china tourist visa to singapore

How to apply visa for China (mainland)

1. In accordance with the relevant arrangement, the Embassy of China in Singapore will make adjustments on visa application requirements for business, work, study and family visits to China. The updated application procedures and material requirements are as follows:

1.1 Fill out the visa application form online ( https://bio.visaforchina.cn/SGP3_EN/qianzhengyewu ),  download and print out the full application form, and sign the confirmation page. Submit the application in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) and collect the fingerprints.

1.2 The Chinese Embassy in Singapore does not directly process visa applications from normal visa holders. Please go to the CVASC (Please refer to  https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP2_EN/aboutus/258172.shtml for details about CVASC) to apply for China Visa. The application for exemption from fingerprinting can be submitted by an agent or agency (no power of attorney is required).

1.3 Attention

1.3.1 The following applicants can be exempt from fingerprint collection:

 a. Applicants under the age of 14 or over 70;

 b. Diplomatic passport holders, or applicants eligible for diplomatic, official and courtesy visas;

 c. Applicants who already had their fingerprints collected within the past five years at the Chinese Embassy or the CVASC in Singapore with the same passport；

 d. Applicants with all fingers mutilated or uncollectible.

 e. From 9 August, 2023 to 31 December, 2023,  eligible applicants can be exempt from fingerprints collection who apply for one or two entry visas for business, tourism, short-term visits, transit and crew purposes.

1.3.2 The Embassy reminds the applicant must go to collect fingerprints in person. If it is found that someone else is pretending to be the applicant to collect fingerprints, the person concerned will be refused to enter China and bear the corresponding consequences.

1.3.3 The applicant may be required to go to the embassy for an interview wherever necessary.

1.3.4 The applicant or agent can go to the CVASC to collect the visa at the earliest time marked on the collection form unless otherwise notified by the Embassy. Postal visa services are not provided.

1.3.5 Once a visa application is approved, it is irrevocable. Applicants need to pay relevant fees.

2. Processing Time

2.1 Regular service: 3 working days. Visa can be picked up on the 4th working day.

2.2 Rush service: 2 working days. Visa can be picked up on the 3rd working day.

2.3 The above processing time is general, some applications may take longer to process, so the processing time is uncertain. In such cases, applicants need to wait for notification from the embassy.

3. Application Basic Documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page.
• Visa application form and a recent passport photo.

(3) Proof of legal residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship). If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of residence, employment or student status.

(4) A photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to applicants who were Chinese citizens before and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

4.Visa Category

Special reminder:

• The invitation letter may be faxed, photocopied or printed, but the visa  officer may require the applicant to provide the original invitation letter.
• The visa officer may request additional supporting documents or supplementary materials from the applicant or request an interview wherever necessary.
• The visa officer decide the period of validity,number of entries and duration of each stay according to the specific circumstance of the applicant.

*:According to the principle of reciprocity, citizens of some countries may have different fees for applying for Chinese visas. Please refer to the specific explanation of the Chinese Embassy.

150 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247969

E-mail: [email protected]

For visa and legalization issues, please contact Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC)

Tel: +65-67139380 (9:00-14:00, Monday - Friday, except holidays)

E-mail: [email protected]

Homepage: https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP2_EN/

For Chinese passport and notarization issues, please contact Consular Section of Chinese Embassy

Tel: +65-64712117, +65-62581795 (9:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, Monday - Friday, except holidays)

E-mail: [email protected]

EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://sg.china-embassy.gov.cn

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

Most frequently used functions like online application form, appointment and checking status.

• About the Application Centre
• Office Hours & Location
• Legal Information
• Help by E-MAIL
• Suggestions and Complaints
• 2023/12/26 Public Holiday Notice for 2024
• 2023/09/19 Notice on Implementing VIP Service
• 2023/08/10 Notice of Temporary Exemption from Taking Fingerprints for Some Applicants
• 2023/04/24 List of Authorised Visa Agents (Singapore)
• 2022/12/21 Notice on Allowing entry to China of APEC Business Travel Card holders and Study Residence Permit holders and on Updatin...
• 2023/12/29 Holiday Notice ( New Year 2024 )

Notice on Cancellation of Online Appointment for China Visa Application

Please follow the application steps below:   From 23 October, 2023, the Chinese Embassy in Singapore will cancel the online appointment for China visa application. Applicants can walk in the China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) without online appointment to apply for visa with application form and relevant documents.

1.   Fill out the visa application form online (   https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP2_EN/COVA/   download and print out the full application form, and sign the confirmation page.   ),

2. Visa application from ordinary passport holders is processed at the CVASC. To know the detailsto   refer   CVASC, please   about     https://www.visaforchina.cn/SGP2_EN/aboutus/258172.shtml .

3. A kind reminder. After cancellation of online appointment, there might be more applicants on-site during peak hours. Applicants are recommended to arrange the time reasonably and avoid peak hours which normally fall on Mondays, Tuesdays and around public holidays.

To know the latest information on visa application, please refer to:

http://sg.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfwx/va/zgqz/202305/t20230531_11086629.htm  (English version)

http://sg.china-embassy.gov.cn/lsfw_0/lszj/fhqz/sqfshblsj/202303/t20230327_11049880.htm  (Chinese version)

• Public Education

Visiting Singapore

We welcome all visitors to Singapore. To ensure you have a successful and memorable trip, please read on to find out what you need to know.

You should submit your personal information, trip details and health declaration electronically within three days prior to the date of your arrival in Singapore. This can be done using the SG Arrival Card e-Service.

Please note the SG Arrival Card is  not  a visa and the use of the SG Arrival Card e-Service is  free of charge .

You can submit the SG Arrival Card via https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/  or through " MyICA " mobile application that can be downloaded for free from either the App Store  (iOS) or Google Play  (Android). Please refer to entry requirements for more information on entering Singapore.

You will receive your SG Arrival Card in the form of a PDF document (applicable for web service only, see below for a specimen) or email once ICA has successfully processed your submission. Please note that the SG Arrival Card comes with a unique DE Number that accompanies your passport number.

Please see below for a specimen of the SG Arrival Card.

Click to enlarge the image.

You must present yourself for immigration clearance at a point of entry into Singapore. You must satisfy the basic entry requirements before you can be considered for entry. The grant of an immigration pass will be determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry.

From 11 March 2022 , all foreign visitors arriving in Singapore will be notified digitally of their Visit Pass (e-Pass) through email. There will not be any endorsement on your passport. The e-Pass notification will indicate the period of stay granted and last day of stay allowed. Please ensure that you provide a valid email address when submitting the SG Arrival Card .

Please refer to  entry requirements  for more information.

If you hold a travel document issued by one of the listed countries or places, you will require a valid Singapore visa to travel to, and seek entry, into Singapore. Please refer to  visa requirements  if you require a Singapore visa and for more information.

Upon successful processing of your visa application, you will be issued an e-visa in the form of a PDF document.

Please note that possession of a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore . The grant of an immigration pass will be determined by the ICA officers at the point of entry. The period of stay granted is not tied to the validity of your visa.

Please see below for a specimen of the e-visa.

Related Links

• Applying for Long-Term Immigration Facilities and Submission of SG Arrival Card Through Commercial Entities or Consultants
• Entry Requirements
• SG Arrival Card
• Visa Requirements

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Mutual 30-day visa-free scheme fuels further interest in Singapore-China travel

SINGAPORE – Tour agencies, travel booking websites and airlines are seeing rising interest in travel between Singapore and China, after it was announced on Jan 25 that both countries will start their mutual 30-day visa-free arrangement on Feb 9.

The agreement will allow citizens of Singapore and China to enter each other’s country without a visa, for a stay of up to 30 days.

This comes just months after China reinstated a 15-day visa-free policy for Singaporeans, following a suspension of more than three years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The move in July 2023 had led to a rise in demand for travel packages to China, some travel agencies told The Straits Times. The upcoming mutual visa-free scheme has fuelled further interest, they added.

Mr Sherwin Seow, marketing director at ASA Holidays, noted an increase of more than 200 per cent in China tour sign-ups between April 2023 – when China began accepting foreign tourists – and January 2024.

After the announcement of the mutual visa-free agreement, his agency received 30 per cent more inquiries for trips to China within days.

EU Holidays director Ong Han Jie said his agency has been receiving more inquiries from its Chinese counterparts on tour and transport arrangements in Singapore for travellers from China. Since the Jan 25 announcement, it has received up to three inquiries daily, compared with one every four or five days before that, he added.

Most of its China tours last seven or eight days, and there are no plans to organise trips beyond 15 days, according to Mr Ong.

Mr Jeremiah Wong, senior marketing communications manager at Chan Brothers Travel, said bookings have doubled quarter on quarter since April 2023.

The agency saw a 15 per cent increase in weekly bookings throughout January 2024, he added. Most of its China package tours are shorter than 15 days. 

With the new 30-day visa-free arrangement, Mr Wong said the agency may offer more thematic holidays, such as its slow-travel series for older travellers, which span 14 to 21 days.

Nam Ho Travel saw an increase of 50 per cent in the number of Singaporeans joining China tour packages between July and December 2023, compared with the same period in 2019. 

The agencies noted that the new visa-free scheme may encourage more Chinese travellers to visit Singapore, more so than the other way around. 

Right now, Chinese ordinary passport holders have to apply for a visa to enter Singapore, while Singaporeans can visit China for up to 15 days without a visa.

While tourist arrivals from China have not bounced back to numbers chalked up before the pandemic, the Singapore Tourism Board is bullish about the rebound .

Pre-pandemic, China was Singapore’s top source of tourists, hitting a peak of 3.6 million arrivals in 2019. In 2023, China accounted for 1.4 million visitors.

Airlines such as low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia also told ST they saw greater interest in their routes to and from China after the mutual visa-free scheme was announced.

Jetstar Asia said it may consider increasing flight frequency and exploring new direct routes to help meet customers’ needs.

SIA Group, which includes Singapore Airlines (SIA) and budget carrier Scoot, said it continues to see strong demand for services to and from China, but it was unable to disclose specific figures, citing commercial sensitivities.

Booking sites have also reported a surge in site traffic since the Jan 25 announcement.

A Klook spokesperson said the online travel platform saw a 40 per cent increase in page visits from users in China searching for Singapore activities that day, compared with Jan 24, while page visits from users in Singapore looking for activities in China rose 16 per cent.

Data from the Singapore Department of Statistics website showed that there were nearly four million passengers travelling between Singapore and China in 2023, which was 54.2 per cent of the 7.3 million in 2019.

China was Changi Airport’s second-biggest market by passenger traffic in 2019. In 2023, it came in sixth.

Seat capacity on flights between the two countries has rebounded to 99 per cent of pre-Covid-19 levels, according to figures from aviation data consultancy OAG.

In January 2024, the top five Chinese cities by seat capacity for passengers travelling between China and Singapore are Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Xiamen and Hangzhou, based on OAG data.

Connectivity, culture and cheaper fares

Singaporeans like research associate Melissa Ng welcomed the 30-day visa-free scheme. The 29-year-old said she would be open to working remotely from Shanghai for an extended period, if her company allows it.

Freelance project manager Tan Shi Hui, 31, visited seven Chinese cities, including Xi’an and Shanghai, in November 2023. Two weeks later, she explored Yunnan province and stayed for a month. She had applied for a visa before China reinstated the 15-day visa-free scheme, and it allowed her to make two trips over six months, each lasting up to 30 days.

Ms Tan said the 30-day visa-free agreement would give travellers more time to explore different cities, let them save on visa application fees, and be more cost-effective on the whole.

Others like financial consultant Ian Jeevan Prasad Arumugam, however, said they would not travel to China for more than 15 days because of the language barrier.

While the 27-year-old thought his trip to Haikou in Hainan province in July 2023 was “eye-opening”, he found it a bit tricky getting around the city as ride-hailing and mobile payment apps require users to understand Chinese.

Chinese investor Karbo Ma said the visa-free agreement would make travelling to Singapore easier.

“Now, I can fly to Singapore whenever I want to, without having to wait for a visa,” said Ms Ma, 27, who intends to come here for travel and work once a month.

But even before the mutual visa-free arrangement starts, more Singaporeans were already looking to China as a leisure travel destination.

This was driven by the increased flight connectivity and greater interest in Chinese culture and attractions.

IT project manager Vincent Oh, 37, flew to Wuxi city in January because it was a convenient landing point for him and his friends to visit nearby sights in Jiangsu province.

Mr Oh spent 10 days going around Jiangsu, of which 1½ days were spent in Wuxi.

The air link between Singapore and Wuxi, which Jetstar Asia reinstated in December 2023, is the first direct service between both cities since Scoot suspended this connection in February 2020.

Consultant Justina Tay, 24, booked her first trip to China in May 2023. She had chanced upon cheap tickets to Nanning city in April 2023 and booked a six-day trip.

Ms Tay, who enjoys Chinese cuisine, later booked another trip to Chongqing municipality in November 2023, as she found Chinese cities modern and budget-friendly.

Mr Wong of Chan Brothers Travel said the agency has seen the number of Singaporean travellers in their 20s and 30s joining its China tours rise by 20 per cent, compared with pre-pandemic.

Teacher Joshua Tan, 25, picked Guangzhou for his post-graduation trip in May 2023. He said he relished the ease of travelling between different Chinese cities.

He also booked a 14-day solo trip in October 2023, after hearing about the 15-day visa-free travel arrangement.

“I was able to travel farther and explore more,” said Mr Tan, who visited Hunan and Sichuan provinces.

Assistant Professor Kiattipoom Kiatkawsin, who specialises in hospitality and tourism management at the Singapore Institute of Technology, said social media platforms such as TikTok could have piqued the interest of young Singaporeans in travel destinations such as China.

@teeeseych Why China? Cultural affinity I guess. City hopped 7 Chinese cities in a month, mainly via high speed rail. Will I do this again? In a heartbeat. #solotravel #china #tiktoksg #careerbreak ♬ No Reason - Ryan.B & effie

“Since China is not among most Singaporeans’ first overseas choices, seasoned travellers might come to the point where they are willing to explore lesser-known destinations after having visited many of the popular places,” he said.

Mr Mayur Patel, head of Asia at OAG, said more Chinese may travel abroad in 2024 to Asian destinations for short stays due to potential bright spots in China’s financial outlook and visa waivers offered by South-east Asian countries such as Thailand and Singapore.

However, when it comes to Singaporeans, 2024 may not be the same as the previous two years due to weakening global economic conditions and the waning of revenge travel. This is especially for Singapore as it was one of the earliest markets to reopen, and pent-up demand is now slowly disappearing, he added.

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How to Apply China Visa in Singapore in 2023

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: July 23, 2023  - Last updated: September 9, 2023

Categories china

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China announced that it is opening its border and resuming all types of visas for foreigners, starting 15 March 2023. However, the visa-exemptions for Singaporeans were only reinstated on 26 July 2023.

UPDATES: From 26 July 2023, Chinese government will resume 15-days visa-exemptions policy for Singaporean Citizens. China Embassy

If you’re a Singaporean planning to travel to China for more than 15 days, or you’re non-Singaporean residing in Singapore and don’t have visa-exemption, this guide is for you!

If this is your first time applying for visa to China, it may feel daunting, but fret not. In this article, I hope to shed the light regarding China Visa application procedures for people residing in Singapore .

This article was originally written based on my own experience applying for Tourism Visa (L Visa) in March 2023. However, several things have changed, especially regarding appointment. So, I try my best to update this article to reflect the latest situation.

Before May 2023, you can queue early at Visa Center to apply for visa via walk-in route. However, from 8 May 2023, walk-in is no longer accepted. So, you need to secure an appointment; there are several ways to secure appointments, I’ll describe more in Step 4.

Does Singaporean need visa to enter China?

From 26 July 2023 onwards, Singaporeans DO NOT NEED to apply visa to enter China if they’re traveling for less than 15 days.

If you’re a Singaporean planning to travel more than 15 days, these are visa-free exemptions for certain ports:

• HAINAN: If you’re visiting Hainan, you can do so without visa for up to 30 days

Who needs visa to enter China?

You need to check with your own consulate/embassy or China Embassy in your country whether you need to apply visa to enter China.

Generally, the below ports allow visa-free travel for foreigners from certain countries, provided they fulfil the requirements:

• HAINAN: If you’re visiting Hainan and you’re from one of the 59 approved countries, you can get up to 30 days visa exemption.
• SHANGHAI: If you’re visiting Shanghai by cruise, you can get 15-day visa exemption. Check with your cruise company for details.
• GUANGDONG: If you’re visiting Guangdong via Hong Kong or Macau, you can do so without visa, BUT you need to join organized tour group from HK/Macau Travel Agents.
• GUILIN in GUANGXI: Tourist groups from the ASEAN regional grouping can enter Guilin in Guangxi without a visa for up to 6 days.
• Your nationality/passport is from one of the 53 approved countries
• You visit and stay in that region for less than 144 hours (i.e. 6 days)
• You must hold an onward ticket to a different country (eg: Singapore -> Beijing -> Hong Kong, or Malaysia -> Shanghai -> Singapore)

Which China Visa should I apply?

There are many different kinds of China visas. For tourists intending to visit China for tourism , you should apply L Visa .

Here are all types visas for various purposes:

• L Visa: Tourism
• F Visa : Exchanges, visits, study tours or other relevant activities
• M Visa : Commercial trade activities
• Q1 & Q2 Visa: Family member or relative of Chinese citizen(s) or foreigner(s) with permanent residence status in China
• S1 & S2 Visa: Family member of foreigner(s) staying or residing in China or person who needs to come to China for personal matters
• Z Visa: Work
• X1 & X2 Visa: Study
• J1 & J2 Visa: Journalist
• C Visa: Crew member
• G Visa: Transit
• D Visa: Permanent residence
• R Visa: Foreigner of high talent or specialist

Can I apply visa to China on my own without an agent?

Yes, you definitely can apply visa to China on your own without an agent. It’s much cheaper to do it on your own. I paid less than S$200 application fee.

If there are immediate appointment slot, I’d suggest you do it on your own. However, if the available appointments are too far out and you need to travel urgently, consider engaging an agent to apply on your behalf.

Agents may be able to get you earlier appointment dates than individuals. However, you still need to go down to the visa application center to capture your fingerprints, on the submission day. During collection, the agent can collect on your behalf.

There are many travel agents who offer visa application service at People’s Park Complex. If you want to engage an agent, you should compare prices because the price varies A LOT between different agents. Some charge S$100 agent fee, some charge an insanely high amount of S$430 all-in.

Here’s the list of authorized travel agents .

Who can apply China Visa in Singapore?

Singapore citizens and Singapore residents with valid pass can apply for China Visa in Singapore. Visitors/tourists in Singapore should apply for a Chinese visa in their own country. ( Source )

Where to go to apply China Visa in Singapore?

The China Visa application in Singapore is handled by Chinese Visa Application Service Center located at 80 Robinson Rd, #16-01/02 02A, Singapore 068898 ( location ).

It is NOT handled by the Embassy of China in Singapore.

How long does it take to process the Visa Application?

If you choose Normal , it takes 4 working days. If you choose Express , it takes 3 working days. If you need a visa urgently, choose Rush/Urgent which takes 2 working days. ( Source )

Usually, the submission day counts as Day 1. For Normal service, you will collect on Day 4 (not calendar days, but working days). Eg: You submit on Friday (Day 1), you can collect on Wednesday (Day 4) provided there is no public holiday in between. If there is 1 public holiday in between, you just add 1 extra day.

How to Apply China Tourist Visa (L Visa) in Singapore

1. book your flights and accommodation.

Before applying for visa, you should book your flights and accommodation during the entire length of your stay.

If you’re staying in friend’s house, you’ll need to get the invitation letter from your friend. The invitation letter should contain:

• Information of the applicant: Name, gender, date of birth, passport number and etc.
• Details of planned visit: arrival & departure date, tourism destination, expenditure arrangement and etc.
• Information of inviter: Inviter’s name, contact number, address, inviter’s signature and etc.

Given the high demand of visa application in Singapore, I recommend that you book a trip that’s at least 2 months in advance, so that you’ll have ample time to get your visa sorted out.

2. Prepare the softcopy of the necessary documents

Before submitting your application, you should prepare the softcopy of the following documents:

• Colored passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months. After uploading to the system, you can crop and re-position your photo according to the requirements (photo requirements here) .
• Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity
• Details of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas 

3. Submit Application Online

To submit your visa application online, head to Visa for China then choose the country you’re applying at. If you’re applying in Singapore, here’s the shortcut link to Visa for China (Singapore) .

Under Quick Access, click on “Visa”. Once inside, scroll down and click on “New Application Form”

Fill out all the necessary fields. The entire process took me around 1 hour to complete.

I highly recommend that you copy your application number in your computer AND save your process frequently along the way , in case your browser gets buggy while you’re in the middle of application and you need to retrieve your form.

After completing your application, download your application form.

4. Make appointment

Method 1: normal appointment.

After completing the online submission in step 3 above, you will see a link to make appointment. Alternatively, you can also go to homepage, under Quick Access, click on “Visa”. Once inside, scroll down and click on “Appointment (Application)”

Key in your application number and particulars, and complete the captcha at the bottom of the page, then you will be able to see a calendar of available dates. Choose your preferred date and time. Then, download the appointment confirmation form.

If your flight departs earlier than the available appointment slot, you can’t apply via this route. Instead, you need to go via Method 2 or 3 below.

Method 2: Emergency appointment

As reported by Straits Times , from 8 May 2023, between 4pm to 6pm on each working day, the Visa Center will release 200 to 250 appointment numbers for emergency visa applications for the following day.

That means, if you need to do emergency visa via walk-in because you can’t get appointment, you no longer need to queue outside the Visa Center. Instead, you need to queue online between 4pm-6pm to get appointment number for emergency visa for the next day.

This method is difficult because it requires a lot of time, patience and luck. Reader Hui has shared about how he managed to get appointment slot using this method in the comment section.

To summarize, he did so by going to the appointment page (Homepage > Quick Access, > Visa > Appointment (Application)) between 4pm to 6pm, complete the captcha without filling the details (to save time).

If there’s no next-day slot, he keeps on refreshing every half minute until he sees a slot. When he sees a slot, he clicks on the timeslot, fills up his details and secures that appointment slot.

If you do not have the luxury of time and patience to hunt for these rare emergency slots, your last option would be method 3 below.

Method 3: Engage an Agent

If you can’t cancel your trip because your tickets are non-refundable, and you can’t secure a slot using the above 2 methods, my advice to you is to go through a travel agency. It looks like agencies have earlier available appointment date than individuals.

They may be expensive, you’ll probably end up paying S$100-200 agent fee on top of visa fee. But they’re worth every penny for people who needs to travel urgently and can’t cancel the trip. Here’s the list of authorized travel agents .

5. Print out the hardcopy of the necessary documents

Each person need to prepare the following hardcopy documents:

• A set of application form printed from your application
• Appointment confirmation (if any)
• Round-trip flight tickets
• Accommodation booking for the entire stay (if you’re staying in hotels)
• Invitation letter (if you’re staying in friend’s house)
• Photocopy of passport
• Photocopy of Singapore valid pass (if you’re not Singapore citizens), eg: SPR IC, Re-entry permit, WP, EP, STP, DP or SVP
• Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas

Even if you share accommodation with another person and you submit the visa together, each of you need to have a copy of the accommodation booking.

I didn’t submit the hard copy of my photo because I have uploaded the soft copy of my photo during online submission. They didn’t request for the hard copy photo when I submitted physical hard copy documents.

FYI, there’s a Photo Booth at Visa Center in case you need to take passport-sized photos.

6. Head to Visa Center

On your appointment day, head to Chinese Visa Application Service Center located at 80 Robinson Rd, #16-01/02 02A, Singapore 068898 ( location ).

For submission: operating hours are from 9am to 2pm , Monday to Friday (closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays).

For collection: operating hours are from 9am to 3pm , Monday to Friday (closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays).

Do note that the Visa Center observe BOTH Public Holidays in China AND Singapore. So, before heading down, do check the public holiday calendar for both countries.

Upon arriving at Visa Center, take the lift up to Level 16. At Level 16, take a queue number from the receptionist. Then, wait patiently for your number to be called.

Some readers have been asking whether it’s possible to get someone else to apply on your behalf. Before 9 Aug 2023, all applicants must have their fingerprints captured, therefore everyone has to visit the center physically.

However, between 9 Aug 2023 to 31 Dec 2023, the visa center announced that eligible applicants applying for one or two entry visas for business(M), tourism(L), family visit(Q2), transit(G), and crew(C) visa, can be exempted from taking fingerprints. Therefore, applicants applying for the above visas can get someone else to apply on their behalf.

(For me, I applied in late March 2023, just 2 weeks after China announced reopening and not many people were keen to visit China yet. That time, I applied via walk-in route (which is now no longer accepted). That time, the walk-in queue wasn’t insane at all, I arrived at the Visa Center at 10am, and was able to complete everything by 11.30am.)

7. Head to counter to submit documents and take fingerprints

Once your number is called, head to the designated counter and submit your hardcopy documents. Your fingerprints will be taken at this stage. You’ll also be asked questions about your trip.

If you miss out any documents, the officer will ask you to print it out or get it photocopied from the in-house shop. The cost of printing is S$1/page, and the cost of photocopy is S$0.50/page.

After all documents are in order, you’ll be given a paper that states the your application number and the amount you need to pay.

8. Make payment by Cash or PayNow

Head to the payment counter and make payment using cash or PayNow. I paid around S$160 for walk-in submission without appointment.

After completing the payment, you will be given a paper that states the date of collection. Now, you can head home.

9. Collect your Visa and Passport

On the day of collection, bring the collection slip to the Visa Center and collect your passport and your shiny new visa. Congratulations!

Your next step is to plan for your trip to China! Read my guide on what to prepare before going to China.

PS: If you have any data points to share, please comment below and share your experience. It will greatly help people who are planning to get a China Visa in Singapore. Thank you!

Featured image: Depositphotos

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Sunday 3rd of September 2023

I'm SPR, I heard this round don't need to scan fingerprint. Any one know if the applicate unable to attend on the submission day. Can she arrange her son to submit on behalf and make payment, without engage any travel agent.

Saturday 9th of September 2023

Update info, my son help me submitted the application, the whole process less than 30mins. Once the online form and appointment date set and all documents ready. Smooth processing.

Sunday 27th of August 2023

Thanks for sharing. I've booked my appointment easily as well. There are so many slots available next week.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear you can secure appointments easily!

Thursday 17th of August 2023

HI- I am Malaysian, and just submitted my L visa application. Appointment dates are available the very next day after the application required time ie the 5th day for Normal application. Looks like the wait time has been reduced significantly.

Hi Sam, thanks for sharing! Good to hear that it's easy to secure an appointment now!

Saturday 22nd of July 2023

Hello Eva! Do you perhaps know if transiting within China is possible with the 144h visa free policy? Currently flights from Singapore to Xi'An are with transit in another province of China, mostly Shanghai.

So sorry if you've covered this before, please do redirect me if so!

Sunday 23rd of July 2023

Hi Sally! Sorry I have no clue and I can't find reliable source. Perhaps you can check with the airline or visa center. Fyi, visa-free will resume from 26 July 2023, hope it will solve your problems!

Friday 21st of July 2023

Hi, I read from the visit for china website that Singaporeans is exempted from a visa if stay no more than 15 days. So confirm now we don't need to apply for visa?

4) Citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan

A citizen of Singapore, Brunei or Japan with an ordinary passport is exempted from a visa if he or she visits China's mainland for tourism, business, or meeting with friends or relatives, and if he or she enters China through ports open to foreigners, and stays for no more than 15 days.

However, a visa is required for citizen of these three countries under any of the following circumstances:

A. An ordinary passport holder visits China for tourism, business, or meeting with friends or relatives, and stays for more than 15 days.

B. An ordinary passport holder visits China for the purpose of study, work, permanent residency, official visits or news coverage.

C. A Japanese citizen travels with a diplomatic or official passport.

Hi, please don't ask me to confirm what's being written by someone else, you may want to check with them instead.

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Follow our news, recent searches, singapore, china to set up mutual 30-day visa-free travel, enhancing 'people-to-people exchanges', advertisement.

The proposal was announced during the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting - the highest-level annual bilateral forum between Singapore and China.

The control tower of Changi Airport in Singapore as seen on Mar 12, 2019. (Photo: AFP/Roslan Rahman)

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Louisa Tang

TIANJIN, China: Singapore and China on Thursday (Dec 7) announced that they will establish a 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement between both countries, amid a post-pandemic improvement in flight connectivity.

The proposal was announced during the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting – the highest-level annual bilateral forum between both countries – held at the Hilton Tianjin Eco-City hotel with a range of agreements set to be signed.

This is the first JCBC meeting to be co-chaired by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.

At the start of the meeting, Mr Ding noted how the number of Chinese students studying in Singapore has exceeded 40,000, basically recovering to pre-pandemic levels.

He added that the visa-free arrangement would “provide greater convenience for people-to-people exchanges”.

Mr Wong said Singapore hopes to even go beyond pre-pandemic levels in terms of direct flight connectivity.

“This will be supported also by a mutual 30-day visa-free arrangement between our two countries, which will enable more people-to-people exchanges, thereby fortifying the bedrock of our bilateral relations," he added.

Both sides are working out the operational details, with the aim of implementing the scheme in early 2024, the Singapore Prime Minister's Office said in a media release.

Chinese citizens currently require a visa to enter Singapore.

Singaporeans holding ordinary passports  can enter China without a visa for 15 days if they are travelling for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and in transit.

China resumed this arrangement in July, more than three years after it was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This came on the heels of an upgrade in Singapore-China relations to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership”, after Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in March during an official visit.

The JCBC reviews the substantive collaboration between Singapore and China and charts the direction of cooperation.

Mr Wong, who is on a four-day official visit to Beijing and Tianjin, said during a bilateral meeting on Wednesday that he was looking forward to signing more than 20 memoranda of understanding and agreements at the JCBC meeting.

Upgraded Singapore-China free trade agreement among 24 signed at annual top-level meeting

Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City to have green innovation park, be a model for other Chinese cities

Singapore and China reaffirm upgraded bilateral relations during Wang Yi's visit

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How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

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.

How to Apply for a China Visa

Planning to visit China, but don't know how to apply for a China visa? We're breaking it down for you with our step by step guide, follow the steps and get your China visa efficiently.

The visa information we provide is for reference only. We are a travel agency. If you book a trip with us, we can provide you with the invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa.

1. Find out if you need a visa

The first thing is to check whether you need a visa or not. You usually need to apply for a Chinese visa unless you meet one of China's visa-free policies . 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit offer great convenience if you have a layover in China.

2. Find out which visa you need.

There are many types of China visa. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

3. Prepare the required documents.

The following list of documents are required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it. In some countries such as UK you should complete an online form . On the form, you might find an item "Serial number of invitation letter of the authorized organization", you may skip this item if you don't have an invitation letter, or the invitation letter is not of this type.)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for.

For instance, if you are applying for a tourist L visa , you need to prepare an air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency. ( An invitation letter could be provided by us without extra charge if a China tour of 3 days or more is booked .)

An invitation letter can replace the air ticket and hotel booking if you are planning to stay with friends or family who live in China and can't provide the hotel confirmation, or if your travel is being organized by a travel agency (or other duly authorized organization) in China . We can provide you with the invitation letter if you book a tour with us.

4. Submit the application.

You may submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (also called CVASC) if they are operating in your country.

Starting from 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected .

The regular service processing time is 4 days, and the rushed service takes about 1 day. The latter is only available in extreme emergencies pending a consular officer's approval.

5. Pay the fee and collect your visa.

Go to the place where you apply for China visa, pay the fee and collect your visa.

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa price for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

The fees shown in the table are only for the cost of visa. If you apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the service fee and tax are required.

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

When to Apply for a Visa

It is important to get your visa early, but not too early because it is only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date.

It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel .

Apply for Special Permits, If Necessary.

If you are planning on traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need to get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Chinese travel agency. As a travel agency based in China for more than 20 years, we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Check the most popular Tibet tours .

Apply for China Visa in Hong Kong

If you are already in Hong Kong and want to visit Chinese mainland, it is possible to get a China visa in Hong Kong. Read our step-by-step guide .

Tailor-Making a Private China Tour

China Highlights is your China tour tailor-making expert. See the recommended tours below for inspiration or check out our ideas and suggestion on How to Plan Your China Tour .

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• 12-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai Tour for Your Summer Vacation
• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• Best China Tours 2024/2025: Top Tours for First & Return Trips
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
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A Step-By-Step Guide For Applying For A Visa To China

China has resumed issuing all types of visas, and this is a step-by-step guide that will help you apply for a visa to china..

By: Ayushi Anand Published: Apr 14, 2023 03:00 PM SGT

China is known for its architectural wonders, UNESCO world heritage sites, martial arts and delectable cuisine that varies from one part of the country to another. China is also the largest exporter and importer of goods in the world, and that’s what makes it a destination frequented not just by tourists but by business travellers as well. If the pandemic has played a spoilsport to all your plans of going to China earlier, then we’ve got good news for you! China recently resumed issuing all types of visas, and our step-by-step guide will help you easily apply for a visa to China.

Identify if you need a visa or not

Singapore is on China’s visa exemption list for a short stay; however, if you are a passport holder of a third country, then you should first figure out whether you need the visa or not. As per the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, citizens of 53 nationalities, while transiting through China, can exit the airport and visit the country without a visa for a limited stay. Below are the details for visa-free transit.

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Transit without visa (twov).

In case you have a layover in China while going to another country, then China offers a transit without visa (TWOV) that allows passengers to travel visa-free for 24 hours, 72 hours and 144 hours. While TWOV for 24 hours is available to almost all nationalities, visa-free transit for 72 and 144 hours is only given to citizens of 53 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Russia and Australia .

Exemption of visa

Brunei, Japan and Singapore nationals enjoy a much wider exemption. They can stay in China without a visa for up to 15 days. However, if they want to have a longer visit, then they will have to procure a visa. So, if you are not meeting any visa-relaxation criteria due to your nationality or travel plans, then continue reading to know the whole procedure to get the visa.

Types of visas

China, just like any other country, has multiple types of visas. So, the next step in this procedure is to identify the category of the visa you require, as that will determine the documents to be included with the application.

There are four main types of visas:

• Diplomatic visa
• Courtesy visa
• Service visa
• Ordinary visa

Ordinary visa is further divided into 16 categories:

• Tourist visa(L)
• Business visa (M)
• Work visa (Z)
• Study visa (X1)
• Study visa (X2)
• Non commerce visa (F)
• Private visa (S1 – long term)
• Private visa (S2 – short term)
• Family visa (Q1 – long term)
• Family visa (Q2 – short term)
• Crew visa (C)
• Permanent residence (D)
• Journalist visa (J1)
• Journalist visa (J2)
• Transit visa (G)
• Foreigner of high talent (R)

Once you have worked out your category of visa, the next step is to fill in the online application form available on the China Visa Application Service Center website and schedule an appointment for the submission of documents. Walk-in service is also available on business days. Later, you might have to visit the Visa Office of the Chinese embassy in person for an interview if required by the consular officer. You can also hire a travel agent to help you with the application process. Once the appointment is fixed, collect all the documents required for the visa.

China visa requirement

Below are the documents that are mandatory for all the applicants applying, irrespective of categories.

• An original passport that has six months of validity from the date of entry to China, along with two blank pages on the passport.
• A photocopy of the bio-data page.
• Two recent photographs (33mm X 48 mm in size) over a white background.
• A visa application form duly filled in and signed.
• Submit original and photocopy of valid certificates of residence, employment or student status and any other certificates you may have of your legal stay.
• Covering letter – mention details as per your visa type and category.

If you are applying for a tourist visa (L)

Assuming that you are visiting China for a vacation, then below are the supporting documents that must be attached with mandatory documents.

• Confirmed round-trip air tickets and hotel bookings . Or an invitation letter issued by the invitee in case you have been invited.
• Covering letter detailing the itinerary, including the number of days you plan to stay and places to visit. In case you have been invited, then also mention the name, address and contact number of the inviting/contact company/person.
• Bank statements from the past six months, along with an original bank certificate or a letter from the employer of the applicant, mentioning the following details: name, contact number of the employer and the applicant’s income statement.

Chinese visa application process (online & offline)

After filling in the online visa application form and scheduling an appointment, you have to visit the centre on the appointment date. You will be called at the counter to submit all the documents. The staff will review these documents and give you a payment invoice for the visa fee along with the cashier’s number. Pay the fee and cross-check the details in the pick-up form. In case you have any questions, then you should contact the staff immediately. It is important to keep the pick-up form safe as it needs to be presented at the time of passport collection.

For Singapore citizens, the visa fee for single entry is SGD 86, SGD 96 for double entry, 106 for multiple entries valid for six months and 126 for multiple entries valid for 12 months. If you are in a hurry, then for Express and Urgent processing, charges are extra. American and Canadian citizens applying for visas from Singapore have to shell out SGD 261 and 166, respectively. For any other third country nationals, single entry is for SGD 111, double entries SGD 136,  multiple entries (6 months) SGD 161 and multiple entries (12 months) SGD 211. These fees do not include application service fee charged by the centre.

Visa renewal process in China

The visa can be extended in China; however, you must apply for the extension at least seven days before your visa expires. The process can be initiated at Local Entry and Exit Administration under the Public Security Bureau.

Chinese visa verification process

All documents need to be self-verified before submission. Along with the application form, the documents are sent to the embassy for verification. The verification process usually takes four business days after the submission of the application; however, it can take longer than that. In case you wish to expedite the process, then you can opt for the express process, which takes two to three business days.

Related: 20 Best Things To Do In Beijing, According To Locals

(Hero and feature image credit: Image credit: PinkBlue Studio/Shutterstock)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer: Yes, the application service center provides a 24-hour online facility where you can track the status of your application.

Answer: The payment for the visa should be made after the submission of the documents.

Answer: No, it is not possible to withdraw or cancel your application once the submission has been made.

Answer: No, the visa fee is not refundable.

Answer: It is advisable to apply for a visa one month in advance but not earlier than three months before your scheduled travel dates.

Answer: The visa fee can be paid via cash or a debit card at the visa centre.

Answer: During your application submission, you can select the option of express service where the processing time will be three business days.

• china tourism

Ayushi Anand

A post-graduate in journalism and mass communication, Ayushi is a digital writer who has worked with several Indian media organisations, including Times Internet Limited and Zee Media Corporation Limited, in the news, lifestyle and entertainment space. When she's not on her desk, she can be found dancing, trying new restaurants or packing her bags to .. Read More explore a new destination. Read Less

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

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on 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

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?

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

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

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

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What are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa Application?

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

Basic Requirements

1. Passport

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

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

2. China Visa Application Form

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

3. Visa Photo

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

Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm

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

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

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

China Tourist Visa Application Requirements

Fill in China Tourist Visa Application on Website of CVASC

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

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

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

Supporting Documents

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

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter

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

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

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

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

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

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (Sample)

How Do I Apply for A Tourist Visa to China?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

China Visa Service Center in Malaysia

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

How Much is A Tourist L Visa for China?

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

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

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

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

China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities

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

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

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

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

Special Notes:

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

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

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

Canadian Picked up Passport & Visa from Chinese Embassy

FAQs and Useful Tips about Chinese Tourist Visa

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

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

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

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

Q3: Does Singaporean need visa for travel to China?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Introduction to China Visa

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• 11 Important Things Should Know
• How to Read China Visa
• Single, Double, Multiple Entry Visa
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China Visa Application

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

China Visa Exemptions

• 15 China Visa Free Policies
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Tourist visa to China

• Requirements
• Business visa
• Helper's visa
• Transit visa

Tourist visa to China (L-type)

A tourist visa to China (L-type) is granted for the purpose of tourism and leisure. Usually, a visa is issued for a period of 3 months (single) or 12 months (multiple).

Please note, we work on a pre-booked appointment basis only to ensure efficient and professional assistance to each of our clients. Please, scroll down to book an appointment.

• Required documents
• Processing time

Required documents for a tourist visa to China

• Upon completion of the online application form, kindly submit via email so we can make an appointment with the Chinese Visa Processing Centre.
• All applicants for a multiple-entry or FDW visa aged 14 to 70 need to provide fingerprints at the China Visa Application Service Centre. An exception applies if your fingerprints were collected for a visa application in the past five years and your passport hasn’t been renewed since then.
• All documents should be printed or photocopied on A4-sized paper.
• Separate all the application documents for different applicants into individual sets.
• If either of the applicant’s parents is a Chinese national, they will need to apply directly at the Chinese embassy.
• The completed Chinese visa application form must be printed and signed by hand (blue ink) in two designated locations: the first and last pages.
• Original passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining after the intended visa expires and at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
• A colour copy of a passport .
• Copy of a Residence permit for EP, PR, DP and S-Pass holders or Re-entry Permit for PR holders or NRIC for Singaporeans. For a new employment pass with a QR code instead of an expiry date, you must provide a printout of the validity and expiry status which can be obtained with a free SGWorkPass app (available on App Store and Google Play ). The printout must show the access date at the top and the bottom.
• For Philippines passport holders, a company letter .
• For unemployed/self employed/freelance/retired, a bank statement .
• The applicant is required to present the frontal view to the camera with the entire head and face visible.
• The facial expression must be neutral with eyes open, mouth closed and ears visible.
• Eyeglasses are allowed only if the lenses are not tinted and there is no glare, shadows, or frames obscuring the eyes.
• Hats or other head coverings are only allowed if worn for religious reasons and if they do not obscure any facial features.
• The background of the photo should be white or close to white with no borders around the edge of the image.
• You cannot wear a white top; the top must have sleeves.
• The photo should be recent, taken within 6 months.
• Copy of previous visas to China if they were stamped in a different/old passport.
• Official document showing name change if the passport with previous Chinese visas was issued under a different name.
• Crossed-out Chinese passport (original and a photocopy of the front page).
• Copy of each of your recent Chinese visas and a front page of the passport.
• Copy of a birth certificate and a notarisation.
• Copy of a crossed-out identity card or a registered residence booklet.
• For applicants, who are former Chinese citizens and are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, please provide the crossed-out Chinese passport (original and a photocopy of the front page).
• Round-trip airline tickets . For a double-entry visa, 2 sets of return tickets.
• Copy of a hotel reservation .
• Completed and signed Global Singapore visa order form .
• Document checklist .
• Should you require to print any of the required documents in our office, please note that an additional charge will be applied.

Fees for a tourist visa to China

Select your nationality in the following list. If your nationality is not on the list select the OTHER NATIONALITIES option.

—Please choose an option— Canada Singapore USA OTHER NATIONALITIES

Multiplicity: —Please choose an option— single / double-entry

Service: —Please choose an option— regular, 5 working days express, 4 working days

Consulate fee:

Service fee:

Multiplicity: —Please choose an option— single-entry double-entry

All fees and charges are subject to prevailing GST.

Processing time for a tourist visa to China

• Regular service at the Chinese Consulate is 5-7 working days once we submit the documents to the processing centre.
• Express service at the Chinese Consulate is 4-5 working days once we submit the documents to the processing centre.

Please add one more day in order for us to check all your paperwork.

• Please note, once your application is submitted for normal service, it will not be possible to change processing into the express or urgent service or vice versa.

China-Singapore visa-free era boosts two-way tourism

A 40-meter-high circular indoor waterfall pours into the building from the roof as passengers walk and take pictures at Changi Airport, a glass circular building surrounded by hanging terraced gardens, in Singapore, October 4, 2023. /CFP

Editor's note: Yu Hong, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Senior Research Fellow of the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore.The article reflects the author's views, and not necessarily those of CGTN.

On February 9, the agreement between China and Singapore regarding mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports came into effect. With the implementation of the "mutual visa exemption" policy, two-way travel between China and Singapore has become easier.

Singapore has always been one of the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese citizens, and the visa waiver policy between the two countries is conducive to the development of tourism on both sides. The implementation of the visa-free measures will further strengthen Singapore's status as an international tourist city, and play an important role in Singapore's service economy. The visa-free era will also promote people-to-people cultural exchanges, which will play an important role in the long-term friendship and mutual understanding between China and Singapore.

Visitors watch a show with sculptures of a 140-meter-long dragon (L) and a god of fortune (C) around the Supertrees observatory at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on February 7, 2024, ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon which fell on February 10. /CFP

First of all, Singapore has a convenient and efficient transportation system as a regional transport hub. Singapore's Changi Airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Asia, and Chinese tourists can easily reach Singapore by different flights. With the surge in demand for two-way travel between Singapore and China, airlines will operate between the two countries at a much higher frequency than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, as an international tourist city located in Asia, Singapore has abundant tourism resources and unique cultural exchanges. Singapore is home to world-renowned attractions such as Sentosa Island and Gardens by the Bay, among others, which are attractive to Chinese tourists. Given the constraint of its relatively limited land area, Singapore continues to develop tourism content. Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's most iconic tourist attractions, as well as the newly completed Singapore Bird Park at World of Wildlife.

In order to attract more Chinese tourists, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been actively engaged in marketing and promotional activities and has partnered with China's tourism agencies to enhance the visibility and influence of Singapore's tourism in the Chinese market through brand promotion.

Singapore also participates in travel exhibitions held in China to showcase its tourism resources and services to further attract Chinese tourists. In addition, the STB signed a two-year strategic cooperation memorandum with UnionPay International in November 2023, to create a more convenient payment environment for inbound Chinese tourists.

Chinese tourists' interest has gradually been shifting to local culture over the past few years, and there is an increasing demand for new products related to the integration of culture and tourism.

Recognizing the changing needs of Chinese tourists, the STB launched new travel initiatives in 2023 to enhance the leisure travel experience as well as new or upgraded attractions. In November 2023, the STB also launched a series of creative travel schemes, including immersive experiences with forest bathing and naturopathy, and city walks to experience food sustainability. These new initiatives allow visitors to experience the multi-racial and multicultural atmosphere of Singapore.

In response to the new travel demands and preferences of some tourists, Singapore is attracting overseas tourists to Singapore by hosting high-profile international events, such as music festivals and sporting events. Taylor Swift's concerts held in Singapore also effectively boosted the local economy recently.

Moreover, Singapore is in a good state of law and order. Singapore's renowned legal system protects the legitimate rights and interests of tourists and punishes acts that infringe on their rights and interests, which provides Chinese tourists with the guarantee of peace of mind to travel to Singapore.

China can learn from Singapore's experience in developing tourism and attracting foreign tourists. First, China's tourism authorities and enterprises can promote Chinese tourist attractions and cultural and natural scenery by expanding cooperation with local tourism operators and hosting exhibitions and promotional roadshows overseas.

Secondly, according to the travel preferences of foreign tourists and the characteristics of specific tourism groups, different tourism routes and tourism packages should be designed to attract overseas tourists to visit China. Third, more convenient services can be provided for foreign tourists traveling to China, such as the simplified visa application and more payment methods. The recent introduction of immigration facilitation measures by the Chinese authorities willsurely help attract more foreigners to visit China.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at [email protected]. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)

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How do I get a visa for China?

Oct 14, 2021 • 6 min read

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

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

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

Who Needs a Chinese Tourist Visa?

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

Can I travel visa-free to China?

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

Who can get a transit visa?

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

What about Hong Kong and Macau?

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

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

How about Tibet?

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

How to apply for a Chinese tourist visa

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

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

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

How much does a China tourist visa cost?

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

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

How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

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

Can I extend my Chinese visa?

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

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

You may also like: The best time to visit China China’s most epic high-speed train journeys Where to see pandas in China

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How To Apply For China's Tourist Visa: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

I had never been as frustrated with travel planning as when I was applying for my 10-year tourist visa to China this year.

I didn’t blame the fact that China required a visa, I blamed the confusing process of how to apply. The lack of a step-by-step guide for people in the USA mixed with the confusing lawyer-like language used in the China Embassy’s official documents = pure confusion on what to do.

After scouring the web to piece together the full process, I finally set out to apply for the 10-year tourist visa. In less than a week of applying online , I picked up my visa and was good to travel for the next 10 years!

Looking back on it, I’m glad I got it over with early on in my travel planning process. I would’ve hated to have to deal with all of this 1-2 weeks before my trip!

For reference, I applied for the 10-year tourist visa in April, but my trip wasn’t until November.

Once you figure out HOW to apply and actually submit your application, it’s really not too bad. Especially since I’ve created this easy-to-understand guide to walk you through all the steps you need to apply for your very own China tourist visa.

NOTE: This guide is for US citizens applying for the tourist visa (L) within the USA. I don’t have experience with any other countries/nationalities, thanks!

Before Applying For The China Tourist Visa: Things You Need To Know

• The first and most important thing I need to mention: there is no way of applying for a China visa completely online . You will need to physically provide your passport to a visa office at some point. There’s no way around this, and that’s because they need to stick your new China visa onto one of the pages in your passport.
• You must start by completing a visa application form to apply for a China visa. This can be done online or on paper.
• You’ll then need to submit your visa application form + supporting documents to a China Visa Application Service Center (this is a physical place). These are going to be at a Chinese embassy or consulate somewhere in the USA. There are multiple locations.
• You can’t just choose any location you feel like. You have to go to the one that services your state/area. More on this later.
• a recently-taken color photo behind a white wall (can be uploaded digitally if filling out the application online, or a physical photo if applying on paper application)
• a valid passport
• printed out visa application + confirmation letter
• other supporting documents (more on this later)
• You’ll need to visit the visa office twice: first to submit your application, then again in 3-4 days to pick up your passport (with your brand new China visa inside).
• You can apply in person for yourself, have someone else turn in the forms for you / pick up your visa for you, or pay a travel agency to do it all for you.
• That’s the general overview of the process. Let’s dive into the details a bit more.

Step 1: Find a consulate location that services your area.

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate which Consulate General location you’ll have to go to in order to apply for (and pick up) your visa. You can use this link to see all the current locations.

You CANNOT pick one randomly, you can only go to the one that services your area.

So how do you know which consulate you have to go to? Locate where you live on this list or this list . Your state/region will be listed under one of the consulates. That’s the one you’ll need to go to.

For example, I live in Northern California, so I had to go to the Consulate General in San Francisco . If you live in Utah, your assigned location is the Embassy in Washington DC.

Also, note that the area formerly serviced by the Houston consulate is temporarily being serviced by the Embassy in the United States (DC location) as the one in Houston closed down.

Step 2: Fill out the COVA application

Start your online application . Go to the China Online Visa Application (COVA) and fill out the application using your information.

You’ll be asked all kinds of questions: personal information, the type of visa you’re applying for, how long you want it for, names of family members (parents), work history, emergency contact info, where you’re going to be traveling to in China and on what dates, where you’ve traveled to in the last 12 months, etc.

I would allot 30 minutes of your time to fill out the whole application. It felt like forever when I was applying, but I think it took me about 30 minutes. You can always save your progress if you need to look up information and revisit the application process at a later time.

Just be sure to note your application ID so you can pull it up later.

I’ll give you some pointers on how I filled out my application because some questions were quite confusing.

• One of the first things you need to do is upload your passport photo. I took a selfie against a wall and used Lightroom to turn my gray background white. The system accepted the photo. (Background must be white!)
• For Given name(s), it should include your first name followed by any middle name(s). It needs to match the name on the passport.
• For National ID number, I applied with N/A
• For Type of Visa, I selected (L) Tourism. Here are the rest of the visa types for reference.
• For Visa Duration, I entered 120 months with a maximum stay of 60 days. I also chose “multiple” for the number of entries.
• For Itinerary information, I ballparked my travel dates from city to city (Hong Kong – Xi’An – Chengdu – Chongqing) as I had not yet booked my flights, but I gave the best estimate I could based on where we were in the trip planning process.
• Since they are no longer requiring flight confirmations and hotel confirmations, the trip itinerary section doesn’t need to be very detailed. Addresses of hotels didn’t seem to even be required fields (I filled out half of them for the ones we had already booked).
• For Work Experience info, I did the best I could but it’s okay not to be exact. For example, I included my previous employer’s general phone number instead of my supervisor’s number. You can also provide a quick description of your job duties (my example: “blogger/travel writer”). No need to go into detail.

Normally visa applications take 3-4 days to process, but you can specify in this application to expedite it (2-3 days).

I chose not to expedite my application. I applied on a Monday and received a pick-up date of Thursday .

How quickly do you need the visa?

• If you live in the area and can get to the visa office pretty easily, no need to expedite.
• If you’re traveling from out-of-state to apply, you’ll probably want to expedite to save on an extra night’s worth of hotel costs.
• If your trip’s departure is like next week, you’ll probably want to expedite to be on the safe side!

Should you apply for a 3-month visa or a 10-year visa? The visa process is the same regardless if you apply for 3 months or 10 years. Moreover, it’s currently the same price!

My entire family and I went for the 10-year option as we knew we’d be visiting China a lot once my parents retired!

Step 3: Print out/gather all your documents.

Once you finish filling out the application, you’ll get a confirmation letter that looks like it’s got QR codes on it. You’ll have to print this out along with a few other things to bring to the visa office.

Here’s the full list that was required of me when I was applying (April 2024). Be sure to check for the latest requirements !!!

• Confirmation letter – you need to print and sign this
• Completed visa application – you need to print and sign this (on the last page)
• Your physical passport
• Photocopy of your passport’s bio page (the page that shows the photo and the document number)
• Proof of residence documentation (a photocopy of your ID, bank statement, utility bill, etc.)
• I did single-sided printing and printed pages in color just in case.
• When you print the visa application, make sure to include the confirmation page as the first page.
• I did not bring a physical copy of my photo since I had uploaded it along with my online application. This was not asked for at the visa center either.

Step 4: Show up at the visa center.

At the time of writing, you can’t make appointments online. They are taking walk-ins only.

When you are looking for the address of where to go, look for the consulate’s Visa Application Office , not the general Embassy address.

For example, I GPS’ed to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco . Once I got to the door (on Laguna St.), I saw a sign letting visa application visitors know that the Visa Application Office was on the street perpendicular to where I was (Geary Blvd.).

Depending on the time you visit, be prepared to wait.

I showed up at 9:15am on a Monday (15 minutes before they opened) and there were at least 70 people in line in front of me. Despite the crazy-sounding line, it didn’t take as long as I had anticipated! I was out of there by 10:55am.

PRO TIP: For the SF location, show up near closing time as opposed to first thing in the morning. I asked the security guard when the best time to visit was for the shortest lines, and he told me “at the end of the day, right before we close”.

This may vary by location, so take that tip with a grain of salt! But when I went to pick up my visa 3 days later, I showed up at 1:50pm (the visa office closed at 2:30pm) — and he was right — no lines! There must have been 10 people in the entire office compared to my initial visit where there were 100+ people waiting at the same time.

Once you’re there, hand all of your documents to the visa processer. He/she will look your application over (rather quickly) and make sure you have all the necessary docs. They will then take all of your documents (including your passport) for processing/approval.

If all looks good, you’ll get a slip of paper (pick-up slip) telling you exactly what date to come back to pick up your passport. You can come anytime on that date. Again, no appointment is needed.

My experience: For proof of residence, I had actually just brought my physical driver’s license instead of making a photocopy of it. The lady told me I had to go to make a photocopy of it, then go back to her window once I was done with that.

Luckily, the office had a set of photocopiers (costs $0.25 per page) as well as passport photobooths (for people who forget to bring photos for their applications). Bring quarters or some dollar bills in case you need to use the copy machine.

Step 5: Pick up your passport.

After a few days, it’s time to go back to pick up your passport. When you go to pick up your passport, you will pay for the visa at this time.

There’s a separate line that moves much faster for passport pick-ups. For my pick-up, I was in and out of the visa office in under 10 minutes.

Since a lot of people applying for China visas are from out of state, they often worry about how long it takes to pick up their passports.

Again, in general, your passport will be ready in 2-4 days, depending on if you choose expedited service.

Also, you don’t even need to be the one showing up at the visa office! Per the Los Angeles consulate site , “visa applications may be submitted in person by the applicant or someone else with the passport and all supporting documents”.

Once you flip through your passport booklet, you’ll find a brand-new visa glued to one of your passport pages. Viola ! You are ready to go to China!

Lastly, stay updated with the latest info!

The latest info/updates will always be on the China Visa Applications website . I know, it’s hard to read because of how outdated and simple the site looks, but there’s always useful info on there.

Like when I was applying, I was able to see that they had recently reduced the visa fee to $140, regardless of how long the visa’s duration is. And that at the end of 2023, they had actually simplified the visa application to not require flight confirmations, proof of hotel reservation, or invitation letters.

Meanwhile, all the other outdated websites and blog posts out there mentioned needing an invitation letter.

To be clear, as of April 2024 (when I wrote this), invitation letters are NOT required.

Always refer to the China Visa Applications website for the latest info!

Hope this step-by-step guide to applying for the China tourist visa was helpful. You can message me if you have any additional questions about applying for a tourist visa as a US citizen.

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