Planning a China tour? This quick guide explains everything about the Tourist Visa (L Visa) to make your travel preparations easier. If you are looking for a China tour, Now is the perfect time to go!
Table of Contents
Do I Need a Visa to Visit China?
Most travelers need a tourist visa (L Visa) to enter China, typically allowing a 30-day stay. However, if you're transiting through China, you may qualify for the visa-free transit policy—a convenient option for short visits.
China's 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy (2025 Update)
If you're flying through China en route to a third country/region, you may be eligible for a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free stay—with fewer travel restrictions than before.
Key Requirements:
You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (not returning to your origin).
Applies only to air or cruise travel (not land crossings).
Allowed Itinerary Example:
US → China (Beijing/Shanghai/etc.) → Japan/Hong Kong → US
Not Allowed:
US → China → US (must continue to a third destination)
Eligible Passport Holders:
This policy applies to travelers from 54 countries, including:
Americas (6):
United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Europe (40):
Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine
Asia (6):
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar
Oceania (2):
Australia, New Zealand
30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Select Countries
Citizens from the following countries can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days (valid until December 31, 2025):
Europe:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland
Asia-Pacific:
Australia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea
Note: This policy applies only to tourism and short business visits—always confirm entry requirements before travel.
Visa-Free Access to Hong Kong, Macau & Hainan
Hong Kong & Macau:
- Most travelers (including US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens) can visit without a visa for up to 90 days.
- Exception: If Hong Kong/Macau is part of a larger China trip, you'll still need a mainland Chinese visa (L Visa) for other cities.
Hainan Island:
- Visitors from 59 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations) can enjoy 30-day visa-free access when arriving directly in Hainan.
How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa?
1: Schedule Your Visa Appointment
- Contact your nearest Chinese Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Service Center to book an appointment.
- Many locations offer online booking—check their official website for details.
2: Prepare Required Documents
You'll need:
1) Valid Passport
- Original passport with 6+ months validity and at least 2 blank visa pages
- Photocopy of the photo/info page
2) Visa Application Form & Photo
- Fully completed China Visa Application Form (download from embassy website)
- 1 recent color passport photo (white background, no glasses/headwear)
3) Proof of Legal Stay (if applying outside home country)
- Valid visa/residence permit for the country where you're applying
4) Travel Itinerary Proof
- Round-trip flight tickets (can be temporary reservations)
- Hotel bookings OR an invitation letter from a Chinese host (see requirements below)
Invitation Letter Requirements (if applicable):
Invitee's full name, gender, birth date
Detailed travel dates & destinations in China
Inviter's contact info, address, and official stamp/signature
Pro Tip: US citizens are exempt from submitting flight/hotel proofs—just the application form and passport!
3: Submit Your Application
- Visit the designated visa office in person (or via an authorized agent if biometrics aren't required).
- Choose processing speed (standard: 4-5 business days, express available for extra fee).
4: Pay Visa Fees
- Accepted payment: Cash, credit/debit cards (varies by location)
- Note: Service centers may charge extra fees—applying directly at the embassy is cheaper.
5: Collect Your Visa
- Pick up your passport on the date shown on your receipt.
- Mail service is available (ensure enough time before departure).
Bonus: Special Permits for Tibet
Tibet Travel Permit (Mandatory):
- Must be arranged through a licensed travel agency (independent travel not allowed).
- Covers Lhasa only—additional Aliens' Travel Permit & Military Permit needed for other regions.
Traveling to Tibet? Our team can handle all permit paperwork for you!
Understanding China's Port Visa
Unlike traditional "visa on arrival" systems, China's Port Visa requires pre-approval before travel but offers a streamlined alternative to embassy applications. A licensed Chinese travel agency must arrange this for you.
Where Can You Get a Port Visa?
Available at these major entry points:
- Airports: Beijing, Shanghai (Pudong/Hongqiao), Guangzhou (Baiyun), Hangzhou, Xiamen, Kunming, Xi'an, Guilin, Tianjin, Dalian
- Land Borders: Shenzhen (Luohu/Shekou), Zhuhai (Gongbei)
Key Requirements & Process
1) Pre-Arrival Preparation
- Your agency must submit all traveler details 15 days before arrival (minimum 10 working days).
- Processing takes 2-3 days—plan ahead!
2) Visa Delivery
- Some countries require the original Port Visa before departure. Confirm this early to arrange express shipping.
3) Entry Rules
- Must enter China within 15 days of visa issuance.
- Maximum stay: 30 days (single entry only).
- Strict port restriction: You can only enter at the designated port (e.g., Shanghai visa = Shanghai entry).
Arrival Procedure
- At Shanghai airports: An agent will meet you at immigration with the original visa.
- A guide will wait at arrivals to assist you.
Important Notes:
- Higher rejection risk than standard visas—have a backup plan.
- No independent applications—you must use an authorized agency.
1. Can I apply for a China visa entirely online?
No, China currently doesn't offer fully online visa applications. While some regions allow online form submission, you'll still need to:
- Print the completed application form
- Submit physical documents in person
- Provide biometric data (if required)
2. How much does a China tourist visa cost?
Visa fees vary by nationality and processing speed:
Nationality | Number of Entries | Regular Application | Express Application | Rush Application |
US Citizens | The Same Price for Each Kind is Below | US$185 | US$210 | \ |
UK Citizens | £85 | £104 | \ | |
Canada Citizens | Can$100 | Can$135 | Can$150 | |
Others Citizens | Single Entry | US$30 | US$55 | US$67 |
Double Entries | US$45 | US$70 | US$82 | |
Multiple Entries for 6 Months | US$60 | US$85 | US$97 | |
Multiple Entries for 1 Year & Above | US$90 | US$115 | US$127 |
Note: Fees are subject to change—verify with your local consulate.
3. Can I extend my stay in China?
Yes, but you must:
- Apply at the local Public Security Bureau's Exit-Entry Administration
- Submit your request at least 7 days before your current visa expires
- Provide valid reasons for extension (tourism typically allows 30-day extensions)
4. What's the fastest way to get a China visa?
- Standard processing: 4-5 business days
- Expedited options:
• Express: 2-3 business days (+fee)
• Rush: Next business day (+higher fee, where available)
5. When should I apply for my China visa?
- Ideal timing: 1 month before travel
- Earliest: 3 months before entry (applying earlier may cause visa to expire pre-trip)
- Latest: At least 2 weeks before departure (accounting for processing delays)
Ready to Explore China?
Let us craft your perfect itinerary! Our travel experts can:
Handle visa documentation support
Design customized tours showcasing China's rich history and stunning landscapes
Provide 24/7 local assistance during your trip
Have more questions? Contact us—we're happy to help make your China tour seamless!
Are you interested in this tour?
This tour can be tailored.
