China Visa

China has granted a 30-day visa free entry to British and Canadian citizens from Feb. 17 to Dec. 31 2026. Moreover, China has extended the implemented visa exemption policy for 45 countries including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland ... to December 31, 2026.

24-Hour Transit Without Visa

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Adopted in 24 provinces, regions and municipalities of China apart from Tibet, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Gansu, Aba in Sichuan where Jiuzhaigou is located and Shangri-la.

Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Access

Mutual Visa Exemption between PRC and Foreign Countries

How to Travel to China without a Visa

How to Apply for China Visa in Your Country

Renewal and Extension Visa in China

Apply for China Visa in a Third Country

How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

China Visa Application Requirements

China Visa Application Form - From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

Number of Entries / Validity / Duration

1. Single, Double and Multiple Entry 2. Validity (Enter Before) 3. Duration of Stay (After Entry)

10-year Visa for US & Canadian Citizens

10-Year Visa for UK Citizens

Holiday Schedule of Chinese Embassies / Consulates

Tourist (L) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for tourism.

Business (M) Issued to aliens who are going to PRC for business and trade activities.

Student (X) Issued to aliens who are going for study, furthering studies.

Work (Z) Issued to aliens who are going for a post or employment.

Transit (G) Issued to aliens who are going to a third country in transit of PRC.

Private Visit (S) Issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc.

Family Reunion (Q) Issued to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence permit residing in PRC.

Noncommercial Visit (F) Issued to aliens who are invited to a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges, study tours, etc.

Talent (R) Issued to high-level personnel and much-needed highly talented people.

Crew (C) Issued to crewmembers involving international-based transportation by trains, airway and ships and their accompanying family members.

Resident (D) Issued to aliens who are going to reside permanently in PRC.

Journalist (J-1, J-2) Issued to foreign journalists for the purpose of reporting from PRC.

List of Visa-free Countries to Hong Kong

Hong Kong Visa Application Form (PDF Download)

List of Visa-free Countries to Macau

Macau Visa Application Form (PDF Download)

Green Card (Permanent Residence Permit)

Marriage Registration in China

Application Form of Notarization and Legalization

China grants more and more European and Oceanian countries 30-day visa-free entry like France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Also, nationals of countries which have reached mutual visa-exemption agreements with China, like Singapore, Brunei, Qatar, Maldives, and Armenia, can also enjoy free entry to China. Those who hold a Chinese Temporary Residence Permit don't need a visa for China either within the Residence Permit's validity.

Step 1: Fill in China visa application form online, print it out and sign it. Remember to choose the Chinese embassy or consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Centers (CVASC) in charge of your residence district.

Step 2: Collect other required documents.

Step 3: Visit the Chinese embassy or consulate-general or hte CVASC which all provide walk-in service, submit your application and pay the fee. You will then be given a pick-up slip. The visa fee in some countries are paid when collecting the visa.

Step 4: Collect your passport and visa on the date shown on the pick-up slip. If you use mail service, just wait for your mail.

Chinese Embassy in Washington DC, USA

Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada

Chinese Embassy in London, UK

Chinese Embassy in Canberra, Australia

Chinese Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand

Since November 20, 2025, international travelers may fill in the e-arrival card online before traveling to China through the official site of National Immigration Administration, “NIA 12367” APP and its WeChat / Alipay mini program, or by scanning the QR code at entry ports. Paper arrival cards are also prepared by ports.

At any time before you depart. You are advised to do it on the day of flying. After filling it out, an entry QR code will be generated. Be sure to download to local, send to email or take a screenshot to save it!

1. The official website of the National Immigration Administration of China;

3. WeChat /Alipay mini-programs, search for National Immigration Administration 12367;

4. Scan the QR code at entry ports.

Do use the official sites. Any other third-party website is completely ineffective.

At which stages will airlines conduct inspections of the QR code?

Check-in counters. And the on-board announcement will also remind you.

Will you be refused boarding if you don’t fill it out in advance?

No, but you may be required to fill it out on the spot.

Can it be filled in repeatedly?

Yes. If there are any changes, it can be resubmitted and the latest information will be generated.

Do I need a new electronic arrival card every time I enter China?

Yes, one entry with one arrival card.

Do children also need an arrival card?

Yes, every traveler has his or her own arrival card. You can add accompanying person and his or her basic information while filling in the e-arrival card.

What should I do if the mini-program doesn't work?

It is recommended to try on the NIA 12367 APP or the official website, or seek assistance from the immigration staff who will help you with the whole process. The system works well for foreigners so far. Self-service kiosks for online card filling are available at most ports. There is also the video course on the filling.