Step One: The Visa

So… you’re ready to come to China!


First things: let’s make sure your passport and visa are in order.
This part might not be the most exciting, but don’t worry — we’ve made it simple. Here’s what you need, what to expect, and how to breeze through the paperwork.

For most travelers: yes. But it depends on your nationality. Some countries have visa exemption agreements with China.
✅ Check the official Chinese embassy/consulate website for your country:
👉 https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/
This is the most reliable source for updated visa policies, application procedures, and required documents.

Special Cases: Visa-Free Entry：

You might not need a visa if you meet one of these conditions:

30-Day Visa-Free Entry (Updated June 2025):
China currently grants 30-day visa-free travel to citizens from 43 countries.
List & updates: https://www.china-briefing.com/news/china-visa-free-travel-policies-complete-guide/

📍 Regional Visa-Free Policies:

  • Hainan: 59 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry.

  • Guilin: Tourist groups (2+ people) from ASEAN countries can stay up to 6 days (group travel only).

  • Citizens of Singapore, Brunei, and Japan may enter visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism or business.

  • If you hold a valid Chinese residence permit, no visa is required during its validity.

Visa-Free Transit:
If you're transiting through China on your way to a third country and:

  • You hold a confirmed onward ticket,

  • You stay less than 24 hours without leaving the airport/port
    …then you may not need a visa.

Some cities also offer 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit for travelers from 53 countries.
Check your eligibility here: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147413/index.html (National Immigration Administration of China)

🔹 Do You Need a Visa?

🔹 Most Common Visa Type:

▸ Tourist Visa (L): For sightseeing, visiting family or friends. Most travelers apply for this one. Valid for up to 30 days.

▸ Business Visa (M): For short business trips, trade fairs, or client meetings. Invitation letter usually required.

▸ Student Visa (X1/X2): For those studying in China. X1 is for long-term (over 180 days), X2 for short-term.

▸ Work Visa (Z): For those who’ve secured a job in China. You’ll need an official work permit before applying.

▸ Family/Private Visit Visa (Q/S):
Q: Visiting Chinese family members or permanent residents.
S: Visiting foreigners working or studying in China.

▸ Transit Visa (G): If you’re just passing through China on your way elsewhere. Usually for layovers under 72 or 144 hours (check your city).

▸ Talent Visa (R): For top-level professionals recognized by the Chinese government.

▸ Permanent Residency (D): For those who’ve been granted the green light to stay in China permanently.

Most travelers just need an L visa.

🔹 Documentacion — Checklist:

📌 Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
📌 Completed visa application form
📌 Passport-sized photo
📌 Round-trip flight itinerary
📌 Hotel bookings or accommodation proof
📌 Trip plan / itinerary (sometimes required)
📌 Additional documents if an embassy interview is needed

📎 Note: Document requirements can vary slightly by country. Always double-check with your local Chinese embassy or visa center:

🔗 https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/

🔗 https://cova.mfa.gov.cn/qzCoCommonController.do?show&pageId=index&locale=en_US

🔹 Application Process:

1: Fill out the application form online and upload the required documents. After submission, wait for the online review to be completed.

2: Once the online review is approved, bring the necessary documents to the visa center to submit your application in person and pay the required fees.

3: Starting from the day you submit your application at the visa center, your visa is usually ready for pickup on the 4th working day.

Paperwork done? Great. Adventure begins now…

FAQs

  • Most visas take 4–7 business days to process after you submit your application. Some embassies offer express or rush services for an extra fee.

  • Apply at least 1 month before your trip — earlier if you’re traveling during peak seasons (like Chinese New Year or summer holidays). You cannot apply more than 3 months in advance.

  • Visa fees vary depending on your nationality, number of entries, and where you apply.

  • Your visa might say “Valid for 90 days” and “Duration of stay: 30 days.” This means:

    • You must enter China within 90 days of issue.

    • Once in China, you can stay for up to 30 days per entry.

  • Most applicants don’t. But in some cases, you may be asked to come in for an interview. You’ll be notified during the application process.

  • Rejections are rare if you provide complete documents. But if it happens, you can reapply after correcting the issue or contact the embassy for clarification.

Still have questions? The official visa website has all the answers you need: https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/