China Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa. However, China has expanded visa-free access: citizens from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Malaysia, Singapore, and several other countries can visit visa-free for 15-30 days as of 2024. Many airports offer 144-hour visa-free transit.

Travelers from 54 countries can transit through major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.) for up to 144 hours without a visa, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. This allows exploring one city or region during a layover.

Standard processing takes 4 working days. Express service (2-3 days) and rush service (1 day) are available for additional fees. During peak seasons or holidays, processing may take longer.

US citizens pay $185 for a 10-year multiple-entry visa. Most other nationalities pay $140 for a single-entry visa. Express and rush processing incur additional fees. CVASC service centers charge additional handling fees.

China has a high approval rate averaging around 91% for tourist visas. Applicants from most countries with proper documentation see approval rates above 85-95%.

Required documents include a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), completed application form, recent passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel reservations, and proof of funds. Business travelers need invitation letters from Chinese companies.

For standard tourism, an invitation letter is not required. You need flight and hotel bookings. However, for business (M visa) or visiting family (Q visa), invitation letters from Chinese contacts or companies are mandatory.

Apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in most countries, or directly at Chinese embassies/consulates. Some countries require appointments while others accept walk-ins. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.