chinese visit visa

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.

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

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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Part 1. Visa Category

Part 2. Visa Application Processes

Part 3. Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category

Part 4 .   Special Reminder

Part 1.   Visa Category

Part 2 .   Visa Application Processes

1.  Complete Visa Application Form Online

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

Please Note:

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

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

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

2. Submit application in person  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Biometric collection

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

The following applicants are exempted from collecting fingerprints:

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

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

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

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

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

Part 3 . Supporting Documents Based on Visa Category

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For family reunion, the following documents are required:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For foster care, the following documents are required:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A photocopy of Confirmation Letter for High Level Foreign Talents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notice for the Work Permit for Foreigners

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

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

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

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

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Q :How to apply for a Chinese visa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A: No. Please renew the passport first.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where do you plan to apply for Chinese visa?

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STRONGLY RECOMMENDED FOR ALL APPLICANTS!Complete and detailed procedures and requirements for visa application.

Online appointment for visa application is no longer required. Please refer to the latest notice.

• About the Visa Centre
• Office Hours & Location
• Legal Information
• Help by E-MAIL
• Suggestions and Complaints
• Useful Links
• 2023/03/14 Notice on Visa Application Without Online Appointment
• 2019/12/18 Holiday Schedule 2024
• 2019/05/01 The Chinese Consulate-General in Toronto will outsource China Hong Kong and Macao visa service to the Chinese Visa Appli...
• 2018/12/14 Chinese Embassy/Consulates-General in Canada will collect visa applicants' fingerprints
• 2018/12/27 The Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in Canada will use an online visa application form and appointment booking sy...
• 2018/12/14 【Important】Process Modification for Visa Application

Important Notice

CVASC in  Toronto  serves applicants from O ntario  and Manitoba. If you live in one of the above areas, please click Step By Step Guidance to learn more details, then prepare materials, and fill out the application form online. When you are ready, you can come directly during our business hours to submit your application, no appointment required. Those who qualify for a fingerprinting exemption may mail their application to us.

For the latest requirements for visas to China, please refer to the latest notice on the official website (visas issued before March 28, 2020 and still within the validity period are valid and do not need to be re-applied). Reminder: Some types of visas are valid for 3 months. In order to prevent the visa from becoming invalid when you go to China, it is recommended that you submit the application 1-2 months before going to China, but generally not earlier than 3 months.   Online appointment for visa application is no longer required. Please refer to the latest notice.

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How to Get A Chinese Tourist Visa | Application Guide and Tips

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on May 8, 2024 :

1. Breaking News! 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025.

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

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

4. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

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

6. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?

A China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required for normal visit to mainland China. However, special visitors may travel to China without visa, such as, citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan could enjoy 15-day “no-visa” China tour, or transit passengers qualified for China’s 72 / 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit. Click Visa Free Policy of China to find out whether you need to get a visa for tour in China.

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

China Tourist Visa is divided into three kinds with different number of entries: single entry , double entries and multiple entries . That means you can enter China 1/2/many times during the validity of your China Visa. When applying, you should choose the intended number of entries based on the planed visit. Note that the visa will become invalid if entries have been used up, or the visa has expired.

Our American Clients Enjoyed Beijing Tour

What are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa Application?

Chinese Tourist Visa is issued to aliens who plan to visit China for tour. Visitors can apply Chinese Visa from overseas countries, at entry port on arrival or in China . This article mainly offer guide at Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Like all other visa categories, all applicants are required to prepare and submit necessary materials properly and truthfully. Read our step-by-step instruction to China Tourist Visa application below.

Basic Requirements

1. Passport

Original passport with a validity of at least 6 months, and at least one blank visa pages left. Also, make one copy of the data page & photo page, previous visa pages.

If you already use a new passport, a valid Chinese Tourist Visa is still in the old passport, you are allowed to use the two passport together to visit China if your purpose of visit remains the same.

2. China Visa Application Form

Log in the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn), choose the country and city you will submit application. Create an new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted. Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

3. Visa Photo

Two recently-taken (within the past 6 months) front passport-size bareheaded color photos. The photos need to taken against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face. One photo shall be attached on the printed visa application form. China Tourist Visa Photo Requirements, Size >>

Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm

Digital Photo Size: horizontal: 354 - 420 pixels, vertical: 472 - 560 pixels

4. Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

Provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, which shows your legal stay, residence, work and study in the residing country (not in your home country).

China Tourist Visa Application Requirements

Fill in China Tourist Visa Application on Website of CVASC

5. Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

Submit the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page, if it’s the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new one with a new passport, you please provide the photocopy of the previous passport’s date page, and the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.) 

Supporting Documents

Relavant travel documents showing the itinerary, including booked refundable round-trip air tickets and hotel reservation record, proposed travel schedules and else materials, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. 

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter

Invitation letter is one of the optional supporting documents for China Tourist Visa Application. To some extent, an Invitation Letter will help to explain your travel purpose, if you are indeed invited to visit China by friends, family or authorized travel agency. The letter should cover the following informations:

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

b. Information on the planned tour (departure and arrival dates, places going to be visited, etc.) 

c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (the host company name or inviter’s name, contact telephone number, address, official seal of the unit, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, and so on.)

Please visit Required & Supporting Documents for China Visa , if you apply for other type of China Visa, such as, China Business Visa, China Work Visa, etc.

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (Sample)

How Do I Apply for A Tourist Visa to China?

Once know what documents are needed, let’s move to the most important processes for submission.

STEP 1: Check passport status, make photocopy of data page, used visa pages;

Prepare others travel materials, e.g. flight tickets, hotel booking record, rough travel itinerary, etc. If you have an true and valid invitation letter, provide it as well.

STEP 2: Fill in visa application form , print it out, paste one photo on the paper application form, and sign and write down the submission date;

STEP 3: Make online appointment , if you’re required to submit to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Please use the application form ID to schedule appointment in advance.

Else applicants may visit visa section of overseas Chinese Embassy or Consulates during office hours. (you can check updated time on official website)

STEP 4: Bring all prepared documents, visit the right authority, CVASC or Chinese Embassy/Consulatem, wait for your order and submit. Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip.

STEP 5: Collect passport and Chinese Visa (if granted successfully) back after tracing it has been processed and wait for pick up. With the slip, you may pick it up in person or entrust your friend, family, travel agency for help.

China Visa Service Center in Malaysia

Single-entry China Tourist Visa Issued in Vancouver, Canada (Old Version Used before June 1st 2019)

How Much is A Tourist L Visa for China?

China Tourist Visa Fees and cost differ by nationalities, number of entries and visa services, and where you submit.

* US Passport Holders: USD 140 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Canadian Passport Holders: CAD 100 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Single-entry Chinese Tourist Group Visa : CAD 40 for Canadians, USD 110 for US Citizens

China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities

Note of Payment: ① Embassy and Consulate only accept Master Card, Money Order, Cashier's Check or Company Check. Cash or Personal checks are not acceptable. ② China Visa Application Service Center just receives cash, debit cards, credit cards (Visa and Mater Card only) and company cheques. Know more details about China Vis Cost >>

How Long does It Take to Get A Tourist Visa to China?

Chinese Embassy and Consulate will start to process your application until all required documents submitted. Regular application takes about 4 working days , which you may pick up on the 4th or 5th working day. Express Service takes around 2-3 working days, that means, you may collect on the 3rd to 4th working day. Rush Service generally needs nearly 1 working day for processing, and applicants may obtain on the second working day. Same Day Rush Service for emergency entry is offered for applicants in US.

Useful Links: China Visa Processing Time | Fast China Visa Services

Special Notes:

1.) Express and Rush Service are not available in all foreign countries. If you want to use the services, please check on official website. If it’s valid, extra fees will be charged.

2.) If you apply for China Tourist Visa by mail in Australia, it takes at least 10 working days for processing, postal time is excluded.

3.) Visa processing time is listed for reference only, accurate time depends on personal situations. Chinese Embassy and Consulate may require supplementary materials if necessary.

Canadian Picked up Passport & Visa from Chinese Embassy

FAQs and Useful Tips about Chinese Tourist Visa

Q1: Is it easy to get a Chinese Tourist Visa?

It’s hard to say it’s easy or not to get a Chinese Tourist Visa, because there is no guarantee of issurance of a Chinese Visa, under any circumstances. Our advice is that, prepare all needed documents as required for maxmium success.

Q2: Where should US citizens apply for a China Tourist Visa?

Holders of US passports should submit application to corresponding Chinese Embassy or Consulate which is in charge of your area. If you reside in Washington DC, Montana, North Carolina, Virginia, you shall apply at Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., and if you live in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, visit Consute in New York, more details in http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlljs/t84229.htm.

Q3: Does Singaporean need visa for travel to China?

According to relevant China’s laws and regulations, citizens from Singapore may enjoy 15-day visa-free entry to China if he go for business, tour or family visit.You will need a Chinese Visa with intention to overstay and travel for other purposes.

Q4: What’s the maximum stay of a China Tourist Visa?

The accurate length of permitted stay is clearly marked on the visa page of your passport, which is normally 30 days. That means holder can stay in China for up to 30 days. The time counts from the 00:00 the day after entry and till 24:00 of the last day . Please enter before the “Valid For Entry By”, otherwise it will be expired and null.

If you will stay in China more than regular 30 days, you’re suggested to make it clear on the application form, and shown in related travel itinerary.

Trave China with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in mainland China, among all, Beijing , Shanghai are used as gate way cities, Xian , Guilin , Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

You may choose from our most popular China tours, or just  contact us , tell your interests and travel plans, we could customze a perfect China tour as you like.

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Introduction to China Visa

• Ultimate China Visa Guide
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China Visa Application

• How to Apply for China Visa
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• Visa Invitation Letter
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• How Much is A China Visa
• Apply China Visa in HK
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• Lost Passport & China Visa

China Visa Exemptions

• 15 China Visa Free Policies
• 144-hour Visa Free in China
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Top 3 tours chosen by most customers to explore in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

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Shanghai / Suzhou / Shanghai / Hangzhou

3 Days Guangzhou History & Culture Experience Tour

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How do I get a visa for China?

Oct 14, 2021 • 6 min read

The first step towards walking along the Great Wall is getting a visa for China © Hung Chung Chih / Shutterstock

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. Though the country shut up tight after the world’s first COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan in January 2020, China is making fast progress towards its 85% vaccination target and international tourism is expected to resume by 2022.

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

Who Needs a Chinese Tourist Visa?

The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though a few nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center – their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.

Can I travel visa-free to China?

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

Who can get a transit visa?

Visitors from 49 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil and Argentina – can spend up to 144 hours (6 days) transiting in China without a visa if they arrive by air, ship or train at selected Chinese cities. The list of cities includes Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming and Qingdao, opening up some interesting quick trip opportunities.   To be eligible, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country, or to Hong Kong or Macau . These visas start counting down at 12.01 am on the date following arrival and there are restrictions on where you can travel within each region. Check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the current list of eligible nationalities, entry points and specific movement areas.

What about Hong Kong and Macau?

Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in either Hong Kong or Macau. British visitors to Hong Kong get 180 days, and South Africans get 30 days. To travel from here into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. These are fairly easy to obtain via China Travel Service in Hong Kong.

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

How about Tibet?

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

How to apply for a Chinese tourist visa

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

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

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

How much does a China tourist visa cost?

The cost of a Chinese tourist visa varies depending on the type of visa, the length of stay, the number of entries allowed, and your nationality. Most tourists pay around US$35 for a single entry visa valid for 30 days from the day you enter China. Reflecting frosty relations between China and some foreign governments, UK citizens pay £151, US citizens pay US$140, Canadian citizens pay C$142, Australian citizens pay A$109 and French, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish citizens pay €126.

Some nationalities are entitled to long-term multiple-entry visas that allow travelers to visit China for stints of 30 to 120 days throughout the duration of the visa. Note these are not residence permits and do not grant any right to live or work in China. Citizens of the US, Canada, Argentina and Israel can obtain tourist visas with a validity of up to ten years, Brazilians and South Africans are eligible for tourist visas valid for up to five years, while citizens of the UK can get tourist visas lasting two years. Contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest fees for long-term visas.

How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

Regular China tourist visas are valid for 30 days and must be used within three (or six, if double-entry) months of their date of issue. Never overstay your visa: the fine is ¥500 a day, with the possibility of being deported and banned from re-entering China for the next five years. If you think you'll need to stay longer, start the process of applying for a visa extension well before your visa expires.

Can I extend my Chinese visa?

Chinese visas can be extended once without too much difficulty at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices found in larger Chinese towns and cities, though an extension is not guaranteed. The process takes between 2 and 7 working days, the fee is ¥160 (or ¥760/500 for US/UK citizens). You can only extend your stay for as long as the duration of your original visa. You’ll need to provide your original passport, two photos and a receipt from your accommodation in the town where you are applying for your extension.

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

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*To  apply for the emergency humanitarian visa for the purpose of arranging funeral matters or visiting a family member in critical medical conditions in China, applicants shall submit the identity document of the deceased or critically ill patient (such as a Chinese identity card or a foreign passport), a death certificate or a medical certificate of the patient issued by the hospital, proof of kinship, and other necessary documents as required.

III.  Application Procedures:

To apply for the above visas, applicants are required to fill in the online application form and make an appointment on the  Chinese Visa Application Service Centre  (CVASC) website before submitting applications in person on the date of the appointment and having their  ten fingers ’ fingerprints collected. Children under the age of 14 and adults above the age of 70 are not required to go to the  CVASC  for such biometric information collection. Please contact the CVASC for specific procedures, visa application requirements, processing time and fees.

IV.  Diplomatic, service or courtesy visa applicants shall also submit applications at the CVASC. The applicants are not required to pre-book time slots, but shall complete and print out the online application forms in advance.

V.  Foreign nationals who apply for visas for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Macao Special Administrative Region can submit applications to the  consular section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulates in the UK during  business hours with no need for pre-booked appointments.

VI.  Visa applications for visiting purposes which are not included above will not be accepted at the moment.

VII.  Holder of a valid Chinese residence permit, or valid permanent documents and APEC Business Travel Cards ( excluding Virtual ABTC) does not need to apply for a new visa for entry into China .

• How to Apply
• In Your Country
• In a Third Country
• In Hong Kong
• Renewal & Extension
• Application Requirements
• China Visa Fees
• Mail Service
• Visa Rejected Reasons
• Holiday Schedule of PRC Embassies /Consulates
• Entries /Validity /Duration
• 10-year China Visa
• Tourist (L)
• Business (M)
• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• Hong Kong Visa Policy
• Macau Visa Policy
• Chinese Residence Permit

How to Apply for a China Visa

To apply for a China visa, you need to complete an application form attached with your recently-taken color photo, prepare a valid passport, and submit them along with other supporting documents to China Visa Application Service Center, Chinese embassy or consulate which is in charge of your residence area. Check the step-by-step guide on how to apply for a China visa below for details.

1. Check whether you need a visa

An essential thing to do is to check whether you need a visa before starting the following process. As long as you are eligible for China's visa-free policies , you don't need the visa, but some documents like your passport, in and out transportation tickets and sometimes sufficient funds still need to be prepared for immigration check.  

2. Check which visa you need to get

Based on your travel purpose, determine which visa you are going to get. Read China Visa Types to select one which suits you most. For tourists, the L visa is suitable.  

3. Prepare all documents needed

Documents required for all types of visa include passport and visa application form attached with a recently-taken photo. Besides, other supporting documents are required, but they vary according to the visa type you are applying for. For instance, if you apply for a tourist L visa, the supporting documents will refer to round-trip tickets, hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your China travel agency. See detailed  China Visa Application Requirements .  

Be sure your documents meet the requirements of Chinese embassy or consulate.

Passport: with a remaining validity of at least 6 months; have blank visa pages.

Visa Application Form: truthfully completed online, printed out and signed. Click to  fill out China Visa Application Form .

Photo: taken within latest six months; full face against a light background; size: 48mm x 33mm; bare-headed unless for religious causes.  

4. Make an appointment & submit the application

Make an appointment with the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) which serves your residence area and lodge the submission at the scheduled time.  Prior appointment may not be mandatory in some embassies or consulates. Click to make an appointment for China visa application submission . In most cases, applicants, especially those aged 14-70, need to show up in person. In a few cases, one can entrust someone else or an agent to do this. In a few consular offices and CVASCs, mail service is also available. The normal processing time is four working days including the day you submit the application and the day you collect. Remember there might be additional non-working days for Chinese public holidays . By paying an additional fee you can usually have your application processed faster. It is normally possible to have your application processed overnight, for collection in the following afternoon, though some offices might offer a same-day service if you arrive in the office soon after opening. In general try to apply for it well in advance to allow for any delay.  

5. Pay the fee and pick up your visa

Go to the place where you apply for China visa on the date appointed at the pick-up slip. Pay the fee and you will get your passport back with visa. Sometimes, one may need to pay the fee on the day of application submission.  See China Visa Fees .  

Best time to apply for a China visa

The best time to apply for China visa is one or two months before your departure date. Usually, a China visa is valid for only three months from the date of issue, which indicates that the earliest time you can apply is three months before your departure.  

Renew and extend China visa

Usually you cannot renew and extend China visa once you are granted, but it can be done when you are in China at the local Exit and Entry Administration under the Public Security Bureau.  

Apply for China visa in a third country

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

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

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

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

COVID-19 rules

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

Passport validity requirements

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

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

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

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

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit mainland China.

However, you can visit the island of Hainan for up to 30 days without a visa.

Visa-free transit through China is permitted from 24 hours to 144 hours depending on location. See China Visa Application Centre for more information.       

Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.

Applying for a visa

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

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

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

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

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

Teaching visas

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

Dual Chinese-British nationality

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

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

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

Working in China

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

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

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

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

Vaccine requirements 

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

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

Registering with the authorities

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

Customs rules

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

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The first timer’s guide to visiting China

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The first timer’s guide to visiting China. Photo / Getty Images

First-time travelling to China? Here, recent first-timer, Jaime Lyth answers all your questions about experiencing the Sleeping Giant

Planning a trip to China can seem daunting at first, it’s a huge country that’s existed for five millennia.

Global tourists have been flocking to China since the government began unrolling new tourism incentives in the past year, including an expanded visa-free policy (which sadly does not include New Zealand, yet).

There are several ways you can prepare yourself as a first-time traveller in China, here’s what you should know before you go.

READ MORE: First-timer’s guide to picking a good restaurant overseas

Is China cheap to visit?

In general, most things in China are more affordable than in New Zealand. This means you can be pretty strategic when you pack and save room knowing you’ll be able to buy most things for cheaper while you’re in China.

Flights to China are pretty reasonable with several airlines reopening travel options post-pandemic. Depending on when you’d like to travel, prices for economy flights at the moment vary between $700 to $1300 for round trips from Auckland to a major city like Shanghai.

Your biggest expense will likely be accommodation or guided tours, depending on your travel plans.

Food and snacks are cheap and easy to come by, and convenience stores provide a wide range of affordable items. For example, I managed to buy two beers, a power bank and a pair of socks for the equivalent of $20 NZD.

Beer is incredibly cheap, and even available in vending machines in some areas. It also appears to be the norm to serve 500ml beer bottles at restaurants.

Some restaurants in China will only sell wine by the bottle and may have a small selection or variety, but in supermarkets and convenience stores, wine is affordable.

There was a huge range in pricing for clothing which wasn’t always easy to determine by looking at the product itself or the store.

Do I need a visa for China?:

Tourists visiting China need to get an “L-Visa” from their local Chinese embassy or consulate.

China issues single, double, and multiple-entry visas. For a regular single-entry tourist visa, the maximum duration of stay is often 30 days.

For the application, you need to fill out a form and provide your passport alongside your itinerary (including flights and hotel bookings) or an invitation letter from an individual in China.

You will also have to provide a coloured ID-style photo with a white background during the application process.

How to get there

You can get direct flights from Auckland to China’s major cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Those travelling to other parts of China from New Zealand will likely require a stopover.

For example, I flew from Auckland to Haikou, China - which took just under 12 hours, followed by a two-hour flight to Changsha.

While you’re there, make use of their incredible bullet train system to get around and avoid going through customs and security at airport level.

A tour is a great option for a place like China, which could be difficult to navigate alone for a first-timer with not many people speaking English.

Specialist China travel companies include Wendy Wu Tours, who guided me on my trip, made it easy to get around and had a detailed itinerary planned out, with transport included.

Money and payment

In China, the most common form of payment is via apps like Alipay or WeChat, instead of Eftpos or credit cards.

These apps work similarly to ApplePay, where you connect your card to the application. But instead of using Paywave, Chinese payment apps use a scannable QR code to make payments.

It’s important to ensure you complete the authentication steps before travelling or you may run into issues trying to pay.

You can carry some local currency (RMB) for urgent expenses, but China is moving towards a “cashless” model so even the smallest local vendors tend to have QR digital payment options.

Internet, apps and the “great firewall”

Many apps and websites commonly used by Western populations are blocked in China.

This includes, but is not limited to, Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and even Google Maps.

Using your roaming data with your New Zealand phone provider is one way to avoid getting blocked from using the above websites.

Using a VPN, or buying an eSIM Card (Travel SIM Card) is another option.

Just because you can use a website with a VPN, doesn’t mean it will be the same experience as using it at home.

For example, you might be able to surpass the firewall with a VPN and load Google Maps, but there is much less detail and information about places in China on Google Maps than there is for New Zealand places.

So downloading specific Chinese applications for maps, translations, and ride sharing (their version of Uber is DiDi) can be helpful.

What to pack

China is a huge country geographically so the weather can differ significantly between regions and cities.

It’s best to check the forecast of the specific place you will be staying to understand the type of weather you need to pack for.

Most hotels on China’s mainland provide free single-use toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap.

But, when you’re out and about, it’s a drastically different story.

It’s a good idea to carry hand sanitiser/soap and tissues/wipes around, because many public bathrooms, even in shopping malls, do not offer either.

Many public bathrooms will also only have squat-style toilets (no seats), whereas hotels may have western-style toilets.

GETTING THERE

The writer flew direct from Auckland to Haikou, China with Hainan Airlines in 12 hours.

For extra peace of mind, visit China as part of a guided tour with Wendy Wu Tours. wendywutours.co.nz

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China to extend visa-free travel for Malaysians to 30 days

Friday, 31 May 2024

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BEIJING: China is set to extend visa-free travel for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is on his first official visit in China, made the announcement during a luncheon hosted by Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse here on Friday (May 31).

“I would like to announce that both countries have agreed (to extend the visa-free travel to 30 days).

“The implementation will be signed at a later date,” he said in his speech.

Ahmad Zahid had on Wednesday (May 29) raised the matter during a courtesy call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

ALSO READ: Visa-free travel to China for M'sians extended till end of 2025, says envoy

The meeting on Friday was in conjunction with the Deputy Prime Minister's first official visit to the republic from May 22 to Saturday (June 1) at the invitation of Xuexiang.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, arrived at 10am to hold a discussion with his counterpart for about an hour.

In their welcome speeches, Bernama reported, he and Xuexiang expressed their appreciation of the diplomatic relations established between Malaysia and China since May 31, 1974.

After the discussion session, Ahmad Zahid is scheduled to attend the Celebration Ceremony of the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing.

ALSO READ: Zahid proposes China extend visa exemption for M'sian tourists to 30 days

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee chairman, was accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad.

Apart from that, he is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on State Councillor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong in the Chinese capital this afternoon.

Ahmad Zahid will also host the Gala Reception for the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations in the evening.

Earlier, a Wisma Putra statement said the Deputy Prime Minister’s official visit was to strengthen bilateral relations and is expected to explore opportunities for cooperation, especially in the field of education focusing on TVET, halal industry development as well as people-to-people exchanges.

Related stories:

Tags / Keywords: Ahmad Zahid , Xuexiang , Malaysia , China , relations , visa

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Congress's Karti Chidambaram gets bail in Chinese visa scam case

Congress mp karti chidambaram was granted bail by a delhi court in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the issuance of visas to 263 chinese nationals in 2011. .

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• Delhi court grants bail to Karti Chidambaram in Chinese visa scam case
• Relief on personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and two sureties in like amount
• Case registered in 2011 when P Chidambaram was Union home minister

Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday granted bail to Congress leader Karti Chidambaram in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in the issuance of visas to 263 Chinese nationals in 2011.

The court had issued summons against Chidambaram in March, taking note of a chargesheet filed by the probe agency in the case. The judge granted relief on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and two sureties in the like amount. The ED has registered the money laundering case against Karti Chidambaram in the alleged scam pertaining to the issuance of visa to 263 Chinese nationals in 2011 when his father P Chidambaram was the Union home minister.

While delivering today's order, the court sought an undertaking that he would appear before the court on each date of hearing, (unless specifically exempted) or as and when required.

He will have to join the investigation as and when required by the investigating agency and in case they are travelling abroad, he will join the investigation within 48 hours, if so required by the investigating agency.

He will file an undertaking that in case they intend to travel abroad and leave the country, they shall inform/intimate the court and the IO regarding the exact intended place and dates of travel, place(s) of stay and reasons/purposes.