{"id":3385,"date":"2022-10-27T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-27T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/examinechina.com\/blog\/?p=3385"},"modified":"2025-11-07T15:55:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T14:55:04","slug":"visa-to-china","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/visa-to-china\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa to China"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As the pandemic subsides, travel restrictions are lifted. For example, there is no centralized quarantine for travelers to Hong Kong and China anymore. Can you get a tourist visa to China or any type? Read about Chinese visa types for ordinary passport holders, how to apply for the visa, and how much it costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need a visa to go to China?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Update: Some nationalities do not need a visa to visit China for up to 30 days until the end of 2026. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/china-visa-free-policy-2026\/\">details here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people may wonder, \u201cDo I need a visa to visit China?\u201d &#8220;Can I get a visa to China now?&#8221; or &#8220;Can I apply for a visa to China online?\u201d It depends on the type of visa you want to get and your nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From March 15, 2023, you can get any type of visa to China. Moreover, areas in China that were visa-free before the pandemic can be entered without a visa. Citizens from 53 countries could obtain a visa exemption for a 72-hour <a href=\"https:\/\/examinechina.com\/blog\/china-visa-policy\/\">stay in China<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that ordinary Chinese visas are valid for Mainland China. That means they are not valid for Macao, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of Chinese visa&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/examinechina.com\/blog\/new-chinese-visa-regulations\/\">Types of ordinary Chinese visas<\/a> you can apply for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tourist visa L (\u65c5\u6e38\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crew Visa C (\u4e58\u52a1\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Permanent Residence Visa D (\u5b9a\u5c45\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit Visa F (\u8bbf\u95ee\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 for exchanges, visits, study tours, or other relevant activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term Private Visit Visa S1 (\u957f\u671f\u79c1\u4eba\u4e8b\u52a1\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short-term Private Visit Visa S2 (\u77ed\u671f\u79c1\u4eba\u4e8b\u52a1\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 when applying for a visa for a visit less than 180 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term Journalist Visa J1 (\u5e38\u9a7b\u8bb0\u8005\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short-term Journalist Visa J2 (\u4e34\u65f6\u8bb0\u8005\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talent Visa R (\u4eba\u624d\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business Visa M (\u5546\u8d38\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 requires an invitation (for purposes like business meetings, courses, training, and internships)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working Visa Z (\u5de5\u4f5c\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 requires an invitation from a company interested in hiring the applicant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family Reunion Visa Q1 (\u5bb6\u5ead\u56e2\u805a\u7b7e\u8bc1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family Visit Visa Q2 (\u63a2\u4eb2\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 when applying for a visa for a visit of less than 180 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short-term Study Visa, Student Visa X2 (\u77ed\u671f\u5b66\u4e60\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 requires a visa application and an enrollment certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term Study Visa, Student Visa X1 (\u957f\u671f\u5b66\u4e60\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 for those who intend to study in China for more than 180 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transit Visa G (\u8fc7\u5883\u7b7e\u8bc1) \u2013 requires a valid visa to the target country and a valid ticket.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa to China for citizens holding ordinary passports of different countries:&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>US citizens: required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Russian citizens: required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indian citizens: required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UK citizens: required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Australian citizens: required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canadian citizens: required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which country is visa-free to China?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You do not need a Chinese visa for ordinary passports to stay in China for up to a certain number of days from countries as follows:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>90 days: Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Marino<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>60 days: Mauritius<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>30 days: Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Serbia, Suriname, Seychelles, Tonga, United Arab Emirates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>15 days: Japan, Singapore, Brunei.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Chinese visa is waived for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Foreigners holding an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC containing the code &#8220;CHN&#8221; on the back of the card can enter China for up to 60 days without a visa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foreigners holding a valid Foreigner\u2019s Permanent Residence Card of the PRC or Residence Permit for Foreigners in the PRC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holders of a Residence Permit for Foreigners issued by the Ministry of Public Security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizens of some countries visiting the Pearl River Delta or Hainan Island.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to apply visa to China?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below, we present guidelines for getting a Chinese visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applicants should submit their visa applications at least a month before the departure date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can apply for a Chinese visa via an official Visa Application Center (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visaforchina.cn\/globle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VAC<\/a>).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even if the visa application can be submitted by a third party authorized by the applicant, the applicant may be required to come for an interview or to take fingerprints.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The standard time for a Chinese visa processing is five business days.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get a China Visa step by step&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Get the required documents for your type of visa.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill out the application form (online, in English, or in Chinese). After you finish, submit it online and print the documents.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Book an appointment for a Chinese visa application.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit the application form, your passport, photographs, and other supporting documents to the VAC, Consulate, or Embassy. Remember to take the collection slip \u2013 you will need it later.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay the visa application fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collect your Chinese visa by showing the original collection slip.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/examinechina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/image-2-726x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Trwa wstawianie obrazu...\" class=\"wp-image-3388 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/examinechina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/image-2-726x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Trwa wstawianie obrazu...\" class=\"wp-image-3388 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo requirements for Chinese Visa Application, <em>visaforchina.cn<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a visa to China cost?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The standard visitor visa fee to China is:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>30 USD for a single entry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>45 USD for double entries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>60 USD for 6-month multiple entries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>90 USD for 12-month multiple entries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The price depends on the nationality of the applicant and the number of entries. Agencies may apply additional fees for the service or rush processing.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/examinechina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/visa-to-china-hong-kong-macao-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Hong Kong and Macao\" class=\"wp-image-3389 lazyload\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/examinechina.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/visa-to-china-hong-kong-macao-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Hong Kong and Macao\" class=\"wp-image-3389 lazyload\" style=\"width:600px\"\/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa to Hong Kong&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) within China that maintains separate administrative, legal, and judicial systems. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coronavirus.gov.hk\/eng\/inbound-travel.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Government\u2019s official website<\/a> for Hong Kong boarding requirements, arrangements upon arrival, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The visa-free period for a visit to Hong Kong depends on the applicant&#8217;s nationality. For example, Mongolian citizens can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, Belarusian citizens for 30 days, and Japanese citizens for 90 days. See the full list of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.immd.gov.hk\/eng\/services\/visas\/visit-transit\/visit-visa-entry-permit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the visa-free period in Hong Kong<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You do not need a visa or entry permit to enter Hong Kong if you have any of the following travel documents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hong Kong Re-entry permit (for those who enter Hong Kong from the Mainland of China and the Macao Special Administrative Region)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>valid Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hong Kong Seaman&#8217;s Identity Book.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Travel documents bearing one of the following statements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Holder&#8217;s eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;The holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visa to Macao<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Macao is another of China\u2019s Special Administrative Regions (SAR). Inbound travelers to Macao are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination before boarding transport to the region. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.macaotourism.gov.mo\/en\/travelessential\/before-you-travel\/entry-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">requirements to enter Macao<\/a> from specific foreign countries include holding a certificate of a negative test result for a COVID-19 nucleic acid test performed within the past 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Holders of the following documents are allowed to return to Macao without a visa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Macao Resident Identity Card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit Permit for Residents of Macao to HKSAR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Macao Special Administrative Region passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Macao grants <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.mo\/en\/services\/ps-1474\/ps-1474b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">visa-free treatment<\/a> to persons from over 70 countries and regions. For example, US citizens can stay in Macao for up to 30 days without a visa, South Korean citizens for 90 days, and UK citizens for 180 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The information in this article is subject to change. We encourage you to check the official websites of the relevant <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/mfa_eng\/wjb_663304\/zwjg_665342\/2490_665344\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><em>Chinese embassy<\/em><\/a><em> or <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/mfa_eng\/wjb_663304\/zwjg_665342\/2498_665360\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><em>Chinese consulate-general<\/em><\/a><em> to confirm.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check how to <a href=\"https:\/\/examinechina.com\/blog\/traveling-to-china\/\">prepare for your trip to China<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the pandemic subsides, travel restrictions are lifted. For example, there is no centralized quarantine for travelers to Hong Kong and China anymore. Can you get a tourist visa to China or any type? Read about Chinese visa types for &#8230; <a title=\"Visa to China\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/visa-to-china\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Visa to China\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3468,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[72,73,74,29],"class_list":["post-3385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-hong-kong","tag-macao","tag-visa","tag-visa-to-china","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3385"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3385\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9581,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3385\/revisions\/9581"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.examinechina.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}