigars, two bottles of wine or spirits (verify current allowable quantity at the duty-free shop before purchasing), and a reasonable amount of perfume. Cash amounts exceeding $5,000 (or equivalent in other foreign currency) should be declared.

Chinese law prohibits the import of cold cuts and fresh fruit. There are limits on other items, such as herbal medicine, that can be taken out of the country. Rare animals and plants cannot be exported. Cultural relics, handicrafts, gold and silver ornaments, and jewelry purchased in China must be shown to customs upon leaving China. If these items are deemed to be “cultural treasures” they will be confiscated.

It is illegal to import any printed material, film, and tapes, etc. that are “detrimental to China’s political, economic, cultural, or ethical interests.” Tapes, books or DVDs that “contain state secrets or are otherwise prohibited for export” can also be seized on departing China.

U.S. Embassy Beijing

U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, China

American Chamber of Commerce China (AmCham)

U.S.-China Business Council

Chinese Government Entities

Chinese Ministry of Commerce

China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC)

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• To join a vessel as a marine crew member (known as a “seafarer”)
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Please indicate clearly if family members will accompany you to Canada.

Submit the following documents with your visa application:

• digital copy of Seaman’s Book
• digital copy of a signed Letter of Invitation from a ship or port agent in Canada
• digital copy of an Introduction Letter from recruiter shipping agency or vessel owner
• digital copy of the employment contract

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer) , you must

• be travelling to Canada to join a ship’s crew
• hold a seafarer’s identity document
• hold a valid passport or travel document
• have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port

As a seafarer, you’re not eligible for a transit visa and you must apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa).

Note: When asked to “Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada”, include “Join vessel” or “Seafarer”.

Register to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

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USCIS Runs Random Selection Process for H-1B Petitions

17-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students

DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints from International Visitors at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force

USCIS to Accept H-1B Petitions Sent to California or Vermont Service Centers Temporary Accommodation Made for FY 09 Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions

USCIS Revises Filing Instructions for Petition for Alien Relative

USCIS Announces Update for Processing Petitions for Nonimmigrant Victims of Criminal Activity

USCIS to Allow F-1 Students Opportunity to Request Change of Status

Immigration Tops Agenda at North American Summit

USCIS Issues Guidance for Approved Violence against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petitioners

USCIS Modifies Application for Employment Authorization Previous Versions of Form I-765 Accepted until July 8, 2008

Overseas Education More Attainable for Chinese Students

New York Business Group Seeks Fewer Restrictions on Foreign Worker Visas

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. When you apply at a U.S embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws, whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate.

Nonimmigrant Visa Categories

The chart below contains many different purposes of temporary travel and the related nonimmigrant visa categories available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:

*What the abbreviations above mean  - Before applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the following is required:

• DOL = The U.S. employer must obtain foreign labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, prior to filing a petition with USCIS.
• USCIS = U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval of a petition or application (The required petition or application depends on the visa category you plan to apply for.)
• SEVIS = Program approval entered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• (NA) = Not Applicable - Additional approval by another U.S. government agency is not required prior to applying for a visa

Important Notes:

• About this chart – It is not a complete list of all travel purposes for the visa category. Select a visa category webpage for more information. The chart lists almost all nonimmigrant visa categories, with the exception of several not listed above. Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 402.1  for all nonimmigrant visa categories.
• Canadian NAFTA Professional workers – A visa not required; apply to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at border port of entry.
• K nonimmigrant visas – For U.S. citizen fiancé(e) and spouse for immigration related purposes. Refer to Immigrant Visa Categories .

Immigrant Visa Categories

The chart below contains different purposes for immigrating to the United States, and the related immigrant visa categories for which information is available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:

* K Visas – Listed with immigrant visas because they are for immigration related purposes.

About this chart - This chart is a list of many immigrant visa categories, but not every immigrant visa category.

** Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 502.1  for a listing of all immigrant visa categories.

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News Diversity Visa Program What is a U.S. Visa? Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - English

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - French

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Spanish

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Portuguese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mandarin

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Arabic

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Italian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - German

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Vietnamese

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Romanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Korean

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Armenian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Bulgarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Czech

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Hungarian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Indonesian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Lithuanian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Serbian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Thai

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Mongolian

Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers - Kurdish

External Link

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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• Best Overall
• Best for No-Annual-Fee

Best for Independent Hotel Purchases

• Best for Beginners
• Best for Everyday Spending
• Best for Students
• Best Premium Travel Card for Affordability
• Best for Dining and Groceries
• Best for Travel Insurance
• Best for Luxury Travel Benefits
• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card, Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Best overall travel credit card : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best travel credit card for beginners : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best no-annual-fee travel credit card : Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates and fees )
• Best for spending at hotels : Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
• Best for travel rewards on everyday spending : Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
• Best travel card for students : Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students
• Most affordable premium travel credit card : Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Best travel credit card for earning travel credit on dining and groceries : American Express® Gold Card
• Best premium card for travel bonus categories : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for luxury travel benefits and airport lounge access : The Platinum Card® from American Express

Introduction to Travel Credit Cards

Whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of rewards credit cards or you've already flown thousands of miles on points alone, we can tell you: There's a travel credit card for everyone. There's a card if you're looking for free flights, if you're hoping for free hotel stays, or if you're just doing whatever it takes to realize your dream of an overwater bungalow. There are even no-annual-fee travel credit cards that won't cost you anything to keep.

Compare the Top Travel Credit Cards

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. Earn 2x on all other travel purchases. Earn 1x on all other purchases.

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 75,000 bonus points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High intro bonus offer starts you off with lots of points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit

If you're new to travel rewards credit cards or just don't want to pay hundreds in annual fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a smart choice. It earns bonus points on a wide variety of travel and dining purchases and offers strong travel and purchase coverage, including primary car rental insurance.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)

19.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 20,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Versatile rewards
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases with no bonus categories to track
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower earning rate than some other no-annual-fee rewards cards
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited benefits

The VentureOne Rewards Card is a slimmed-down version of the popular Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It's one of the few no-annual-fee cards on the market that gives you the option to redeem miles for cash back or transfer them to travel partners.

• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase-or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Earn unlimited 5x points per dollar on hotels. Earn 4x points on airlines. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x on other purchases.

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable

Earn 60,000 bonus rewards points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation and lost baggage protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Airline and hotel transfer partners available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Welcome bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous cellphone protection
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Low annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Transfer partner network not as diverse or robust as competitors

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is a true travel credit card, with benefits that rival many of the best travel rewards credit cards currently on the market. This card has a low annual fee on par with that of popular competing credit cards and Wells Fargo's newly announced Points Transfer program allows cardholders to juice maximum value from every point they earn.

Earn 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.

19.99% - 29.99% variable

Earn 75,000 miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No bonus categories to keep track of
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other credit cards offer higher rewards in certain categories of spending

If you want an easy, no-fuss travel rewards credit card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great fit. For a moderate annual fee, it offers plenty of value, useful benefits, and a substantial welcome bonus.

• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations. Earn 1X point per $1 on all other purchases.

21.24% - 29.24% variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 3x points on most travel, restaurants, gas/EV charging, and supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earn 10x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked via Citi Travel
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. $100 annual hotel credit on a single stay of $500 or more
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No foreign transaction fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay/interruption benefits and lost/damaged baggage coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Has an annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Citi Travel rates often are higher than retail cost of travel

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.

• 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account

17.99% - 27.99% Variable

25,000 online bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous welcome bonus for a student credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns flexible points you can use toward a wide variety of travel purchases
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Other travel rewards cards have higher earning rates
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Few travel-related benefits compared to other travel cards

A good student credit card should offer rewards and useful benefits to those with limited credit history and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students hits several of those notes. However, while the card is marketed to students, those without established credit may have difficulty getting approved.

• The information related to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
• 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases)
• Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, no expiration on points
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 2 miles on all other purchases.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Excellent welcome bonus and miles earning
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Premium perks including airport lounge access and credits for certain purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Visa Infinite benefits including travel and shopping protections
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual travel credits only apply to Capital One Travel purchases

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for frequent travelers, with top-notch benefits and a wide range of built-in protections. It comes with a generous welcome bonus and credits that can help offset the annual fee — which is much lower than similar premium cards.

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.

See Pay Over Time APR

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Great rewards for dining and for shopping at US supermarkets
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Monthly statement credit for eligible dining purchases recoups some of the annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Underwhelming welcome bonus

Foodies and travelers alike will appreciate the American Express Gold's generous welcome bonus and Membership Rewards points earning. Its Uber Cash credits are useful for rides and Uber Eats, and monthly dining credits with participating merchants like GrubHub and Seamless are easy to use.

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

22.49% - 29.49% Variable

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong travel insurance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee

If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Card Recommendations

The best travel rewards credit cards offer valuable rewards, easy-to-use benefits, and helpful features like travel coverage. Our team of credit card experts at Business Insider chose the best options available on the market in 2024, and reviewed each one below.

Best Travel Credit Card Overall

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top pick for a well-rounded travel rewards credit card. Even infrequent travelers can benefit from the slew of premium perks on this card, typically found on cards with far higher annual fees. 

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out for its travel protection benefits. When you pay for travel expenses with this card and meet certain requirements, you can request reimbursement for unexpected expenses that may arise when your flight is delayed or if your baggage is delayed or lost.

You'll also have primary rental car insurance, meaning you won't have to file claims through your personal car insurance plan or pay for coverage from the rental car company. This card also offers a 10% anniversary points bonus, and up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel purchases made through the Chase Travel℠ Portal. 

The rewards rate on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card isn't shabby either. You'll earn 5 points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 2 points on all other travel purchases; and 3 points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. You'll earn 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are some of the easiest points to use in various ways. You can redeem them for travel directly through the Chase Travel Portal for a 25% boost in value, where 1 point will be worth 1.25 cents apiece. You can also transfer your points to Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners , which include United Airlines, Hyatt, Marriott, and many other airlines and hotel chains around the world. Cardholders can also use points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, and more.  

What the experts love: High welcome bonus offer, earns bonus points on travel, dining, and online grocery purchases, you can redeem points for 1.25 cents apiece for travel or through Chase for 25% value bonus

What the experts don't love: Doesn't offer some of the travel perks you'll get with competing cards, such as airport lounge access and a statement credit for Global Entry

Read more: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card review

Best No-Annual-Fee Card for Earning Travel Miles

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top choice for a no-annual-fee travel card ( rates and fees ), and it's got many of the same perks as its bigger sibling, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

New cardholders can earn a respectable 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening (worth at least $340 in travel according to Business Insider's valuations). While the card only earns 1.25 miles per dollar on most purchases (plus 5x on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel), it's still a compelling choice if an annual fee isn't for you ( rates and fees ).

You'll get the same access to Capital One's airline and hotel partners as you would with annual-fee cards, and a handful of benefits including car rental insurance***, travel accident insurance***, and purchase assurance***. This is also a solid pick if you're looking for a zero-interest credit card  with a 0% introductory APR offer, because new cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (intro fee of 3% for the first 15 months, then 4% of the amount of each balance transfer at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), then a 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR ( rates and fees ).

What the experts love: No annual fee, access to transfer partners, generous intro 0% APR offer

What the experts don't love: Few travel benefits, lower earning rate

Read more: Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review

The newly announced Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card earns one of the highest rates of return on hotel bookings for a credit card that isn't co-branded with a specific hotel chain. 

This card has a $95 annual fee, inviting direct comparisons to two other cards on this list: The Sapphire Preferred Card , and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . In exchange, cardholders earn at least 3x on dining and travel purchases. Airline purchases earn 4x, and hotel purchases earn 5x.

Wells Fargo simultaneously announced brand-new airline and hotel partners: Choice Privileges, Aer Lingus AerClub, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, avianca lifemiles, and British Airways Executive Club. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card cardholders can redeem rewards at the standard redemption rate of 1 cent per point for cash back, or transfer their rewards to any of the travel partners above for additional value.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card will be available for in-person applications at select Wells Fargo bank locations on March 9, 2024. Nationwide applications open online and in person on March 20, 2024. 

Read more: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review

Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great "set it and forget it" card, in the sense that you don't have to worry about various bonus categories for earning rewards. You'll earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also offers one of the most straightforward ways to redeem rewards for travel: you're able to use your miles to cover recent travel purchases from your card statement, at a rate of 1 cent per mile. 

You also have the option to transfer Capital One miles *** to more than a dozen frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer. Capital One also added new partners including British Airways and Turkish Airlines, and improved the transfer ratio to 1:1 for most partners. 

The selection of transfer partners is best suited to someone who wants to travel internationally and who doesn't mind spending some time researching the best ways to redeem miles with the different frequent flyer program options. But the upside is that you can always use your miles to cover your travel purchases. You also get up to a $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

What the experts love:  The ability to use your miles to cover your recent travel expenses; it earns at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

What the experts don't love: Other cards offer higher rewards on certain spending categories such as travel and dining.

Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review

Best Travel Rewards on Everyday Spending

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card isn't as flashy or well-known as some other travel cards, but that doesn't mean you should overlook it, especially if you spend a lot on its bonus categories. Cardholders earn an impressive 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Along with a solid welcome bonus offer of 75,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening (worth $1,200 based on Business Insider's valuations), you'll receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) booked through thankyou.com once per calendar year.

While it isn't the best for travel protections, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is the only card currently available to new applicants that unlocks the ability to transfer your ThankYou points to Citi's full list of airline and hotel partners , including JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, and Wyndham.

What the experts love:  Strong rewards earning in useful everyday categories, access to Citi's transfer partners

What the experts don't love: Lack of travel protections like car rental insurance, few travel perks compared to similar rewards cards

Read more: Citi Strata Premier℠ Card review

Best Travel Card for Students

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a fairly unique offering, as there aren't many student credit cards specifically geared toward travel. New cardholders can earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening (redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel and dining purchases). That's a decent offer for a no-annual-fee card, and the earning structure is simple, too — 1.5x points per dollar on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of.

There's also a 0% intro APR for your first 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account (then a 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR) which can be handy if you have big purchases (like textbooks or supplies) you want to pay for over time. 

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is a good choice if you prefer a straightforward card without having to worry about award charts or transfer partners. It's also a safe bet if you want to use it while traveling internationally — it doesn't charge pesky foreign transaction fees, so you won't be on the hook for extra charges if you use it overseas.

However, you won't find many extras — like travel benefits or purchase protections — with this card. If you're looking for better benefits, be sure to check out our guide to the best student credit cards for all the top options.

What the experts love: Impressive welcome bonus offer for a student credit card, good flat-rate rewards earning

What the experts don't love: No flashy extra perks or shopping benefits

Read more: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students review

Most Affordable Premium Travel Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was unveiled in late 2021 and offers a massive welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening — worth at least $1,275 in travel, based on Business Insider's valuation of Capital One miles .

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is loaded with premium benefits that can more than offset the $395 annual fee ( rates and fees ). For context, the Venture X's annual fee, while high, is significantly lower than other premium travel card competitors.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card cardholders receive $300 per year in credits toward travel booked through Capital One, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One airport lounge access (even for authorized users), a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth $100 in travel), and Visa Infinite travel and purchase benefits.

As with other cards that earn Capital One miles , you can transfer rewards to over a dozen airline and hotel partners to book award travel, or use miles to book through the Capital One Travel Portal .

What the experts love:  Between $300 a year in travel credit and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary, you can offset the annual fee entirely — and that's not even considering other benefits like lounge access.

What the experts don't love:  The $300 travel credit is more restrictive than other cards' — it only applies to travel booked through Capital One.

Read more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review

Best for Earning Travel Credit from Dining and Groceries

The American Express® Gold Card is an ideal travel card for anyone who frequently eats out and/or shops at U.S. supermarkets. You'll earn 4x Amex Membership Rewards points on these purchases (though note the $25,000 calendar year annual cap for U.S. supermarkets; after that, you'll earn just 1 point per dollar, but that's a pretty high cap). The card also earns 3x points on flights booked directly with the airlines or through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

While the $250 annual fee is on the high side, you can offset it thanks to an annual statement credit. You can get up to $120 in annual dining credits**, but it's divided into up to $10 in credits each month, and the credit only applies at select restaurants and delivery services, including Grubhub, Seamless, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and Goldbelly, and participating Shake Shack locations.

You'll also get up to $120 Uber Cash ($10 per month) credit each calendar year (this is only applicable to U.S. Eats orders and rides, and the Gold Card needs to be added to the Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).

What the experts love: "4x points on restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x) is great — usually, a card favors one or the other," says Rathner. Plus, the card offers monthly dining credits.

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that other cards offer similar benefits for a lower annual fee, and Rathner notes that the card's travel and dining credits come with some important limitations — so read the fine print. 

Read more: American Express® Gold Card review

Best Premium Card for Travel Insurance and Bonus Categories

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee, which means it's not for everybody, but if you're serious about maximizing your rewards and you travel frequently, it could be worth it. It offers a bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Not only do you get up to $300 in statement credits toward travel each year (and Chase has a very generous definition of travel — including everything from airfare to highway tolls), but you also earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding the $300 travel credit) and 3x points on all other travel and dining. You also get airport lounge access through the Priority Pass network , which has more than 1,300 locations worldwide.

New benefits also include access to Chase Sapphire lounges in JFK , LaGuardia , Boston , and Hong Kong, as well as the Chase Sapphire Terrace at Austin Airport . You'll also receive benefits with DoorDash  and Instacart that can save you money on delivery (activation required).

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is currently offering cardholders two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (valued at $199 per year) for member-exclusive pricing, priority pickup, and more (activation required). 

When it comes to redeeming points, you can book travel through Chase and get 1.5 cents per point (a 50% bonus over the standard 1-cent-per-point rate), or you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards to travel partners like Hyatt, British Airways, and United.

Plus, like the less-expensive Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers some of the best credit card travel insurance around. This includes primary car rental insurance, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost baggage insurance.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card was previously our pick for the best travel card overall, before the annual fee increased from $450 to $550. While the Reserve did add some additional benefits, the Reserve no longer makes as much sense for casual travelers. As a result, we now recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as the best travel credit card for most people. 

What the experts love:  Earns 3x points on travel and dining purchases made outside of Chase Travel Portal, annual $300 travel credit, points are worth 1.5 cents apiece for travel booked through Chase

What the experts don't love: You have to squeeze every drop of value out of this card to make that jaw-dropping $550 annual fee worth your while.

Read more: Chase Sapphire Reserve® review

Best for Luxury Travel Benefits and Airport Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest rewards card annual fees —  $695 — but it can still be well worth it if you can put all of its statement credits and generous welcome bonus offer to use.

You'll earn 5x points on flights when you book directly through the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), which makes the card a great choice for purchasing airfare. The card offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, plus some of the best purchase protection, so it's a good option for buying expensive items (and don't forget to see if you can take advantage of an Amex Offer ** for bonus points or cash back).

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers more airport lounge access than any other personal travel card — in addition to Priority Pass membership**, you get access to Amex Centurion Lounges , Delta Sky Clubs (when you're flying Delta), and more. 

The card's annual statement credits can go a long way toward offsetting the high annual fee. You get up to $200 in statement credits toward airline incidental fees** like checked bags and inflight purchases; up to $100 each year in credit toward Saks Fifth Avenue purchases**; and up to $200 in annual Uber credits (including Uber Eats)**. 

Just keep in mind that you're limited to one designated airline you choose each year in your Amex account for the airline incidental fee credit, and both the Saks and Uber credits are divided into portions. You'll get up to $50 in statement credits toward Saks purchases from January to June, and another credit of up to $50 for Saks purchases from July to December.

With the Uber credit, you get up to $15 each month, and a $20 bonus in December for a total of $35 that month.

What the experts love:  Lots of luxury benefits, including airport lounge access and statement credits with Uber and Saks

What the experts don't love: This card's $695 annual fee, and minimal bonus categories

Read more: The Platinum Card® from American Express review

How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card

While it takes more effort to redeem points or miles compared to cash back, the upside is that you can get much more value for your points compared to simply cashing in your rewards for a statement credit or check at a rate of 1 cent per point.

In fact, it's possible to receive double, triple, or even more than that amount when you're strategic about how you redeem your rewards, particularly if you book expensive luxury hotels or first-class flights. 

In this guide, we've focused mostly on the best travel credit cards that earn transferable points. Transferable points include popular currencies such as:

• Amex Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One miles

You can transfer these points to both airline and hotel partner loyalty programs. You can even redeem your points to offset the cash price of your travel at a flat rate.

Travel Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

If you want a single credit card that does it all and don't mind paying a generous annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a great choice. It comes with the best travel insurance available on the market, as well as a $300 travel credit each year that can be used on most types of travel.

The best travel credit card overall is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, but the best card for your particular situation will depend on what benefits you care about the most, as well as how you feel about paying a high annual fee. 

We'd recommend opening a travel card that earns Amex or Chase points, because these are among the easiest rewards to redeem and you have various travel partners to utilize. But if you've investigated your options and are confident that you can get value out of their rewards, credit cards that earn Capital One miles or Citi ThankYou points can make sense as well.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: Cards that earn transferable points, and airline/hotel co-branded credit cards. Transferable points currencies include Amex Membership Rewards points, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Airline credit cards and hotel credit cards earn points or miles within a respective hotel or airline program; you don't have the option to redeem your rewards with a wide variety of travel partners (or if you do, the transfer ratio usually isn't great).

To pick the right travel credit card for you, you'll want to evaluate its welcome bonus offer, ease of use, benefits, and annual fee. The best one for you will ideally have a combination of an attractive sign-up bonus , lots of options for earning and redeeming rewards, benefits that save you money, and a low or no annual fee.

Travel credit cards with annual fees are worth it if you're able to get significant value out of their benefits and rewards. Before you apply for a card , make sure you'll actually use all the features that contribute to the card's annual fee. For example, if a card offers an annual statement credit of up to $200 toward travel but you can't use it, you're probably not getting what you pay for.

Travel credit cards work by earning you points (or miles) on every purchase you make, with the goal of helping you earn enough rewards to book free travel . The best travel cards earn points that you can transfer to various airline and hotel partners — like Amex, Chase, or Citi points. 

A great way to work toward getting a free flight is by applying for a travel credit card and earning its welcome bonus offer. Domestic award flights in economy class typically require about 25,000 points, so depending on the welcome bonus offer, you could have enough rewards for a flight right out of the gate. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Travel Credit Cards

Business Insider evaluated dozens of travel credit cards currently available to new applicants and narrowed down the list to the best options based on the following factors:

• Welcome bonus offer — Do new cardholders get a valuable incentive to sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — How many points or miles do you earn on your purchases?
• Benefits — Beyond rewards, does the card offer valuable perks such as statement credits for travel, primary car rental insurance, and airport lounge access?
• Annual fee — Is there an annual fee, and if so, is it affordable or easy to offset with card perks?
• Overall value — Does the card justify its annual fee by offering useful benefits and valuable rewards, and is it worth it?

Read our guide to how we rate credit cards for a closer look at our methodology.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

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India Tourist Visa for UK citizens: Apply for your India Visa now

As a UK citizen, you'll need an India Visa to enter the country. Don't worry; we've got you covered! This guide will take you through the requirements and application process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Get ready to discover the wonders of India by applying for your India Tourist eVisa now.

Do UK citizens need a visa for India?

Yes, to embark on your Indian adventure and explore its captivating wonders, as a UK citizen, you need to apply for an Indian Visa before entering the country.

There are a few types of Indian eVisa available for UK citizens. The type of visa you choose will depend on the purpose of your trip.

India visa for UK citizens: Available types

Here are the Indian visas available for UK citizens:

The Tourist Visa is for those visiting India for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or attending cultural events.

You’ll need a Business Visa if traveling to India for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or trade fairs.

The Medical Visa : This visa is for those seeking medical treatment in India. It's issued to the patient and two attendants and is sometimes called the e-medical attendant visa.

What is the India Tourist Visa for UK citizens?

The India Tourist Visa (also known as the India e-tourist visa or India e-visa) for UK citizens is an electronic travel document that allows British citizens to visit India for tourism and recreational purposes. It grants permission to explore India's incredible attractions, historical sites, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.

How long is the India Tourist Visa valid For UK nationals?

There are three different types of tourist eVisas . Each has a different validity period. Your options for a tourist visa are:

The 30-day Double-Entry India Tourist Visa

The 1-year Multiple-Entry India Tourist Visa

The 5-year Multiple-Entry India Tourist Visa

This blog on Indian visa validity and allowed stay has detailed information on the specifics of each type of visa.

Note : All Indian e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible.

Who is eligible to get an India Tourist Visa in the UK?

The eligibility criteria for an Indian Tourist Visa in the UK are as follows:

Nationality : You must be a British citizen. All UK passport holders are eligible to apply for an Indian Tourist Visa.

Purpose : The visa is for tourism and recreational activities in India. It is not applicable for business purposes or employment.

Valid passport : Applicants must possess a valid UK passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of arrival in India.

Application process : UK citizens can apply for the India Tourist Visa with us.

Supporting documents : The application requires supporting documents such as a recent passport-size photograph, proof of accommodation in India, a travel itinerary, proof of financial means to cover the trip, and a return ticket or onward travel details.

It's essential to note that the final decision on granting the India Tourist Visa rests with the Indian authorities. Meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee approval, and it's advisable for British passport holders to carefully follow the application guidelines and provide accurate information to increase the chances of a successful visa application.

India Tourist Visa application: How to apply in the UK

The process is simple with our services and can be completed in just three easy steps. Here's how:

Step 1 : Visit our website and complete the online form. Provide your general information and select the type of visa you wish to apply for.

Step 2 : Review the information you provided to ensure its accuracy. Choose the processing option that best suits your requirements.

Step 3 : Pay the service fee using PayPal, Venmo, or a credit or debit card. Upload the necessary documents, including a passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport.

Once you've completed these three steps, simply submit your application and sit back while we handle the rest! You can expect to receive your e-visa in your email inbox within your selected timeframe.

Remember to carry both a printed and electronic copy of your Tourist eVisa during your travels. This will allow immigration officers to verify your e-Visa India status upon arrival quickly.

We recommend installing the iVisa app on your mobile phone for your convenience. With this app, you can keep track of your documents digitally, monitor the status of your application, and receive real-time alerts.

Necessary documents for the India Tourist Visa for UK citizens

A valid UK passport with a minimum of six months validity remaining from the intended arrival date in India.

Completed India Tourist Visa application form with accurate and up-to-date information.

Recent passport-size photograph (2x2 inches) with a white background.

Travel itinerary specifying the intended travel dates, places to be visited, and accommodation arrangements.

Proof of financial means to cover the expenses during your stay in India, such as bank statements or traveler's checks.

Proof of return or onward travel , such as a confirmed flight ticket.

Need more information?

If you need more info about traveling to India for tourism, medical assistance, or business, please contact us via online chat or WhatsApp .

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China Tourist Visa (L)

Most travelers to China are required to get a China tourist visa, L visa for short, which allows them to travel freely in most parts of China as tourists, assuming that they do not qualify under the  visa-free policies of China . Passports, application form, and documents showing the itinerary or an invitation letter from China are the essential application documents.  

In most cases, a tourist can get a single entry L visa with a stay duration of 30 days. UK, US, Canadian, Brazil and Argentine citizens are able to get a 10-year China tourist visa with multiple entries. If travelling with an organized tour group, you might not have an individual visa in your passport.  Instead, the tour group will be issued a group tour visa bearing all the members' names. In such situations supply your details to the travel agency beforehand and you will have no further concerns.

If travelling independently, you need to handle visa affairs on your own. The process is not complicated if you follow the guidelines below.  

China Tourist Visa Requirements & Documents

1. passport.

- Your passport  with at least 6 months remaining validity and available blank pages, and a photocopy of passport's data page.  

2. Application Form

- One accurately completed China Visa Application Form. Please fill in every column of the application form. If the application form is not filled out truthfully, completely and legibly, there could be a delay in processing or refusal of the application.  

3. Recent Photo

- A recent passport-size color photo with white background.  

4. Round-trip Tickets Plus Hotel Bookings or Invitation Letter from China

- Documents showing the itinerary including proof of round trip tickets booking and proof of hotel reservation. - Or, if you are being invited to China, you can submit an invitation letter issued by the inviter, whether it's an entity or individual, with following information: a. Information on the applicant, including full name, gender, and date of birth. b. Information on the planned visit, including arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit. c. Information on the inviter, including name, contact number, address, official stamp, and signature of the legal representative of the entity or the inviting individual.  

5. Other Supporting Documents

a. For those not applying in their country of citizenship, a proof of legal stay or residence status is required. b. In some cases, applicants may need to submit a certification letter from the employer of the applicant with details as follows: name and contact number of the employer, the applicant's income statement, or original copy of recent 6-month bank statement of the applicant. c. Applicants who intend to travel to Tibet must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit , which can be obtained from Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region by travel agencies.

How to Get a Chinese Tourist Visa

After preparing all the required documents, make an appointment with Chinese embassies, consulates, or a Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) if there are any in your country to submit the application. Generally, applicants aged 14-70 need to go in person. If you don't need to go personally, you can entrust someone else, such as a travel agency or a visa agency to act on your behalf. Applications by mails are not accepted and will be refused at most Chinese embassies, consulates or CVASCs. But the mail-back service is available in more cases.   

Processing Time

It normally takes 4 working days for processing a China travel visa. For express service, an additional fee of USD 20 will be charged for two or three working day service. For rush service, an additional fee of USD30 will be charged for same-day service.  

Chinese Tourist Visa Cost

The visa costs vary depending on your nationality and number of entries. However, according to the Visa Fee Abolition Agreement, the nationals of following several countries can get a visa for free, but must pay for express service, rush service or mail service: Pakistan, Maldives, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovakia and Micronesia. For major countries, the fee is listed below.

China Tourist Visa Extension

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