China Visa Guide

Everything you need to know about entering China in 2026

Visa Types for Tourists

L Visa (Tourist)

The standard tourist visa for sightseeing, visiting friends, or other personal activities. Available as single-entry (30 days), double-entry, or multiple-entry (60/90 days per stay). The most common visa for international travelers visiting China.

M Visa (Business)

For commercial or trade activities. Required if your trip involves business meetings, trade fairs, or contract negotiations. You will need an invitation letter from a Chinese company.

G Visa (Transit)

For travelers transiting through China to a third country. Typically valid for a stay of up to 7 days. Note that visa-free transit policies may eliminate the need for this visa entirely depending on your nationality and port of entry.

S1/S2 Visa (Private Visit)

For visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or foreign nationals living in China. S1 is for stays exceeding 180 days; S2 is for stays under 180 days.

How to Apply: Step by Step

  1. Prepare Your Documents

    You will need: a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages), a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photo (white background, 48mm x 33mm), and proof of travel arrangements (flight bookings, hotel reservations, or a tour itinerary).

  2. Book Accommodation or Tours

    You need confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter. If traveling with a tour operator like us, we provide all documentation needed for your application. This significantly simplifies the process.

  3. Submit to the Embassy or Visa Center

    Applications must be submitted in person at a Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or authorized Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country. Some centers accept mailed applications — check your local center's policy.

  4. Pay the Visa Fee

    Fees vary by nationality and processing speed. US citizens pay $140 for standard processing. UK citizens pay approximately $72. Standard processing takes 4 business days. Express (2-3 days) and rush (1 day) services cost extra.

  5. Collect Your Passport

    Pick up your passport with the visa stamped inside. Some centers offer courier delivery. Always verify the visa details (entry dates, number of entries, visa category) before leaving the collection point.

Visa-Free Transit Policies

China offers generous visa-free transit options that can eliminate the need for a full visa if you are passing through the country.

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Available at major ports of entry including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and others. Citizens of 54 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations) can stay up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. You must enter and exit through designated ports in the same administrative region.

72-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Available at additional ports beyond the 144-hour policy. Allows stays of up to 72 hours under similar conditions. Useful for short stopovers and layover explorations.

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Available at all international ports of entry in China. If you are transiting through China and your total stay is under 24 hours, you can generally leave the airport without a visa. You must hold a confirmed ticket to a third country departing within 24 hours.

Important Tips

  • Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip to allow time for processing and any unexpected delays.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your planned entry into China.
  • Hong Kong and Macau have separate visa policies — most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 7-180 days depending on nationality.
  • Tibet requires an additional Tibet Travel Permit arranged through an authorized tour operator. This is separate from your China visa.
  • Always carry a color copy of your passport and visa separately from the originals while traveling in China.
  • Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival at each city (hotels do this automatically; if staying with friends, you must register yourself).