50 visa-free countries · 240-hour transit for 55 countries · L tourist visa step-by-step. Everything you need to know, explained simply.
Find your situation below. Most travelers fall into one of these three categories.
50 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. Just bring your passport (valid 6+ months) and a return ticket. No application, no fee.
Easiest option55 countries qualify for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit. You need a confirmed ticket to a third country. Can explore 24 provinces through 65 ports during your stopover.
Great for stopoversIf your country isn't on the visa-free list, apply for an L Tourist Visa. Cost: $30–$185 depending on nationality. Processing: 4-10 working days. Scroll down for the complete step-by-step guide.
Takes ~1 weekCitizens of these 50 countries can enter China without a visa for tourism, business, visiting family/friends, or transit. Maximum stay: 30 days per entry. Policy valid until December 31, 2026 for most countries (Russia until Dec 31, 2027; Brunei has no expiry). Source: cs.mfa.gov.cn, updated May 2026.
Note: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand are unilateral visa-free until Dec 31, 2026. Brunei has no expiry date.
Note: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada are unilateral visa-free until Dec 31, 2026.
Note: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain are unilateral visa-free until Dec 31, 2026.
55 countries qualify for visa-free transit. You must be transiting through China to a third country/region. Enter through one of 65 designated ports, stay up to 10 days (240 hours), and travel within 24 provinces. No visa application needed — granted at immigration upon arrival.
You fly London → Beijing → Tokyo. Because you're transiting through China to a third country (Japan), you can enter Beijing without a visa and stay up to 10 days. During those 10 days, you can take a high-speed train to Shanghai, Xi'an, or any of the 24 allowed provinces. Then fly from Shanghai to Tokyo. No visa, no fee, no paperwork.
If your country is NOT on the visa-free list above, here's exactly how to apply for a Chinese tourist visa. Follow these steps and you'll have your visa in about a week.
| # | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport | Valid 6+ months, at least 2 blank visa pages |
| 2 | Visa Application Form | Fill out online at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/, print and sign |
| 3 | Photo | One recent color photo, 48mm × 33mm, white background, no glasses, ears visible |
| 4 | Round-trip Flight Booking | Confirmed or reserved flights showing entry AND exit dates |
| 5 | Hotel Reservations | Bookings covering your entire stay (or an invitation letter if staying with friends/family) |
| 6 | Travel Itinerary | A simple day-by-day plan: which cities, what you'll do. Doesn't need to be fancy. |
| 7 | Proof of Funds (sometimes) | Recent bank statements showing enough money for your trip. Some consulates ask, some don't. |
Visit your local Chinese embassy/consulate website to confirm documents needed for your nationality
Go to consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/, fill out the form completely, upload your photo
Book an appointment at your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC)
Print everything: form, photo, flight & hotel bookings, itinerary, bank statements
Bring all originals + copies to the CVASC. They'll take your fingerprints (10-finger scan)
Pay visa fee + service fee. See fee table below for your country
Standard: 4-10 working days. Express: 2-3 days (extra fee). Track online.
Pick up your passport with visa, or have it mailed. Check visa details are correct!
| Nationality | Visa Fee | Typical Total with Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | $185 | $220–250 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | £151 (~$192) | £180–210 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | $186 CAD | $210–240 CAD |
| 🇮🇳 India | ~$80 | $100–130 |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | ~$90 | $110–140 |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | $30 | $50–70 |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | $60 | $80–100 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | $60 | $80–100 |
| * Fees vary by reciprocity agreement. Check your local Chinese embassy website for exact amounts. Service fee is charged by the CVASC, typically $30–60. Source: travelchinahub.com, visaforchina.cn, updated 2026. | ||
Go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in your country. Most major cities have one. Find yours at: www.visaforchina.cn
Alternatively, you can apply directly at a Chinese embassy or consulate, but most countries now require going through the CVASC.
No. You must leave before 30 days. But you can go to Hong Kong or Macau for a day trip and re-enter — each re-entry gives you a fresh 30 days.
No. Visa-free entry and L tourist visa are for tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit only. Working, studying, or journalism requires a different visa type (Z visa for work, X visa for study, J visa for journalism).
Yes, completely free. There is no visa fee, no application form, no service charge. Just show your passport and onward ticket at immigration when you arrive.
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own passport and visa (or qualifies for visa-free entry). There is no "family visa" — each person applies separately.
You need a Chinese visa PLUS a Tibet Travel Permit (issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau). You must book through a registered travel agency — independent travel to Tibet is not allowed for foreigners.
You can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. Common reasons: incomplete form, wrong photo specs, insufficient funds, or unclear travel purpose. The visa fee is non-refundable even if rejected.
Now that you know how to enter China, explore our destination guides to plan your itinerary.
Comprehensive China visa information: visa-free entry for 50 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Saudi Arabia. 240-hour transit visa-free for 55 countries. L tourist visa application guide with fees, documents, processing time. China entry requirements for US citizens, UK citizens, Canadian citizens, Indian citizens, Australian citizens. How to get a China visa, China visa cost, China visa application form, China visa photo requirements, China visa processing time.