How To Apply For Chinese Visa in 2025

This article is a full guide on how to get a visa for China. Don’t worry if you are not sure which visa is right for you or what documents you need.

If you want, you can also use an agency to help you apply for your visa. click here to find out more about this option.

How long does it take to get a Chinese Visa?

If you have all the right documents and a passport that’s valid for at least six more months (with two empty pages), it usually takes 2 to 4 working days to get a Chinese visa.

• If you choose express service, it takes about 2 working days.
• If you need it very fast, rush service (1 working day) is available in some countries, like the United States. But this is only for emergencies and needs approval from the Chinese Consulate.

When should you apply?
The best time to apply is 2 months to 15 days before your trip. Don’t apply too early — most visas start to expire 90 days (or sometimes 180 days) after they are issued.

Do I need a Chinese Visa?

Yes, most people do. But there are some exceptions. You don’t need a visa if:

• You’re just passing through certain Chinese cities for less than 72 or 144 hours (check which ones).
• You’re visiting Shenzhen from Hong Kong for less than 5 days, or Zhuhai from Macau for less than 3 days.
• You’re on an organized tour to Hainan with at least 5 people, staying no more than 15 days.
• You have a passport from Singapore, Brunei, or Japan and you’re staying less than 15 days.
• You have a passport from Bahamas, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Mauritius, Seychelles, Serbia, or Tonga, and you’re staying less than 30 days.

How much does a Chinese Visa cost?

The cost of a Chinese visa is usually between $30 and $140 USD. The price depends on:

• Your nationality
• The type of visa you’re applying for
• The country where you apply
• The number of entries (how many times you can enter China with the visa)

In general, it’s cheaper for most Europeans. But U.S. citizens usually have to pay the full fee of $140 USD.

Where can I get a Chinese Visa?

In most countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and EU countries, you need to apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).(Chinese Visa Application Service Center).

However, if in your country there is no CVASC (click on the link above to see the complete list), you shall still apply at the Chinese Consular Office that serves your province. This is also the case for people living in the USA (click here to see where you shall apply if you are a US resident).

If your country doesn’t have a CVASC, you’ll need to go to the Chinese Consular Office that handles your area. This is also true for people living in the United States. (You can check the correct office based on your location.)

If you can’t go in person, you can use a visa agency to apply for you. You’ll need to send them your passport and other documents. The agency will charge a fee, but it might be cheaper than traveling to the nearest visa center.

One agency we recommend is Visa HQ, At the moment we recommend Visa HQ. which charges about $79 USD for their Chinese visa service.

If you’re already in Asia, you can apply in Hong Kong — but only through an agency (the consular office in Hong Kong only accepts applications from local residents). You can read our full guide on how to get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong.

Important note:
China can change its visa rules at any time, like they did in 2008 (before the Olympics), 2013, and 2020 (during COVID-19). This doesn’t happen often, but it’s good to stay updated and flexible.

You can also try applying for a Chinese visa in other countries while traveling. However, there’s a risk it might be rejected, depending on your passport and your home country’s relationship with China. For example, Italians and Germans often have fewer issues, while Americans and French may face more problems.

Since 2016, it has become possible in some cases to get a Chinese visa online.
This option is usually available for certain types of visas, like group or business visas, and only for travelers from specific countries.

What Documents You Need To Apply for Chinese Visa?

The basic requirements for getting any kind of Chinese Visa are the following:

Here are the basic things you need to prepare when applying for any type of Chinese visa:

1. Your original passport
   – It must be valid for at least 6 more months and have at least 2 blank pages.
   – If your passport is new, you may need to include your old passport too.
2. A copy of your passport
   – This should include the page with your photo and any past Chinese visas (if you’ve been to China before).
3. One recent passport photo
   – It should be in color, size 48mm x 33mm, and have a light background.
4. Copy of your old Chinese passport (only if this applies to you)
   – If you were once a Chinese citizen and now have another nationality, you’ll need to include a copy of your old Chinese passport.
5. Proof of legal stay (if applying outside your home country)
   – For example, a residence permit or visa that shows you are legally allowed to stay in the country where you’re applying.
6. Completed visa application form
7. Signed declaration form 
   – You’ll need to print and sign this extra form.
8. An Invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter is only needed if you’re applying for a C Visa (unless you have a letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company), F Visa, or L Visa (unless you have proof of a hotel reservation for the whole duration of your stay in China), M Visa, Q Visa, S Visa or Z Visa. See the next section for details on the different types of Chinese Visas.Although normally the invitation letter can be in the form of a fax, photocopy, or computer-scanned printout, in some cases, you may be required to submit an original invitation, provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer.

Important: All the requirements listed above are necessary but insufficient for obtaining a Chinese Visa. This is because depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, you’ll have to submit some additional documents. Read the next section for the details.

Finally, note that if the applicant is a child born outside China to a Chinese parent, the Visa requirements are different. Click here to learn more about this.

 

What are the different types of Chinese Visas (and the additional requirements for getting them)?

 I.Visa Types and Required Documents

Note that regardless of what you are applying for, the Chinese Consular Office reserves the right to refuse your Visa or to grant a different validity, duration of stay, and/or the number of entries for your Visa.

Below, we list the additional requirements for each type of Visa.

C Visa – Foreign crew members and their family members

The only additional requirement is a letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company, which is only needed if you don’t have an invitation letter.

D Visa – For permanent residents

The only additional requirement is the original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.

F Visa – For exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities

The new F Visa is issued to people who come to China for non-business purposes such as educational, scientific, cultural, health or sporting reasons. Before July 2013, the F Visa was the same thing as a business Visa.

The basic requirements, including the invitation letter, should be enough in most cases.

G Visa – For transit through China

The only additional requirement is an onward plane (train or ship) ticket with a confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

J1 and J2 Visas – For journalists

The only additional requirements are a Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which you work.

Be aware that you should contact the press office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the appropriate formalities.

You should apply for a J1 Visa if you intend to stay more than 180 days, and for a J2 Visa (short-term) if you intend to stay in China for less than 180 days.

L Visa – For tourists or visits to relatives

You’re also required to provide a copy of your return trip plane ticket for China and a copy of a Chinese hotel booking for the whole duration of your stay containing the full names of all the people that are applying for the Visa.

If you intend to stay at your friend’s or relative’s house, you won’t need to book a hotel. However, your friend/relative will have to send an invitation letter to you (scroll down for more details on the invitation letter).

Sometimes, the consular office employee may even ask you for proof of your ability to financially support yourself before accepting your Visa application. Therefore, before going to the Visa office, be sure to ask via email or to call them to be sure of the documents that you need to bring.

The most common tourist Visa is the Single Entry Tourist Visa (that is, you can’t leave China and then enter again with the same Visa) which has a validity of between 30 days. The Double Entry Tourist Visa (2 entries, 30 days each), is also common.

Note that U.S. citizens (and other nationalities) may be eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry Visa. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.

You can apply for this visa even if you don’t have an American passport but are still a resident of the United States. In this case, you’ll also have to present your “green card”. Usually, you’ll also be asked to present your old passport (expired), if you have one.

Note that, despite the visa lasting for 10 years, this doesn’t mean that you can remain in China for 10 consecutive years.

Each time you enter China, you can stay for a period between 30 and 60 days (the length of each visit can vary, the Chinese Consulate will decide). Be very careful to leave China before it expires (which can be between 30 and 60 days).

After leaving China, you can re-enter and stay for another 30 (or 60) days.

In general, the costs and time to get a 10-year visa are the same as for getting a multiple-entry visa of shorter lengths.

To conclude, at the moment you can also apply for a 10-year visa with Canadian, Australian, or United Kingdom passports as well. The conditions are similar to those for a 10-year visa with an American passport, even though the details can change (I recommend that you always verify the details with the consulate, the CVASC, or the agency you went to in order to obtain the visa.

If you are planning to go to Tibet, be aware that in addition to your Visa, you need a special entry permit issued by the Tibetan Tourist Bureau. Currently, you can only enter Tibet with a travel agency. Read more about Tibet entry permits.

M Visa – For business and trade activities

This is the business visa and it’s issued to people who come to China for business and trade activities. You are required to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered Chinese company or organization (for example, a trade fair).

Note that U.S. citizens and other nationalities may also be eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry Visa. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.

A 10-year business visa has characteristics that are very similar to a 10-year tourist visa, which we discussed in one of the previous sections of this article. The main difference is that in this case, the maximum length for each entry can also be for 120 days (depending on the visa you get), while in the case of a tourist visa, the maximum length of stay is 60 days.

While many people use Business Visas to work in China, this is illegal. If you want to legally work in China, you need a Work Visa. For more details, you read our complete guide on Business Visas for China.

Q1 or Q2 Visa – For family reunions or foster care

The Q Visa is issued to people who intend to visit their relatives or friends in China for a period longer than 30 days (for less than 30 days you can simply apply for an L Visa).

For the Q2 Visa, which only allows you to stay for a maximum of 180 days, an invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China should be enough.

For the Q1 Visa, which is needed for stays longer than 180 days, in addition to the invitation letter, you’ll also need to provide further documentation.

For family reunion purposes, you’ll have to provide the original and copy of the certificate showing the family relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau, or a notarized certificate of kinship). Note that “family members” refer to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, or parents-in-law.

For foster care purposes, you’ll have to provide a large number of documents and, in my opinion, you should contact the Chinese Consular Office in your country before starting to collect the documents.

Note that many nationalities are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry Visa. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.

R Visa – For high-level talents

You’re required to submit relevant certifications in order to meet the requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individuals with special skills urgently needed by China.

The requirements, in this case, are quite vague, due to the fact that “talents” and “skills” may vary greatly.

S1 or S2 Visa – For family reunions or private affairs

The S Visa is issued to people who intend to visit their (foreign) relatives or friends in China for a period longer than 30 days (for less than 30 days you can simply apply for an L Visa). It may also be issued for “private affairs”.

For the S2 Visa, which only allows you to stay for a maximum of 180 days, in addition to an invitation letter issued by a foreign citizen with a Chinese temporary residence permit who lives in the country, you’ll have to provide the original and copy of the certificate showing the family relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship). “Family members” refer to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters, or parents-in-law.

For private affairs, in addition to the invitation letter, you’ll have to provide documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs. The term “documentation” is left purposely vague, as the nature of private affairs may vary greatly.

For the S1 Visa, which allows you to stay for longer than 180 days, in addition to an invitation letter issued by a foreign citizen with a Chinese temporary residence permit who lives in the country, you’ll have to provide the original and photocopy of the certificate (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certificate of kinship issued by the Public Security Bureau or a notarized certificate of kinship) showing the immediate family relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual. “Immediate family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, or parents-in-law.

Note that depending on your nationality you may be eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry Visa. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.

X1 or X2 Visa – For students

You are required to provide the JW201 (or JW202) form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education (only necessary for the X1 Visa) and the notice of admission from your school. Your school should obtain these documents and send them to you.

You may also be required to provide a medical certificate, depending on the duration of your stay.

If you want to study in China for less than 180 days, you’ll have to apply for an X2 Visa. However, if you want to stay longer, you’ll need an X1 Visa.

Note depending on your nationality you may be eligible for a 5-year multiple entry X2 Visa. In this case, the remaining validity of your passport must be more than 12 months.

For more information, you can read our comprehensive guide on the Chinese Student Visa X1 and X2.

Z Visa – For working

Important: Holding a Z Visa is the only way to work legally in China.

In addition to the Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by the relevant Chinese entity, in most cases, you will have to provide a Foreigner’s Work Permit issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts.

There are some special cases in which a different document is required; however, if you have a “normal job”, such as a teacher, engineer, etcetera, the Foreigner’s Work Permit shall be enough. We still recommend that you double-check the requirements with your employer.

Since 1 April 2017, foreigners that work in China have been divided into 3 classes: Class A (high-level talents), Class B (professional personnel), and Class C (foreigners who are nontechnical or service workers hired on a temporary/seasonal basis).

There are several criteria that are used to rate the applicant: salary, education, Chinese language skills, experience, etcetera.

If you reach at least level C, then your employer can apply online for your Foreigner’s Work Permit.

Besides the basic requirements and the Foreigner’s Work Permit, in order to get the Z Visa you will also have to provide the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (in English or Chinese language);
2. Original copy of bachelor (or higher degree) diploma. If the diploma has not been issued in China, then you shall also provide an authenticated copy, which can be obtained in a Chinese Consulate or Embassy in your country (or in the Embassy or Consulate of the country that released the diploma if you are already in China);
3. Original reference letter from one or more non-Chinese companies that prove you have at least 2 years of full-time working experience (after graduation) in the industry you intend to work in China;
4. On top of that, you may also be required to provide a medical certificate and /or a clean criminal record check issued by your country of citizenship (check the details with the CVASC or the Chinese Consular Office in your country);

However, note that, if you fall into Class A (high-level talent), then the requirements are much less strict (read this article for more details).

Be aware that not all employers can get you a Work Visa. For instance, small, private English schools often can’t. This is the main reason for which they often try to convince you to come to China and work under a Tourist or Business Visa.

Do this at your own risk because it’s illegal. If you get caught working with the wrong visa, you risk paying a fine that ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 CNY and may even end up in prison (from five to fifteen days). Afterward, you’ll be asked to leave the country or, depending on the conditions, will be deported (at your expense). If you’re deported, you won’t be able to get a new Chinese Visa for a period that ranges from one to ten years.

Having said that, many firms and public organizations (universities, for instance) are accredited to employ foreigners and can help you get a work visa as long as you qualify as a “foreign expert.”

Depending on the field, you may need to prove you have English as first language and hold a Bachelor’s Degree (if you want to teach English) or provide a Ph.D. degree (if, for instance, you want to become a university professor).

The logic behind this rule is the following: you have to prove that you are useful to China by bringing some skills and expertise that the country needs. If you can’t do anything, why should a Chinese company hire you instead of a Chinese person?

So, if your employer is accredited to employ foreigners and you qualify as a foreign expert, it can apply for your Foreigner’s Work Permit

The work Visa also allows you to bring your wife, husband, or children to China. They will only need to provide a marriage or birth certificate. However, your family members can’t legally work unless they get their own Z Visa.

 

What should the invitation letter include?

The invitation letter should contain:

1. Information on the applicant: Full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etcetera;
2. Information on the planned visit: The purpose of the visit, arrival, and departure dates, travel itinerary, the relationship between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, the source of funds for expenditures;
3. Information on the inviting entity or individual: name, contact telephone number, address in China, the signature of the inviting individual or of the legal representative (if you’ve been invited by a company), and an official stamp (if you’ve been invited by a company).

When applying for a Chinese visa that requires an invitation letter, it’s important that the letter contains specific details. It must include personal information about you, the applicant, such as your full name, gender, date of birth, and passport number. It should also describe the purpose of your trip, your arrival and departure dates, where you plan to go in China, your relationship with the person or company inviting you, and how your expenses during the trip will be covered.

The letter must also include details about the person or organization inviting you. This includes their full name, phone number, address in China, and their signature. If a company is inviting you, the letter must be signed by the legal representative and stamped with the company’s official seal.

Only certain people or organizations can issue an invitation letter. These include Chinese citizens, foreigners living in China with a valid residence permit, and registered Chinese businesses or institutions like trade fairs. If you are being invited by an individual, they must also provide a copy of their Chinese ID card, or if they’re not Chinese, a copy of their passport and Chinese residence permit. For Q Visas, which are usually used for visiting family, the person inviting you must be either a Chinese citizen or hold a permanent resident permit in China—temporary permits are not accepted.

If you are invited by a company, the invitation letter must also be accompanied by a copy of the company’s business license or another official document proving it is a legal entity. For those applying for a Z Visa (a work visa), the letter must come from a “Duly Authorized Unit.” This means your Chinese employer must have government approval to hire foreign workers.

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Which visas must be changed into a Resident Permit after entering China?

Some Chinese visas are only valid for 30 days after you arrive in the country. These include the D (permanent residence), J1 (journalist), Q1 (family reunion), S1 (visiting family), X1 (long-term student), and Z (work) visas. If you enter China with one of these, you must visit the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 30 days to apply for a Temporary or Permanent Resident Permit.

Your school or employer in China will usually help you with this process, especially if you hold a Z or X1 visa. To get your Resident Permit, you’ll need to submit several documents along with a Health Certificate. This medical certificate must be issued either by the China Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau or a recognized public hospital in Hong Kong. Keep in mind that Resident Permits typically need to be renewed every year.

How to Read a Chinese Visa

Understanding your Chinese visa is essential before you travel. Each section contains important details about your entry and stay in China.

• Visa Category: This indicates the type of visa you’ve been granted. For example, an L Visa is for tourism, while a Z Visa is for employment. You can refer to the full list of visa categories for further details on each type.
• Expiration Date: This is the last day you can use the visa to enter China. After this date, the visa becomes invalid, regardless of whether you’ve used it.
• Issue Date: This is the date your visa was issued. For example, if your visa was issued on May 29 and expires on November 29, it’s valid for six months.
• Full Name and Date of Birth: These must match exactly with your passport to avoid issues at immigration.
• Number of Entries: This refers to how many times you are allowed to enter China using the same visa. A visa marked with “1” is valid for a single entry—once you leave China (including to Hong Kong or Macau), it becomes invalid. A “2” allows for two separate entries. If marked “M,” the visa allows for multiple entries as long as it is still valid and you do not overstay.
• Duration of Each Stay: This specifies how long you can remain in China after each entry. For example, if you have a double-entry visa with a duration of 30 days per stay, you must leave China within 30 days of your first arrival, and can then return once more for another 30 days before the visa expires. For visas such as D, J1, Q1, S1, X1, and Z, the field often reads “000,” which means you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
• Place of Issue: This is the city or consulate where your visa was issued.
• Passport Number: This must match the number on your passport; otherwise, the visa will be invalid.

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Can I Extend or Change My Visa Once I’m in China?

Yes, it’s possible to apply for a visa extension or switch to a different visa category, but this must be done at the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Entry and Exit Administration Office at least seven days before your visa expires. Keep in mind that approvals are not guaranteed and are assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on your nationality, the type of visa, your personal circumstances, and the documents you provide.

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What Happens If I Overstay My Visa?

Overstaying a visa in China is a serious matter. The authorities may issue a warning, or in more severe cases, impose a fine of 500 RMB per day (up to a maximum of 10,000 RMB), or even detain you for 5 to 15 days. Since the rules around “serious cases” are not clearly defined, it’s best to always leave the country before your visa expires to avoid legal issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I stay in China without a visa?
In most cases, you need a visa to enter China. However, there are a few exceptions for certain nationalities and short transits. You can find the latest list of exemptions on official government or consular websites.

Do I need a round-trip ticket and hotel reservations to get a tourist visa?
Generally, yes. Most embassies require proof of both arrival and departure flights, as well as hotel bookings for the duration of your stay. Some agencies, particularly in Hong Kong, may be able to obtain a visa for you without these documents, but this varies by case.

How long does it take to get a visa for China?
Once all documents are submitted correctly, it usually takes 2 to 4 business days to process the visa.

Can I work in China with a tourist, business, or student visa?
No. You must hold a Z Visa (work visa) to legally work in China, and you must convert it into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

How long is my visa valid for?
It depends on the visa type. Each visa has a specific validity period, number of entries, and duration of stay. You can read the visa to determine these details.

When should I apply for a Chinese visa?
You can apply up to 90 days before your planned entry into China. The best window is usually 30 to 60 days before departure, as applying too early could result in your visa expiring before your trip begins.

What’s the difference between a passport and a visa?
A passport proves your identity and nationality. A visa is a document placed inside your passport that authorizes you to enter and stay in China for a specific purpose and time.

What’s the difference between a tourist visa and a business visa?
A tourist visa (L Visa) is for leisure travel, while a business visa (M Visa) is for those engaging in commercial activities such as attending meetings, visiting factories, or signing contracts.

Why might my Chinese visa application be rejected?
Visa rejections can occur for several reasons—errors in your application form, missing documents, or suspicious travel plans. It’s also best to avoid listing politically sensitive regions like Xinjiang or Tibet in your itinerary. Ensure your photo meets all requirements and that your application is accurate and complete.

Can I apply for a visa extension while in China?
Yes, extensions are possible in many cases. For tourist visas, the typical extension period is one month and must not exceed the original visa’s permitted stay. All extensions are subject to approval by the PSB.