China Visa Requirements
Handled by VisaHQ. Government fees are set by the destination country.
Frequently asked questions
How long before my trip should I start the China visa process?
Start as early as possible — embassy and consulate visa processing for China is not something that can be rushed reliably, and required documents (invitation letters, proof of accommodation, financial statements) can take time to gather. Leaving this until close to your travel date is the single most common cause of missed trips.
Can I get a China visa faster if my trip is an emergency?
Some embassies offer expedited or urgent processing for a higher fee, but this isn't universal and isn't guaranteed even when offered. Contact China's embassy or consulate directly and ask specifically about emergency processing — don't assume it exists or rely on a third-party site's claim that it does.
Can I extend my stay in China once I'm there?
Yes. You can apply from inside China to stay longer, and you must do it before your current permission runs out. The official fee is CNY 160–200. Usually a single extension of 30 days. Longer extensions are rarely granted on a tourist visa, and normally only one extension per entry is allowed. Roughly CNY 160–200 (about USD 22–28), paid at the Public Security Bureau. Published figures start as low as CNY 50 depending on city and visa type. Apply in person at the Exit-Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau at least 7 working days before your permitted stay ends. Bring your passport, the application form, accommodation proof, bank statements and a stated reason. Decisions take about 5–7 working days. If you entered under the 30-day visa-free scheme rather than on an L visa, that stay is not routinely extendable — extensions are granted only for genuine emergencies such as illness or natural disaster.
Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?
We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.
Will you make it?
Documents required
- Passport with adequate remaining validity and blank pages
- Online application completed via the COVA system
- Photograph meeting China's specification (33 × 48 mm, white background) — photo non-compliance is a leading rejection cause
- Submission in person at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or consulate (biometrics may be required)
- Supporting documents for the trip; flight and hotel bookings are no longer required as of January 2024
Before you travel — checklist
- Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to China — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
- Start your visa application process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
- Budget for the entry fee (Varies by nationality (reciprocity) — commonly US$140; standard rate US$185) and check whether it needs to be paid in a specific currency or method.
- Note this specific requirement for China: Pre-arranged visa on arrival is available.
- Check whether China requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
- Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to China, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
- This page's details for China are still pending full verification — confirm everything directly with an official government source before finalising your plans.
Visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice. This page reflects our best information as of 2026, but if you're reading this later than that, treat it as a starting point rather than the final word, and always confirm with the official source above before you travel.