Do I Need a Visa for China? Figure out China Visa Rules

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on April 25, 2023:

1. From April 29th, all travelers to China can use Covid-19 antigen tests taken within 48 hours before boarding instead of nucleic acid tests, and airlines will no longer verify pre-boarding testing certificates.

2. In order to further facilitate the entry and exit of Chinese and foreign personnel, it has been decided to make the following adjustments to the visa and entry policies for foreigners entering China, effective from 00:00 March 15, 2023 Beijing time:

1). The entry function of visas which were issued before March 28, 2020 and still valid will be restored.

2). Overseas visa offices will resume issuing various types of visas (including Tourist Visa) for foreigners to travel to China, with specific requirements detailed in the visa application guidelines of Chinese embassies or consulates.

3). Port visa offices will resume issuing various types of port visas for lawful purposes.

4). The policies of visa-free entry for Hainan, Shanghai International cruise arrival, Guangdong for Tourist group entry of foreigners from Hong Kong, Macau, and ASEAN tourist groups entering Guilin, Guangxi will be restored.

3. Attention on China Group Visa on Arrival in Nepal: needs minimum 4 applicants, and no maximum limit. All applicants from one list must all come to the Visa Center for application.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call 86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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China Visa Free and Visa Needed Regulations

It’s a priority to find out if you need a visa for China, thus, you should know the two essential rules about China Visa: China Visa Free Policy and China Visa is Must Required. China Visa Free entry does not mean China Visa is not required all the time. It is only apply to specific citizens, appointed visiting cities or regions with limited duration of stay. If you apply for a Chinese visa, basically you can visit mainland China. Special administrative regions like Hong Kong, Macau, Tibet have separate visa and permit regulations that differ from China Visa. We suggest you read Visa Exemptions first to see if you enjoy visa-free travel to China.

❶ Find out what kind of visa you need

Read different types of Chinese Visa to figure out which kind of visa you should apply for. Determine if you are suitable applicants for each visa type, by judging your purpose of visiting is for travel, business, work, transit, family reunion and etc or not. China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is for visitor going to China for tourism, F Visa is for exchanges, study tour, Business Visa (M Visa) is for commercial and trade, Student Visa (X Visa) is for studying in China. More Chinese Visa Types >>

❷ Apply for a Chinese Visa

According to various visa policy, applicants meet relevant requirements can submit China Visa application at Chinese Embassy, Diplomatic and Consular Missions or special ports of entry. You need to prepare and submit your valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and blank pages, copy of passport’s first page, completed visa application form pasted with 2 recent photos (color photo with white background, taken within past 6 months, size: 48mmx33mm), sufficient visa fee and service charge and other supporting documents. How to Apply for Visa for China >>

❸ Collect & check your China visa

The processing time differs from visa types. Normally, it takes about 4 to 5 business days for applicant to get a China Visa, and the accurate collection date will be noted on the pick-up slip. If you submit China Tourist Visa (L Visa) on Monday, you can pick up on Thursday. Check carefully the visa type, duration of stay, number of entries if they are issued correctly or not, after getting your passport back. Double check the validity when you plan to enter China, otherwise you will be denied entry.

Select from our most recommended visa-free tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin and Hong Kong below. You are also free to contact us for more China visa-free city tours and destinations!

Popular China Visa-free Tours:

• ● 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Great Wall Hiking
• ● 5 Days Beijing Essence Tour & Hutong Life Experience
• ● 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
• ● 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
• ● 2 Days Xian City Break
• ● 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
• ● 2 Days Guilin Ideal Li River Cruise with Yangshuo Essence
• ● 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour - Guilin Brief Vacation
• ● 3 Days Chengdu City Break including Panda Volunteering
• ● 3 Days Chengdu Highlights Tour
• ● 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour
• ● 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour

Beijing

Shanghai

Guilin

Chengdu