Your Complete Guide to China Visas
Understand visa-free options, visa types, and the full application process before you fly.
Do You Need a Visa?
In most cases, yes. However, there are important exceptions including 240-hour (10 days) transit visa-free and 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries.
Not sure about your situation?
Use our interactive Visa Checker tool to instantly find out visa requirements based on your nationality and travel plans.
Select Your Visa Type
Choose the visa category that matches your purpose of visit to China.
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
For tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends/family in China.
Business Visa (M Visa)
For commercial and trade activities, business meetings, and exhibitions.
Student Visa (X Visa)
For long-term study programs and academic exchanges in China.
240h Transit Visa-Free
Available for transit passengers through major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai.
Work & Other Visas
Need a work visa (Z), family reunion visa (Q), or other specialized visa types? Contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application procedures.
Visa-Free Entry Options
Extended Visa-Free Entry Policy
China now allows 30-day visa-free stays for citizens of many countries including most European nations, Australia, and New Zealand. Check if you're eligible below!
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
🇪🇺European Countries32+ countries
🌎Americas5+ countries
🌏Oceania2 countries
🌏Asia8 countries
Key points for 30-day visa-free stays
- Eligible nationals from the above countries can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchanges and transit, and stay up to 30 days.
- The 30-day period is counted from the day after entry. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you should apply for an appropriate visa in advance, or a stay permit after entry when justified.
- Visa-free entry can be used for multiple entries, and currently there is no overall cap on the number of entries or total days, but it cannot be used for work, study, or other purposes that require a visa.
- You must hold a valid ordinary passport (at least covering the intended stay). It is recommended to carry proof matching your purpose of travel (e.g. invitations, tickets, hotel bookings).
- For more details and the latest list of eligible nationalities, see the official visa‑free FAQ →.
240-Hour (10 Days) Transit Visa-Free
Available for citizens of 55 countries transiting through major Chinese cities.
📍 Coverage
- • 60 designated ports
- • 24 provinces/regions
- • Major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
- • Plus Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Qingdao, etc.
✅ Requirements
- • Valid passport (minimum 3 months)
- • Confirmed onward ticket to 3rd country
- • Travel within designated 24 provinces
- • Arrival & departure must be different countries
Important Notes
- • Visa-free policies can change. Always verify before travel.
- • 240 hours starts at midnight following your entry day.
- • You can travel between provinces within the designated 24-region scope.
- • Overstaying can result in fines and future visa restrictions.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for your Chinese visa. Most applicants complete the process within 7-10 business days.
Complete COVA Form Online
Fill out the "China Online Visa Application" (COVA). Ensure your details match your passport exactly. Upload a digital photo.
Book AVAS Appointment
Schedule an appointment at your nearest "Application for Visa Application Submission" (AVAS) center. Walk-ins are generally not accepted.
Submit & Provide Biometrics
Attend your appointment with all required documents, original passport, and supporting documents. Provide your fingerprints onsite (the fee).
Passport Collection
Standard processing takes 4-5 days. You can pick up in-person at the AVAS center or have it mailed back if that service is available in your area.
Document Checklist (Tourist L-Visa)
Prepare these documents for your visa application. All documents must be original or certified copies.
Original Passport
Must be valid for at least 6+ months, 2+ blank pages.
Passport Photo
Recent color photo, white background, 33mm x 48mm - Confirming to specs.
Visa Application Form
Completed COVA form - print with confirmation page.
Itinerary Proof
Hotel bookings/invitations or travel itinerary covering dates.
Proof of Residency
If applying outside home country (Optional for Tourist visa).
Invitation Letter
Optional for Tourist - Requires for Tourist visa staying with friends/family.
💡 Pro Tip
Make copies of all documents before your appointment. Keep digital backups on your phone in case you need to reference them during your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I apply for a Chinese visa?
How early should I apply for a Chinese visa?
Start your application at least one month before your planned departure. In most cases you should submit your documents to the visa centre about one month before entering China (and not earlier than three months), so that there is enough time for both the online review and in-person processing.
Online review alone can take 5–10 working days or longer, and standard processing at the centre is about 4 working days, with 3‑day express and 2‑day urgent services in some locations. For details, refer to the official China Visa Centre FAQ →.
Can I pay with a credit card at the Visa Center?
Can I pay with a credit card at the Visa Center?
Do I need an invitation letter for a Tourist Visa?
Do I need an invitation letter for a Tourist Visa?
Is the 240-hour (10 days) transit visa-free automatic?
Is the 240-hour (10 days) transit visa-free automatic?
Can I extend my visa after arriving in China?
Can I extend my visa after arriving in China?
Ready to Check Your Requirements?
Use our interactive Visa Checker to get personalized visa requirements based on your nationality and travel plans.
Check Visa Requirements Now →