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How Long Does It Take to Get a Chinese Visa: China Visa Processing Time

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on March 7, 2024 :

1. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

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

3. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

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

5. 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."

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

7. 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.

8. 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

All visitors holding ordinary passport must get a valid visa to enter and visit China, unless you meet relevant visa-free/visa exemption policy. At present, foreigners are required to submit China Visa Application before departure, and some can apply for Chinese Visa upon arrival once accord with certain China Port Visa regulations. How long to get a visa to China? Except special circumstance, applicants can get a Chinese Visa after 1 ~ 4 working days, even on the same day of your submission. Specific processing time depends on which service you choose. Here we introduce several different cases to help you understand more clearly about Chinese Visa processing time.

Regular China Visa Application Processing Time

Applicants should prepare valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months, a completed China Visa Application Form attached with a photo and other supporting documents first. And then you can either submit application direct to Chinese Embassies and Consulates in person, or through recognized China Visa Application Service Center ( CVASC ). After that, you will wait for the application to be processed by the Chinese Embassy and Consulate. Generally, it takes 4 business days for a regular application, if all the documents meet requirements. Shipping and returning delivery time is not included. Typically, so you can pick up your passport and China Visa (if proved) on the 4th to 5th working day after submission.

Your China Visa Application may need longer time for processing in these situations: 1.) the Chinese Embassy and Consulate Officer request for supplementary materials or an interview and other occasions; 2.) application by mail (applies to Australians) takes about 10 working days; 3.) if you use the mail-back service at CVASC, more several days are needed.

Expedited Chinese Visa Processing Time: Express and Rush Services

Besides regular service, applicants may use express service or rush service to speed up the visa application processing time. If you are in a emergency, or want to get a Chinese Visa fast, you can choose such urgent services with additional fees (including visa fees by embassy & service charges by CVASC). Please note that rush application service is only valid in some countries and for extreme emergencies approved by the Chinese Consular Office.

● Express Service: 2~3 working days, can be picked up on the 3rd or 4th working day.

● Rush Service: 1 working day, can be picked up on the same day or next working day.

US passport holders can obtain the Same Day China Visa in the afternoon, if you submit application to visa section of Chinese Embassy or Consulate before 12:00pm and get approved successfully. Other nationals using rush service may pick up on the 2nd working day.

The fast services do NOT apply to China Visa Application by mail, and Hong Kong Visa and Macau Visa Application which will be referred to local immigration departments.

Read How Much is a Chinese Visa to know detailed China Visa Application Fees and Costs!

Processing Time of Hong Kong & Macau Visa, TTB, China Port Visa, Group Visa

The processing time for special Chinese visa types and regions differs from the visa application for mainland China mentioned above. Knowing the average time for Hong Kong Visa, Macau Visa, China Port Visa and Group Visa helps you better plan your trip. Moreover, once meet relevant requirements, visitor can apply for and obtain China Visa at port of entry and destinations upon arrival. Below are particular China visa times:

◆ Hong Kong SAR Visa

◆ Macau SAR Visa

◆ Tibet Travel Permit

◆ Chinese Tourist Group Visa

◆ China Port/Landing Visa

Practical FAQs & Advice on China Visa Time

1. What is the right/best time to submit my visa application?

Since Chinese Visa has fixed validity (“Enter Before”) after it is issued, it would waste the duration of stay or expire if you apply too early. Therefore, you are advised to make the submission prior to departure, about 1 month before your planned departure date to China.

2. When and how to collect my passport and visa return?

Once you are notified by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or track online and see your application is processed, you can bring the pick-up slip , and collect the passport, visa, documents in person, or entrust other person or service agent to help.

3. How long does it take to get my Chinese Visa renewed or extended?

If you are in China and want to stay longer, or apply for a new type visa, you have to apply for a China Visa Extension/Renewal to a local Public Security Bureau (at county level or above), 7 days prior to the expiration date. They will consider whether to extend/renew your Chinese Visa within 7 working days , counting from the submission date.

How to Get a Visa for China - Chinese Visa Application Guide

❶ find out what kind of visa you need.

Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visiting China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade. More Chinese Visa Types >>

❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa

According to various visa policy, applicants can submit China Visa application at Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions , China Visa Application Service Center or specific ports of entry. You need to prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages, copy of passport’s first page, completed visa application form pasted with a recent photo (color photo with white background, taken within past 6 months, size: 33mm x 48mm), sufficient visa fee and service charge and other supporting documents. More Chinese Visa Types >>

❸ Collect & check your China visa

The processing time differs from visa applications. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully duration of stay, number of entries if issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry.

You can visit How to Get a Visa for China: China Visa Applivation to know more about the visa requirements, processes, costs and useful tips.

Travel China Worry-free 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 Invitation Letter to help you obtain Chinese Visa. If it’s your first time travel to China, Beijing , Shanghai , Xian and Guilin are the top recommended destinations with best representative tourism attractions of. The great cultural, historical, natural landscape will fulfill your dream tour to China. For those who want an in-depth discovery in China, featured China Panda Tour , Ancient Silk Road Tour , High Speed Train Tour , Colorful Ethnic Tour are good ways to find more interesting places and authentic locals.

Most Recommended China Tours:

• ● 6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High Speed Train Tour
• ● 6 Days Beijing Shanghai Tour by High Speed Train
• ● 6 Days Guilin In-depth Tour from Hong Kong
• ● 6 Days Leshan, Mount Emei & Panda Volunteer Tour
• ● 8 Days Best of China Tour
• ● 10 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing
• ● 14 Days Shanghai to Yunnan Wild China Expresses Tour
• ● 15 Days Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train

If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing , Shanghai , Xian , Chengdu , Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.

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Introduction to China Visa

• Ultimate China Visa Guide
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China Visa Exemptions

• 15 China Visa Free Policies
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Recommended Tours

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.

3 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with Water Town

3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour (Visa Free)

2 Days Guilin Ideal Li River Cruise with Yangshuo Essence Tour

Guilin-Yangshuo

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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• How to Apply
• Application Requirements
• China Visa Fees
• Entries /Validity /Duration
• 10-year China Visa
• Tourist (L)
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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

Recommended tour packages.

Further Reading:

• Notice on New Adjustments to Chinese Visa and Entry Policies
• Guide on Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures For China-bound Travelers
• Notice on the Reopening of the Visa Office
• · Visa for Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR of China（2024-02-29）
• · FAQs About China's Port Visas and Other Related Issues（2024-02-26）
• · Requirements and Procedures for Chinese Visa Application(Updated in February, 2024)（2023-03-14）
• · Tourist Visa (L-Visa) Application Documents to be Simplified（2023-12-29）
• · 2024 Holiday Schedule for the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy（2023-12-26）
• · Visa Office Close on Dec. 25, 2023 and Jan. 1，2024（2023-12-18）
• · Notice on Reducing Visa Fee（2023-12-08）
• · China to Apply Unilateral Visa -Free Policy to Six More Countries on A Trial Basis（2023-11-25）
• · Notice on Walk-in Without Appointment Visa Application Service（2023-10-20）
• · Chinese Visa Application Frequently Asked Questions（2023-09-18）
• · Compensation Arrangements for the Use-Suspension of 10-year Multi-Entry Visa due to the COVID-19（2023-06-22）
• · Visa Processing Fees（2023-12-08）
• · Notice on New Adjustments to Chinese Visa and Entry Policies（2023-03-13）
• · Notice on the Reopening of the Visa Office（2023-01-12）
• · Hong Kong "e-Visa" Arrangement（2021-12-28）
• · Chinese Visa Photo Requirements（2016-12-05）

China Tourist (L) Visa

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for travel, business, transit, or visiting friends and family.

Starting March 14th, travelers from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can also enjoy this visa-free entry.

The Tourism (L) Visa (also known as the Travel Visa), is the visa you need for travelling Chinese mainland!

This visa is relatively easy to acquire, and rarely gets rejected, meaning that almost anyone can experience the beauty of the country. With this visa, you have access to almost all parts of Chinese mainland. (Tibet requires a Tibet Entry Permit as well, etc.)

The Tourist Visa is normally issued as single-entry, with 30-days of validity. A few countries may be eligible for the special multiple-entry 10-year visa !

Good news: Travellers enter China at selected cities with China Highlights can benefit from our "Hassle-Free Visa". Provide us a photo of your passport and we will handle your visas. Click to see details .

Who Needs It?

Anyone planning to pass through China in their travels needs to obtain a Chinese visa, but with two exceptions:

• You are travelling with an organized tour group, and therefore will not necessarily require an individual visa in your passport, and instead will have a shared group-visa handled by the travel agency.
• You are eligible to utilize the visa-free transit method, and plan to travel within its limitations.

If you are travelling independently and want to explore more locations in China in a care-free manner, you will need to apply for the Tourist Visa yourself.

How to Apply?

Step 1: prepare all the necessary documents.

As with any type of Chinese visa, there are specific documents that need to be handed over during application.

As the Tourist Visa is probably the easiest to apply for, there are only a few requirements:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months left, and at least one empty visa-page left.
• Photocopies of the passport main-information page, and other pages containing any previous Chinese visas or entry-stamps.
• 2 x recent passport-style photos
• Flight/Hotel Bookings and Itinerary OR Invitation Letter

You will be required to present either a full itinerary including all the hotel reservations, and round-trip flight bookings, or present an invitation letter. For more details on this requirement, click here . For either option, it is a good idea to also have a typed-out itinerary or general travel plan, including times and locations of your proposed trip.

• Finally, a filled out China visa application form (which can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website). This form should be fully filled-in in advance (typed and printed), and with no fields left empty (type "n/a" if not applicable).

Once you have all of these documents ready, you may continue in the application process.

Step 2: Submit the Application

Gather all your prepared documents (preferably in an organized file/folder), and head over to the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).

Some countries' citizens may be allowed to mail-in submissions, or to send an agent to submit the application on their behalf. Normally, however, it is best to do submissions in-person, as consular officers may want to ask questions about the trip. As of 2018, citizens of some countries are required to be present during in the application for biometric finger-print collection.

Be sure to check with your local Chinese Embassy/Consulate regarding the submission times and other specifications, as they are always country-specific!

Step 3: Wait, Pickup and Pay

If you have submitted all of the requirements successfully, then your visa is most-likely on the way! You will leave your passport at the consulate/embassy and pick it up on the assigned date (usually within a week), depending on the type of processing service you use. Click here for full information on China visa processing time

On the pickup date, you may head over to the same location where you applied, and pickup your passport with the Chinese visa. The fees for the visa are usually paid on the pickup date.

China Visa Costs

The cost for obtaining a Chinese visa depends on many things, such as your nationality, and the type of processing service you choose. Visa costs are usually calculated based on number of entries, and duration of validity of the visa. The specific costs can normally be found on the official Chinese consular website of your country, but in any case, always come prepared with extra cash during application.

Extending Your Visa

Congratulations! You now have your Chinese Travel Visa, and are ready to embark on your amazing journey. Many travelers going to China find that the 30-day visa may not be enough to see all the magnificent sites China has to offer, and may want to extend their stay a little more. In that case, extending your travel visa from within China is an option.

Head over to the local Entry and Exit Administration Bureau (available in any major city) at least 7-days before the expiration date of your current visa. You will need the same set of documents provided in the original application, plus a temporary-residence registration form which will be obtained during your visit to China.

Contact Us for a Customized China Tour

See our variety of customizable China tour itineraries to save yourself lots of hassle or for inspiration! Oruse our Create My Trip service for a perfect China trip tailored just for you!

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China L Visa (Tourist Visa): Requirements & Application

From December 1, 2023, until November 30, 2024 , ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can benefit from a 15-day visa-free entry to China Mainland.

From March 14, 2024, until November 30, 2024 , ordinary passport holders of  Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium , and Luxembourg  can benefit from a 15-day visa-free entry to China Mainland.

This applies to purposes such as tourism, business, transit, and visiting friends and relatives in China.

China L Visa (Tourist Visa) is designed for foreigners who wish to visit China for tourism.

In this article, we will share the details of the China L Visa, including the application process, requirements, and other vital information to ensure your trip to China goes smoothly.

Who Needs a China L Visa?

China L Visa is required for normal visits to China Mainland for almost every foreigner.

If you are planning to travel to China and you are not eligible for any of China's visa-free policies (such as the 144-hour transit visa exemption ), then you need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to enter China.

China Tourist Visa Requirements

To successfully obtain a China L Visa, you are required to provide the following documents:

1. A Valid Passport

Original signed passport with at least six months validity and two blank visa pages, and a copy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

2. A Completed Visa Application Form

The China visa application form  can be downloaded from the China embassy website of your country or our website. You need to complete it by computer, print and sign it. 

3. A Recent Passport-Style Photograph

You need to prepare a recently taken color photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background of the size of 48mm×33mm.

4. Proof of Legal Entry or Residence Status (applicable to applicants who apply for visas outside their country of nationality)

If you are not applying for the China visa in the country of your citizenship, you need to provide proof of legal stay, residence, work, or study in your current location, as well as a copy of the document.

5. Original Chinese Passport or China Visa (applicable to former Chinese citizens who have acquired foreign nationality)

If you are applying for a China visa for the first time after acquiring foreign citizenship, you need to provide the original Chinese passport and a copy of the passport's information page.

If you have previously obtained a China visa and are now applying for a China visa with a new foreign passport, you need to provide a copy of the information page of your new foreign passport, as well as copies of the China visas issued on your previous passport.

In case the name on your new passport is different from the name on your original passport, you will also need to provide an official document proving the name change.

6. Additional Supporting Documents for China Tourist Visa

If you are planning independent travel (free travel) in China, you need to provide proof of round-trip international flight tickets and hotel reservations within China.

If you will join a guided tour within China, you need to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered China travel agency.

The invitation letter should include the following information:

• The invited person's personal information includes full name, gender, and date of birth.
• The invited person's planned itinerary includes arrival and departure dates and tourist destinations.
• The information of the inviting entity or individual, including their name, contact number, address, official seal or signature, and legal representative or inviter's signature.

If you travel with us, we will create a valuable tour for you and provide you with an invitation letter for free if you request. Please contact us for more details.

China Tourist Visa Application - How to Get a China L Visa?

Step 1:  Prepare essential documents according to China Tourist Visa Requirements.

Step 2:  Submit all necessary documents in person at the nearest China Embassy or Consulate in your country. You can make an appointment online at China Online Visa Application  (COVA).

Some Chinese Embassies and Consulates have established China Visa Application Service Centers  (CVASC) to handle the application process. You can submit the required documents directly to them. The CVASC will accept and forward the application to the embassy for further processing and issuance.

Step 3:  Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip. Check details of China Tourist Visa Fees.

Step 4:  Once your application is approved, collect your passport and China Visa on the assigned date (usually within a week). The processing time may vary, check the details of China Tourist Visa Processing Time.

With the pick-up slip, you may pick up your passport in person or with a trustworthy person for help.

China Tourist Visa Processing Time

Typically, Chinese embassies or consulates abroad can process tourist visas within four to five working days . However, in certain special circumstances, the processing time may be extended at the discretion of the embassy or consulate.

You are advised to submit the visa application approximately one month before the intended date of entry. This allows for sufficient time for processing and ensures that the visa is obtained on time.

It is always recommended to plan and allow ample time for visa processing, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience to China.

China Tourist Visa Cost - How Much Is a China L Visa?

The cost of a China tourist visa varies depending on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa, the processing time chosen, and where you submit the application.

For example, if you are going to apply for a China L visa in the US, here are the visa fees.

Visa fees for certain non-U.S. citizens may vary from the list above based on reciprocal agreements. Please check with the Visa Office for special fees.

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

The number of entries allowed on a China tourist visa depends on the type of visa issued. In general, there are single-entry, double-entry, and multiple-entry tourist visas available.

A single-entry visa  allows the holder to enter China only once during the visa's validity period. Once you leave China, the visa becomes invalid, and if you plan to re-enter, you will need to apply for a new visa.

The duration of stay for each entry is usually limited to 30 days.

A double-entry visa  permits two entries into China within the visa's validity period. This means you can enter China on two separate occasions. After the second entry, the visa becomes invalid.

The multiple-entry visa  grants multiple entries into China within the visa's validity period. With this visa, you can enter and exit China multiple times during the specified duration.

China 10-Year Visa (Long-term Visa)

China's 10-year visa is an option for travelers who frequently visit China for tourism or personal purposes.

This long-term visa allows multiple entries into China over up to ten years. The maximum stay per visit is 60 days for tourists.

If you are holding a US, Canadian, or UK passport, you are now eligible for a 10-year visa for tourism.

Can I Apply for the China L Visa Online?

No, you can’t apply for and get a China visa online. E-visa is not available in China . The consular officer needs your passport to put the visa in it, you are required to have your fingerprints collected.

It is possible to download the visa application form and submit it online.

Suppose you are eligible for the China Online Visa Application system . In that case, you can fill in the application form online and print it out to submit it at your nearest visa application center.

If not, you need to download the China Visa Application Form , print it out, and fill in it. 

You Might Want to Read

• How to Apply for a China Visa
• China Visa on Arrival
• China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

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• A Quick Guide to Chinese Tourist Visas

Since China does not have mutual visa-free agreements with many countries, ordinary passport holders from most countries who want to visit China as a tourist must obtain a tourist visa (L visa) unless they meet one of the visa exemption criteria.

While it does involve some documentation and logistics, applying for a Chinese tourist visa doesn't require too much effort or time. In this article, we will provide an overview and some tips on how to apply for a tourist visa for China or take advantage of one of the visa exemption policies. Please be aware that all government regulations are subject to change without prior notice. Contact the visa office at the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you for the latest requirements for a Chinese tourist visa.

Types of Chinese Tourist Visa

China usually issues three types of tourist visa: single-entry (valid for 3-6 months), double-entry (valid for 6 months), and multiple-entry (valid for 6 or 12 months). Single-entry tourist visas usually grant a maximum stay of 30 days, but you can ask for up to 90 days. The number of days you receive partly depends on the passport you hold. Tourist visas can normally be extended no more than two times within China.

US citizens are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry visa with a maximum stay of 60 days per entry. In order for US citizens to be eligible for the ten-year visa, US passport holders must have more than one year of validity remaining on their passports. If their passports have one year or less of remaining validity (more than 6 months), they will receive a visa with less than one year of validity.

When and How to Apply for a Tourist Visa

The single-entry tourist visa normally has a validity period of three months so it's best to apply for a China tourist visa 30 to 60 days before your intended date of entry. If you apply too far in advance, the visa may expire before you arrive in China.

Unless you are traveling as part of a group, you will need to arrange your own visa. Some countries have visa agents but this adds substantially to the cost. If you are able to go straight to the embassy/consulate nearest you, it will be cheaper. You can search on the internet to find the Chinese embassy or consulate closest to you. You can also apply for a Chinese visa outside of your home country—just make sure that you are able to fulfill all the application requirements.

Visa applications are normally processed within three to four working days, but you can choose to pay an extra amount for rush service. If you go to the visa office in person, you may be able to get a visa on the same day for a fee.

When applying for Chinese tourist visas, the procedures, requirements, issue time, and fee may vary from country to country. Details and application forms can be found on the website of the Chinese embassy in your country. If you need an invitation letter for your application, we can help issue one.

Whatever country you are applying from, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months at your time of arrival in China.

24, 72, and 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

China allows 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free stays for travelers from certain countries who transit via mainland China for a third international destination (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are included).

The 24-hour visa-free transit is relatively simple: it applies to travelers from most countries at most Chinese ports of entry, except the airports in Shenzhen, Yanji, Mudanjiang, Fuzhou, and Huangshan. The stopover time is calculated from your scheduled arrival time until your scheduled departure time. Travelers with this visa-free transit are allowed multiple stops (for example, USA-to-Beijing-to-Guangzhou-to-UK) as long as they leave mainland China within 24 hours.

Xi'an, Chongqing, Guilin, Harbin, and Changsha also allow 72-hour visa-free entry for transiting travelers with passports from certain countries. The 72-hour period is counted from the moment you receive your entry permit. Travelers with this visa-free transit are only allowed to travel within the city they entered. For example, if you enter through Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, you are only allowed to travel within the Xi'an area.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, Guangdong, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, and Liaoning allow 144-hour visa-free entry for transiting travelers with passports from the same countries as the 72-hour visa-free transit. The 144-hour period starts from 00:00 of the day following your arrival; that usually means a few extra hours to spend in China. Travelers with this visa-free transit are not allowed to travel outside the region or province they enter. For example, if you enter through Beijing, you are only allowed to travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province, so you cannot visit Shanghai and/or depart from Shanghai.

Countries that are eligible for the 72-hour & 144-hour visa-free transit

European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, and Monaco Countries in the Americas: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile Countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand Asian countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar

Here is a tool from the Chinese government that allows you to check if you are qualified for one of the above forms of visa-free transit.

How to apply for visa-free transit

To apply for any of the above three forms of visa-free transit, you must present your plane, ship, or train ticket with confirmed seat and date (a standby ticket is not acceptable) for a third country that must be different from the country you traveled from. For example, if you are doing a USA-to-Beijing-to-Hong Kong trip, you are eligible for visa-free transit, but if you are doing a USA-to-Beijing-to-USA trip, then you will not be eligible. You may also need a visa for the third country or region if applicable.

Make sure that your passport is valid at least 6 months from the date of entry, and remember to fill the arrival/departure card at the airport or on the airplane before you land before you apply for the visa-free entry permit.

Other Visa Exemption Policies

Travelers holding a valid ordinary passport from one of the following countries are eligible to visit Hainan province for 30 days without a visa: Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, 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, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus.

Visitors must travel with a travel agency registered in Hainan province. They can enter Hainan Island through any airport or ship port in Hainan province, but are not allowed to travel outside the province.

Foreign travelers arriving in Shanghai on a cruise ship can visit Shanghai and some other Chinese cities (including Beijing) for up to 15 days without a visa provided they leave China on the same ship. Travelers making use of the 15-day visa exemption are required to travel with tour groups (of a minimum of two people) organized by a travel agency that is registered in China. Travel agencies must submit details of their tour groups to the authorities at least 24 hours before the ships arrive in Shanghai; this means that travelers need to book the tour in advance to leave enough time for the travel agency to complete the application.

No visa is required for ordinary passport holders from the following countries: 90 days: San Marino 30 days: Bahamas; Ecuador; Fiji; Grenada; Mauritius; Serbia; Seychelles; Tonga; Barbados (June 1st, 2017) 15 days: Brunei; Japan; Singapore

Travel to Tibet

The requirements for visiting Tibet are very different from those for other provinces in China. All travelers to Tibet must arrange their trip in advance with a registered travel agency. This is the rule and there are no exceptions. Tibetan authorities issue a Tibet Travel Permit only after a traveler has secured a Chinese visa. Depending on the places you would like to visit in Tibet, you may need further documents such as a Military Permit and/or Alien Travel Permit. Contact us for the most up-to-date information on how to travel to Tibet.

Important Note

Be sure to double check the visa requirements at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before you travel to China, as China's visa policies, especially their visa exemption policies, can be confusing and are subject to change from time to time. Sometimes the visa rules may be interpreted differently by various cruise lines or local officials at the port of entry.

In order to avoid any possible confusion or inconvenience, we suggest that every traveler who plans to take advantage of any visa-free policies check with the relevant port of entry in China or the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country before you travel to China. Before you board the plane bound for China, you can also ask your airline to check if you will be able to get the visa-free entry permit upon arrival. If you are not sure whether you are eligible for the visa-free entry permit, you can instead apply for a regular transit visa or a tourist visa in your home country. If you are planning a tour with us, our travel specialists will also help you with the visa issues. ■

The China Guide is a Beijing-based travel agency that customizes private tours, educational student tours, and incentive trips across China. We have more than ten years of experience crafting tours for tens of thousands of travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and beyond. We promise all our tours have no hidden fees, no shopping stops, no touristy restaurants, just memorable experiences! Learn more about us or contact us to start planning your perfect China trip .

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China Tourist Visa Application Guide

How to apply for a china tourist visa by yourself.

I hope this guide can help you clear up potential information barriers when applying for a tourist visa to China. After reading this tutorial, you will be able to get answers to the following questions:

Where should I apply for a tourist visa to China?

What are their working hours?

What materials should I prepare in advance?

Do I need to make an appointment in advance? If an appointment is required, how do I make an appointment?

Do I have to apply for a tourist visa to China in person?

How much does it cost to apply for the visa?

What is the visa application process?

What are the consultation methods?

Chinese Visa Application Service Center

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (hereinafter referred to as the “Visa Centre”) is a commercial service organization registered in accordance with local laws and regulations and recognized by a Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General to handle the daily routine work of processing ordinary visa and authentication applications. However, it operates independently of diplomatic missions and is neither a branch nor an affiliated organ. Its main services are:

To receive visa or authentication applications and ensure their application documents meet Chinese Government requirements for smooth processing in the various categories.

To provide applicants with intermediate business services, including computer entry of basic information, and transmission of the passport, visa, document of authentication and other application documents between the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General and the application centre.

To collect visa fees and authentication fees, whether for normal, express or rush service in accordance with the requirements of a Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General and, on their behalf, deliver the passport, visa, documents and document of authentication to the applicant.

To release visa and authentication information in a timely manner, answer customer inquiries and provide assistance through the Application Centre’s website, information desk, telephone, and e-mail.

To provide the applicant with other necessary services in accordance with requirements of a Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.

Firstly, please visit Chinese Visa Application Service Center and select your country/region and (nearest) city. Take the Penang Visa Center in Malaysia as an example.

Once you've entered the dedicated page, navigate to the 'About Us' section and select 'Office Hours & Location' . Here, you'll find not only the visa center's working hours and specific location but also their contact information.

In the 'How to apply' section, you will find the 'Step-by-Step Guide' . This guide primarily consists of three parts: 'Prepare Documents' , 'Submit at the Centre' , and 'Pay and Collect' . Within these three parts, you can find all the information you need to know about applying for a tourist visa to China. This includes whether an appointment is required, the required documents, visa processing fees, and more.

Of course, if you have any other unanswered questions, you can explore the 'FAQ' part under the 'General Information' section. If your questions persist, you may try contacting the visa center directly to obtain the information you need.

Consular Services at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate

Not all countries have established the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. In such cases, you may need to visit the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate to obtain information about the tourist visa application process. You can easily find the preferred contact information under the 'Consular Services' section or a similar section on the website.

In the case of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, you can find consular services information on their official website. You can navigate to the 'Consular Services' section on the website to access details about visa applications and other relevant services.

It's interesting to note that the dedicated webpages for the Chinese Visa Application Service Center may vary across different countries, such as the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website for the United Kingdom. While the appearance of the webpages may differ, they generally offer the same information and functionalities.

At times, detailed consular service information might not be readily available on the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. In such cases, it might be advisable to visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to access the desired information.

China boasts a rich and ancient history, a diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Look forward to you creating wonderful memories in this beautiful country.

This article is filed under the Pre-trip Preparations tag.

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CHINA VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application Process

Anxious is a word I often describe myself when I’m planning a trip to China, and I say that in every sense of the word. Anxious, as in nervous, because I’m aware of the long standing tension between China and the Philippines. I’m always jittery when I apply for a visa or face their Immigration officers. But I try to brush it off because I’m also very anxious to visit China — anxious, as in eager. Out of all the countries I have set foot in, when it comes to landscapes, China is one of the most breathtaking. I have visited only three provinces so far — Henan, Hunan, and Guangxi — but all of them absolutely blew me away. The nerves also dissipate as soon as I make it through the Immigration gates. Locals have shown me nothing but a warm brand of hospitality.

Recently, I assisted a teammate who is applying for a visa for the first time. Along the way, I noticed that there have been a few changes to the application process since the last time I applied, so I decided to write an updated version of our CHINA VISA GUIDE. So here it goes. Enjoy!

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

LIST OF CHINESE VISA REQUIREMENTS

1. original passports.

• Original copy of your CURRENT passport. Must have at least 6 months validity and at least one blank page.
• Photocopy of the passport’s bio page and emergency page. These are the page with information and the one with emergency contact details.
• If you have old passports , you must submit them too.
• If you don’t have old passports or you have lost your old passports, make sure you state it on Item 3.7 of the application form.

2. Accomplished application form

• Must be computerized or filled out digitally. Handwritten forms are not accepted.
• Type in uppercase letters.
• Don’t leave any field blank. If an item doesn’t apply to you, type N/A.
• If minor, the form must have signatures of parents or legal guardian.
• Download the form here.

3. Two (2) recent photographs

• Photo size: 48mm x 33mm.
• Must be color photos with white background. Front view. Without head cover.
• Must be taken within the past 6 months.
• One of the photos must be pasted on the application form. Stapled, taped or clipped photos are not accepted.

4. Travel itinerary

Make sure your itinerary is consistent with the dates you indicated on the application form.

This is the format I followed. You can also download an editable version here .

5. Flight reservations or tickets

Including outward and return flights. Make sure your document has a Passenger Registration Number (or reservation number).

If you have already booked your flights, you can submit the confirmed flight itinerary from the airline.

If you don’t have tickets yet, you might want to consider submitting a flight reservation instead. Flight reservation is something that you can cancel so you won’t end up wasting a lot of money if you are denied a visa.

Find a travel agency that can reserve flights for you. In our case, we get our flight reservations from Gazelle Travel and Tours. You can reserve flights here: HOW TO GET FLIGHT RESERVATIONS

6. Hotel reservations

Submit hotel reservations under your name. You can reserve a hotel online without any charge. Just choose properties that allow FREE CANCELLATION so you can easily cancel your booking for free in case your application is rejected.

7. Invitation Letter

ONLY IF YOU ARE INVITED BY SOMEONE IN CHINA. OTHERWISE IGNORE THIS PART.

The invitation letter must indicate the following information.

• APPLICANT’S INFORMATION. Applicant’s full name, gender and date of birth, and the inviter’s relationship with the applicant.
• TRAVEL INFORMATION. Purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, places to visit, and source of funds that you will use to support your trip
• INVITER’S INFORMATION. Inviter’s full name (if individual) or company name (if organization), address, contact numbers, official stamp, and signature.

The invitation letter can be a computer printout or a photocopy. However, the visa officer has the right to require the original copy, so it’s best to have it handy.

In addition to the Letter of Invitation, the following must also be submitted:

• Photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID or passport with Chinese residence permit
• Proof of relationship. This maybe birth certificates, marriage certificate, or certificate of kinship issued by the Chinese Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship.

8. If applying for the first time

If this is your first time applying for a Chinese Visa, you need to prove your financial and employment status. Here are the documents you must submit.

• Bank certificate with bank statement for the past 6 months and official receipt. Some travel agencies and online sources say that a minimum of P100,000 is required. But the friend that I assisted recently has only P70,000 and her application was approved. It was also her first time applying for a Chinese visa.
• Income tax return (ITR). BIR-stamped.
• If employed: Certificate of Employment. Must indicate how much salary you receive and how long you have been with the company. Although not listed, a copy of your company ID is also something you can submit.
• If self-employed: Business Registration Certificate. It would also help your cause to submit other business registration docs — BIR, SEC, permits.
• If professional: PRC ID.
• If student: current school ID.

You can also submit other relevant documents that can provide more information about your purpose of travel, finances, source of income, occupation.

9. If you have past Chinese visa

If you have been granted a Chinese visa before, you don’t need to submit the financial and employment documents listed in the previous section.

Instead, submit the following:

• Photocopy of your past Chinese visas
• Old passports that contain the old Chinese visas

10. Visa Fee

Here’s the cost of a Chinese Visa (Tourism/Visit) at the time of writing:

• Single entry: P1400
• Double entry: P2100
• Multiple entry (6 months): P2800
• Multiple entry (over 6 months): P4200

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CHINESE VISA

1. complete the requirements..

The first step is to gather all the documents listed above. Prioritize those that might take time to secure such as employment certificates or bank certificate/statements.

You might also want to arrange them in the same order as the above list.

If you have other documents that you think can help your case but not listed on the list, bring them regardless and have them ready JUST IN CASE they ask for more supporting papers.

Please DON’T submit fake documents. Forged items will result in immediate refusal.

2. Submit your application.

Once you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to lodge your application. No prior appointment necessary. You can simply walk in.

You’ll be shocked to learn that the Chinese Embassy has several addresses in Metro Manila. Where you need to go is their CONSULAR SECTION. And this is their address in Metro Manila:

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China 2nd Floor, the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila

Visa Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-11am only

When you get there, look for the staff by the door. They will inspect all your documents and tell you if you miss anything. If everything’s fine, they will give you a number. You will then have to wait for your number to be called.

After submitting all the docs, you will be given a RELEASE SLIP, which indicates the date you should claim your passport.

PROCESSING TIME AND FEES:

The standard processing time is 4 WORKING DAYS . But if you’ve been granted a Chinese visa before and you want to get your passport/visa sooner, you can request for faster processing for a fee. Here are the additional charges per visa:

• Express service (third working day release): P1100
• Rush service (second working day release): P1700

To reiterate, these options are only available to NON-FIRST-TIMERS.

3. Claim your passport.

Return to the consular center on the date indicated on the release slip handed to you. Claiming your passport is much easier and quicker than submitting your application. Get another number from the door staff. You will get the passport after making the payment. There are windows specifically for passport releasing.

Once you have your passport — hopefully with a visa — double check the information and make sure there are no misspellings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. how long is the processing of a chinese visa.

4 BUSINESS DAYS , usually.

If you have been granted a Chinese visa before, you have the option to shorten the process by paying additional fee. Here are the rates per visa:

Note that these are on top of the visa fee. You will have to add the rush/express service fee to the P1400 visa fee. For example, if you choose to get your passport/visa after 2 business days, prepare to shell out P3100.

However, despite all these, the consular officer may still ask you to submit more supporting documents or even require an interview.

2. How long is the validity of a Chinese tourist visa?

Usually, 6 MONTHS. However, the duration of stay per visit is usually 14 DAYS only.

To illustrate, for example, my friend was granted a single entry visa that is valid from May 1 to November 1, 2019. She can enter China anytime before November 1, 2019, but she can only stay for 14 days.

3. How early can I apply for a China visa?

I don’t know for sure. But the tourist visa’s usual validity is 6 months so I’m guessing 6 months before your travel date is the earliest (but that would be pushing it). Again, I don’t know.

I usually apply 1 month before my travel date.

4. Should I apply for a single-, double-, or multiple-entry visa?

It depends on your itinerary and flight reservations. If your itinerary/flight reservations suggest you’re entering China just once, then apply for a single entry visa. If you plan to go in and out and back in again, then go for a double entry visa.

I once applied for a double-entry visa but my itinerary suggests I needed a single-entry visa. They granted me a single-entry visa despite my request for double.

5. How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?

This is a bit tricky.

Some online sources and travel agencies claim that your bank account must have a minimum of P100,000. But I handled my friend’s recent application and she has around P70,000 in her bank account, but she was granted a visa. It was also her first time applying.

I don’t know if we just got lucky or something. But I’m just sharing our experience.

My personal rule is this: I add the cost of all the flights and hotel reservations I submit and then add P10,000 per day of stay.

6. What are the reasons why my visa application would be denied?

This applies not just to the Chinese Embassy but also other countries:

• You can’t prove that you intend to return to the Philippines . You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned, and it’s giving the impression that you plan on staying longer than your declared duration.
• You can’t prove that you can financially afford this trip. You or your sponsor may not be in a good financial standing.
• Your documents are inconsistent. Your application form may be stating one thing, but your supporting documents may be suggesting another.
• Your purpose in China is unclear or dubious . This is why it is best to be specific when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.

We have more detailed explanations in this post: COMMON REASONS WHY VISA APPLICATIONS ARE DENIED!

7. Do I really need flight tickets before applying?

No, you don’t need to plane tickets. If anything, you are DISCOURAGED from purchasing plane tickets so you won’t waste money in the event that your application is rejected.

Actual tickets are NOT a requirement. What you can submit is a so-called FLIGHT RESERVATION , which is different from actual tickets. “Reservations” are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats. Some airlines can hold the booking for you.

Travel agencies can also issue flight reservations. If you don’t have time to go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online.

Our go-to travel agency for flight reservations (and travel insurance) for visa application is Gazelle Travel and Tours , a DTI-registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can contact them completely ONLINE:

MORE INFO: Flight and Hotel Reservations

8. can i just mail my application.

NO. Mail applications are not accepted.

9. What does an Chinese Visa look like?

10. I am submitting this and that. What are the chances of my application being approved?

I have no idea. No one and nothing can guarantee visa approval beforehand. The only person who can answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.

You can be adequately prepared for it, but sometimes, we just don’t know what is going to happen. Sometimes, no matter how qualified or prepared you are, you can still end up denied a visa.

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This info is very helpful. I always wanted to travel to China and be on the Great Wall. I have just arrived from Indonesia last June 30 as an OFW. I have finished my contract and am planning to visit China. I am not sure if I will even be granted a tourist visa since I don’t have any ITR. I just have my bank account statement/certificate and my certificate of employment stating that I have worked for a company up until June 2019. Before I book my flights and hotel reservation, do you think I have a chance? THANK YOU in advance.

Thank you for provided us of these useful info about how to obtain Chinese visa, I was looking on iternet how to get it, but I didn’t find something explaining and clarifying the method. Actually I’m working with compagny ACgroupvoyages since a three weeks now, i don’t know if they will accept my demand or not. What do you think?

Hello po just want to ask,they handed me the pink slip( claim slip), is there a chance that my visa will be approve? It says there to be inquired

Did you claim your passport with visa ?, are you granted, please tell me thank you

Hi, I would like to ask about applying for a chinese visa for my sister. You see, she’s still a minor and both of our parents are working abroad. We didn’t take any legal action of obtaining any document that will prove that my aunt (the one taking care of us) is our legal guardian. We already have a roundtrip flight ticket going to Beijing (which is on December 10 to 16) and itineraries. Won’t there be any problem if we apply for a chinese visa for my minor sister? Or do we need at least our mother to apply for her since she’s a minor? My mother will be back by December and she’ll be applying for her visa abroad.

Hi Micko, unfortunately, I don’t have an answer. :(

Hi can you assist me to get tourist visa

Hi Yoshke! Hi I would like to ask if its possible to enter Shenzhen coming from hong kong and getting the visa on arrival. I need your advice thank you.

Hi KYO. Naku, I haven’t been to Shenzen so di ko po alam. :(

Hello Yoshke Dimen! I would like to know if do I need a visa if coming from Hong kong going to Shenzhen just for 1 day tour. Can I get it from the border or do I really need to apply first here in the Philippines?

Nope. Shenzhen doesn’t offer visa on arrival. They require chinese visa. Try asking travel agencies in Hongkong if they can give you 7 day visa. I knew some people who did that but they are working in Hongkong.

Nice Blog and it is really very knowledgeable…keep posting blog like that. keep sharing thank you very much………..

Hi. When I was accomplishing the application form digitally, there are items in the form where the space for filling out is very limited and if printed the text will be cut (e.g office address, home address, and names of family members). Is this okay or am I constrained to limit my answer with the first 3 to 4 words?

Thank you so much.

Hi, I have a trip on the 17th but have another trip on the 10th. Wont be able to process my visa til the 14th. Do you think it’s possible?

hi. i am a housewife. my husband supports our trip to shanghai. i just want to know if do i need a letter of explanation or marriage contract will be enough to prove my source of income?

what i want to ask is what are the requirements i need for my application?

I will try to apply..due to Cebu pac PIso fare to Shenzhen :) I will try to walk in for Chinese Visa.

hello your blog is really helpful. can you help me clarify this because i am planning to apply for chinese visa i am currently a student legal age. My boyfriend is inviting me for a tour and for his cousins wedding. i have bank account since i worked before and just got back to school again. i dont have any itr or coe to give i only have my student id my bank account and my invitation letter . he can also state there that he is sponsoring my trip. is my documents enough to show to the embassy? your response will be a great help thank you

Hi Grace, your boyfriend is Chinese? If so, make sure you also submit photocopy of the inviter’s Chinese ID or passport with Chinese residence permit.

Regarding whether or not your docs are enough, hard to say. I think it’s okay to not have ITR or COE if you’re currently enrolled. I’m not sure if having a sponsor will affect your chances of approval, though.

Hi, what if my past Chinese visa is a group visa? Does that count or do I need to submit the financial requirements?

hello! Actually I am going to SFO from manila but my flight itinerary says I have 2 layovers in China which is Guangzhou and Wuhan. Would you know if I will be needing a Chinese visa for that?

No you dont need a visa if you intend to stay in the airport and as long as you do not stay for more than 24 hrs

Hi Caryl, I’m not that familiar with the intricacies of the layover policies of China, but it’s likely that you will need a visa. Best to call the airline directly to be sure.

Hi, just a question though, do you still need to go to BIR office to have your ITR stamped?

Hi,my bf and I are planning to go to shenzhen.his my sponsor going to china.but before China, we’re going to Hong Kong.i don’t have enough money in my bank account but my bf is Japanese and have his own business and good provider.im going to apply for Chinese visa this month and supposed to be going in Hong Kong on March or April,i.its my first time going to china.is their a possibility that I can go or can’t enter to China?! we’ve been to Hong Kong 3 times.so this time after Hong Kong,1 or 2 day’s stay in China.please help me to relieve coz I’m a little bit confused and worried coz my bf really wanted me to bring in China…..

Hi Cha, to be honest, when we applied, walang BIR stamp ung sa amin pero tinanggap naman. Di ko alam if lucky lang. But since BIR-stamped ung nasa list nila, I still encourage you na magpa-stamp to be safe.

Hello, when your workmate submitted her application, is she alone? Or was it applied together with some of your colleagues? Does applying alone or in group affect the visa application?

Hi po, regarding the bank cert and bank statement requirement of 100k, ur friend was approved with just 70k po? Uhm may I ask po if she’s been to korea, japan or any visa-required country prior to the China Visa application? Or what countries she’s been to prior to this visa application? Is she also a business owner? That might have been a factor. Im quite doubtful for me. Coz I’ve only been to non-visa countries+japan only and I also only have about 70k, so Im looking for any commonality between ur friend and my situation ehe… Pls kindly advise, tnx

She’s well traveled naman mostly in Asia and Australia. Kaya siguro pinayagan na.

Hello good evening, if I already had 2 Chinese visas in the past (December 2017 & July 2019 single entries) , I kinda forgot what do i need to submit….do I need to provide bank certificate on my renewal?

or just items 1-6 & 9-10 (since this is my 3rd renewal or application of Chinese visa)?

Looking forward for your response. Thank you.

can i stay in china for 6 months straight . Using an invitation letter .

how about if I am applying as a freelancer? I had obtained visa for Korea and Japan as a freelancer po, can i apply as well for China as a freelancer? what do I need to submit po

What if my aunt does not have an ITR (since she is a home-maker)? Will my uncle’s ITR and documents suffice?

Thank you for your really helpful guide. I’ll be visiting my girlfriend who’s currently working in China and I’ll be staying at her place. I basically have 2 questions:

1) Shall I put her as my inviting person or not? 2) Do I need to put my ‘meet-up’ with her in the itinerary and show ‘evidences’ of my relationship to her?

I’ve been granted a Japanese Visa before, but back then, I was with my family. I’m a bit anxious since it’s my first time applying for a Visa on my own.

Thank you, Yoshke!

We can’t encourage anything other than being truthful when applying for a visa, so if I were in your shoes, I would declare I was invited and mention my meetup.

But many applicants na okay ang work/finances understandably choose to not mention being invited because it complicates things. Lalo na when the applicant will be shouldering all the expenses anyway. I’m not saying that’s what you should do. Just sharing.

HI, do we need to pass original documents of our permits? like bir, mayors, dti, etc.. thanks

Hi John, in our case, we submitted a colored photocopy. We brought the original in case gusto nila i-verify pero di naman hiningi. Dalhin mo na lang din.

Hello po…pwede na ulit kaya mgtravel by next year?

Hi Yoshke, does a group visa count as an exception to submit financial documents?

Hi, planning to visit Shanghai again this year. My previous visa is Business Visa (M), if I want to apply for tourist visa do I need to submit financial and employment document again even though I have a previous visa already? Thanks

Thank you for your really helpful guide. I’ll be visiting my girlfriend who’s currently working in China and I’ll be staying at her place. I basically have 2 questions:

1) Shall I put her as my inviting person or not? 2) Do I need to put my ‘meet-up’ with her in the itinerary and show ‘evidences’ of my relationship to her?

I’ve been granted a Japanese Visa before, but back then, I was with my family. I’m a bit anxious since it’s my first time applying for a Visa on my own.

Here are my 2 cents:

1. If you’re declaring you’ll be staying at her place, I think you should put her as the inviting person. Otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense.

2. YES, if you’re staying at her place.

Hello, I will be in HK on April, it is impossible if I will apply and go in Beijing ,and also apply visa in HK? thank you

Hi. Kumusta yung naging travel mo? Balak ko din sana gawin yung plan mo.

I’m not sure but I think it’s possible. However I am not familiar with the process and requirements.

My friend applied for Chinese Visa but she got denied twice. She submitted all the requirements plus the invitation of the Company inviting her. She was going to China that time for business trip. After third attempt, she was granted the Visa and she went there for 3 to 4x already (business trip)

Hello. I know this is a bit of a very petty question but I just wanted to make sure that I follow everything. Two photos are required. It says, one photo should be pasted on the application form. Stapled, taped or clipped photo will not be accepted. What about the other photo, do we clip it on the form to make sure that it doesn’t get lost?

Hi. I am planning to go to Shanghai as a tourist. I have previous chinese visa with M category. Do I still need to submit financial docs? TIA.

200 dollars per day? Wow! That’s a lot! I went to Xi’an and Beijing last November for 9 days and I only spent about 600 dollars for everything including airfare from Manila. I know someone who only have about 1000 dollars in his bank account and got approved. Confirmed round-trip tickets will actually help you boost your application approval because it gives them guarantee that the visitor will return.

really useful guide on applying for a visa – ill follow it step by step

Have you any idea if an visit invitation from a frienf is acceptable?

S2 visa I need help assistant

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

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Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

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* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

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‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

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In recent times, China has expanded its visa-free policy, which has brought convenience to promoting economic and trade cooperation, boosting the tourism industry, and enhancing cultural exchanges. Let's check out what needs to be paid attention to for foreign nationals eligible for "visa-free entry".

1) Do foreign nationals need to make declarations through Chinese embassies or consulates abroad before coming to China under the visa-free entry policy?

Eligible foreign nationals do not need to make declarations to Chinese embassies or consulates abroad before coming to China under the visa-free entry policy.

2) Do Chinese border inspection authorities verify the purposes of entry to China, and if so, how? Do travelers need to carry any additional documents besides their passports when entering China?

Foreign nationals entering China for purposes specified in the visa-free policy, such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting, will be permitted entry after inspection by Chinese border inspection authorities in accordance with law. For foreign nationals whose purposes for entering China do not comply with the visa-free entry policy, or those who have other legally specified circumstances for prohibition of entry, the border inspection authorities will make decisions to prohibit their entry in accordance with law. It is advisable to carry supporting documents like invitation letters, flight tickets, and hotel reservations that correspond to the purpose of your visit.

Please note that individuals coming to China for work, study, and news interviewing and reporting are not covered by the visa-free entry policy.

3) How is the 15-day stay period calculated?

Every foreign national who meets the criteria for visa-free entry to China can stay continuously in China until 24:00 of the 15th calendar day from the day of entry.

4) Can a traveler depart for China from a country other than his/her country of nationality?

Foreign nationals who meet the criteria for visa-free entry to China can depart for China from any country or region outside of China.

5) Does the visa-free entry policy apply to tourist groups?

Foreign nationals who meet the criteria for visa-free entry to China, whether they are part of a tourist group or traveling individually, can apply for the visa-free entry to enter China.

6) Is it possible to extend the stay period beyond 15 days if needed while in China?

If a foreign national intends to stay in China for a period exceeding 15 days, he/she should apply for a visa that aligns with the purpose of his/her visit at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad in advance. If, after entering China under the visa-free policy, he/she has a valid and justifiable reason to extend his/her stay, he/she should apply for a stay or residence permit at the local public security authority's exit and entry administration office.

7) Is it possible to make multiple entries to China under the visa-free policy? Are there any requirements for the time interval between entries? Are there any limitations on the number of visa-free entries or the total number of days allowed for stay?

Foreign nationals who meet the criteria for visa-free entry to China can make multiple visa-free entries into China. Currently, there are no specific limitations on the number of visa-free entries or the total duration of stay. However, it's essential to ensure that the activities you engage in during your stay align with the purpose of your entry and do not deviate from it.

The information provided above is excerpted from the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Partial Visa Exemption Policy for Holders of Ordinary Passports from Six Countries Including France published by the Embassy of China in France.

(Sources: www.chinaqw.com, www.chinadaily.com.cn)

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Time in Tbilisi: April 13, 2024 06:39

Georgia, China sign visa-free travel deal

Darchiashvili said bilateral visa-free travel with China was an “important circumstance” for “strengthening friendship between the peoples” and developing and deepening economic ties between the countries. Photo: MFA of Georgia 

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili and Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to the country, on Wednesday signed an agreement waiving visa requirements of their citizens for travel between the countries.

After entering into force, the agreement will allow Georgian citizens to travel to China without a visa and stay in the country for up to 30 days at a time. It will enter into force after the completion of internal legal procedures by the two states.

Darchiashvili said bilateral visa-free travel with China was an “important circumstance” for “strengthening friendship between the peoples” and developing and deepening economic ties between the countries.

The top Georgian diplomat said the agreement would “give a new impetus” to the further development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two states and promote “full use of existing opportunities” in people-to-people contacts, tourism, culture and trade and economic ties.

In his turn, Zhou noted the agreement would contribute to the “development of friendship” between the two countries and create a “new opportunity” for Georgian and Chinese businesses, citizens and economic ties between the countries.

Irakli Chikovani, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday highlighted the ongoing visit of the party’s delegation to China as having a “great role” in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

A delegation of the ruling Georgian Dream party led by its Chair Irakli Kobakhidze will on Monday hold “high-level” meetings in China, the party's press office said. 

Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, on Monday highlighted steps taken within the strategic partnership between the two countries by saying China was “always committed” to assisting Georgia in improving social and economic growth.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday announced visa-free travel to the country for Chinese citizens, citing attracting visitors and mutual economic investments among “main interests” behind the decision.

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China tells mid- to high-end hotels to accept foreign bank cards

BEIJING - Chinese hotels with three-star ratings or more have been told to accept payments with foreign bank cards, as the government tries to make it easier for visitors to travel in the country and give the ailing economy a boost.

Major tourist attractions have also been instructed to accept overseas bank cards, as well as support payments in cash and increase foreign-exchange services, according to a joint statement from departments including the People’s Bank of China and Ministry of Culture and Tourism on April 9.

Visitors from overseas face challenges in making payments in China, where local payment systems have become ubiquitous.

Even vendors at street stalls rarely accept cash anymore, opting instead for platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. 

China has been trying to attract tourists in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, when it enforced some of the world’s harshest lockdowns and persisted with restrictions long after other countries had abandoned them.

As part of that, the government has expanded a list of countries whose citizens can enter without a visa. 

China recorded 35.5 million entries and exits by foreign nationals in 2023, according to the National Immigration Administration, a big jump from deeper in the Covid-19 crisis in 2022, but still only about a third of the figure in 2019. BLOOMBERG

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