China has further relaxed its entry restrictions and optimized its visa-free policies. Currently, citizens from over 70 countries can enter China without a visa for stays ranging from 10 to 30 days.
Citizens from 38 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, and others, can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay until Dec. 31, 2025. Additionally, citizens from 54 countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Russia, can benefit from a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit in China.
If your country isn’t listed above, we offer a Port Visa Service for just USD 100 p.p. when you book a tour with us. No embassy visits or visa interviews are required, saving you a lot of hassle.
Contact us now to learn more about visa-free travel and let us craft your China trip for an unforgettable experience!
China Visa Types
The type of visa you need to apply for depends on the main purpose of your visit to China.
There are four major categories of Chinese Visa: Chinese Diplomatic Visa, Service Visa, Courtesy Visa, and Ordinary Visa.
We usually refer to the Ordinary Visa types of the Chinese Mainland when speaking of Chinese visas.
1. Ordinary Visa
C (Crew Visa): issued to foreign crew members using international transportation. It includes aircraft, trains, ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities and their accompanying family members.
D (Resident Visa): Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
F (Visitor Visa): issued to those who intend to visit China for exchanges, visits, study tours, and other activities.
G (Transit Visa): Issued to those who intend to transit through China.
J1/J2 (Journalist Visa): J1 is issued to foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. J2 is issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
L (Tourist Visa): Issued to those who intend to visit China as a tourist.
M (Business Visa): Issued to those who intend to visit China for commercial and trade activities.
Q1/Q2 (Family Reunion Visa): Q1 is issued to family members of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China who intend to go to China for family reunions. Q2 is issued to those who plan to visit their relatives. They are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China.
S1/S2 (Private Visa): issued to family members of foreigners residing in China for work, study, etc. S1 permits a long-term stay exceeding 180 days. S2 permits are short-term to no more than 180 days.
R (Talent Visa): Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.
X1/X2 (Student Visa): X1 is issued to those who intend to study in China for over 180 days. X2 is issued to those who intend to study in China for no more than 180 days.
Z (Work Visa): Issued to those who intend to work in China.
2. Hong Kong Visa & Macau Visa
Hong Kong and Macau are two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) in China and are regarded as third regions from the Mainland. They have their own visa policies, and a China Visa is NOT valid for visiting Hong Kong or Macau.
Ordinary passport holders from 170 countries are visa-exempted from entering Hong Kong. Read Hong Kong Visa for the complete list.
Macau also provides visa exemption for passport holders from 81 countries. Read Macau Visa for the full list.
3. Tibet Travel Permit
Non-Chinese passport holders and Taiwanese have to get a Tibet Travel Permit with the help of a China-based travel agency, like China Travel, before visiting Tibet.
Foreigners are not allowed to do the application and travel in Tibet independently. You have to travel with a tour guide.
If you book the Tibet tour with us, we will make all necessary arrangements to obtain the Tibet Permit for you. Feel free to contact us and learn more details about Tibet travel requirements.
China Visa Requirements - How to Apply for a China Visa
As ordinary visas are only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date, you are advised to apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel.
Find out your visa type. Then submit your application to the visa office of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General based in your country.
A travel agent or a visa agent can also help you deal with the visa at the embassy or consulate office.
Documents for China Visa Application
- Valid Passport: valid for more than six months with at least two blank visa pages
- Visa Application Form: You need to complete it on a computer, print it, and sign it.
- A recent passport-type photo: 33mm x 48mm
- Relevant proof for your purpose to China: an invitation letter.
Explore Unforgettable Destinations
Book your next adventure today and create memories that last a lifetime.
Let’s connect and talk about your travel dreams
Talk about and plan what your travel dreams are this year, and we will help you to make your dreams come true
