What visa do I need for China?
Published: April 29, 2026
Short Answer
Most nationalities need a visa to enter China, but there are notable exceptions. Citizens of 38+ countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under China's expanded visa-free policy (as of 2025-2026). Additionally, travelers from 54 countries can transit through China for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa if they have an onward ticket to a third country. If neither applies, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Chinese visa stamp in a passport
Deep Dive
Visa-Free Entry Options
China has significantly expanded visa-free access in recent years. Here are the current pathways.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
As of 2026, citizens of the following countries and regions can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, transit, and visiting family:
- Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and more.
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei.
- Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico (check for the latest additions — China has been adding countries regularly).
This policy has been extended and expanded multiple times since late 2024. Always verify the current list on the Chinese embassy website before booking, as policies can change.
144-Hour Transit Visa-Free
If you are from one of 54 eligible countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations), you can stay in China for up to 144 hours without a visa when transiting to a third country. Key rules:
- You must have a confirmed onward ticket departing China to a different country (not your origin country).
- You must enter and exit through designated ports. Major entry points include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Kunming, Shenzhen, and many more.
- You must stay within the designated transit area (e.g., if you enter through Shanghai, you can travel anywhere in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces).
This is a great option for a 5-6 day trip if your itinerary allows it. Book a cheap onward flight to a nearby country like Japan, Korea, or Thailand to qualify.
Tourist Visa (L Visa) Application
If you need a visa, here is the standard process for a tourist (L) visa.
Required Documents
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Completed visa application form: The COVA (China Online Visa Application) form, filled out online at visa.cova.mfa.gov.cn.
- Recent passport photo: 48mm x 33mm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Round-trip flight itinerary or booking confirmation.
- Hotel reservation(s) for the duration of your stay, OR an invitation letter from a host in China.
- Proof of financial means: Recent bank statement (usually the last 3 months).
Application Process
- Fill out the COVA form online and print it.
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center (CVASC).
- Submit documents in person (some centers accept mail-in applications).
- Pay the fee. Processing takes 4-7 business days for standard service; express (2-3 days) and rush (1 day) services are available at extra cost.
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker.
Visa Fees (Approximate)
| Country | Standard | Express | Rush |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens | $140 | $160 | $170 |
| UK citizens | $85 | $115 | $125 |
| Canadian citizens | $100 | $130 | $140 |
| Australian citizens | $105 | $135 | $145 |
| EU citizens | $80-100 | $110-130 | $120-140 |
Fees vary by nationality and reciprocity agreements. Single-entry and double-entry visas are most common for tourists; multiple-entry visas are available but may require additional justification.
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
- Single-entry L visa: Valid for 3 months, allows a stay of 30-60 days.
- Double-entry L visa: Valid for 6 months, two entries of 30-60 days each.
- Multiple-entry L visa: Valid for 1-10 years (mainly available to US citizens), 60-90 days per entry.
Important Tips
- Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
- If applying from a country that is not your home country, you may need to show residence status or a work permit.
- Your visa sticker will show "Enter Before" (expiry date) and "Duration of Stay" (days allowed). Do not confuse them.
- Overstaying your visa in China is a serious offense — fines, detention, and deportation are possible.
- You can extend your stay at a local PSB (Public Security Bureau) exit-entry office, but approval is not guaranteed.