China visa what do i need

L visas are easy to obtain from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, though the visa application process in some countries has been outsourced to a local branch of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center — their website has a handy list of locations and other useful country-specific information. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Holders of passports from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes.

To be eligible, travelers must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after entry and proof of onward travel to a third country, or to Hong Kong or Macau.

These visas start counting down at Check with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the current list of eligible nationalities, entry points and specific movement areas. Most nationalities do not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days in either Hong Kong or Macau.

British visitors to Hong Kong get days, and South Africans get 30 days. To travel from here into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. To obtain this mandatory travel document you must book a guide for your entire trip and pre-arrange private transport for trips outside Lhasa. No direct applications are accepted, which effectively means that Tibet can only be visited on an organized tour.

By far the most straightforward option is to apply in your home country. If your country of residence is different, the Chinese authorities may charge an extra processing fee for non-citizens.

See the recommended tours below for inspiration:. As an alterative to customizing the recommended tours linked above to meet your individual requirements, we can help you tailor-make a tour according to your interests and requirements. China Highlights uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies.

More details can be found in our privacy policy. Home Travel Guide. What Is a China Visa? Who Needs a China Visa? How to Visit China without a Visa? Read about the types of China visa to know: 12 main types of China visa: tourist visa, work visa, business visa, etc. See our step by step guide , including the information as below: Visa application requirements Visa fee Visa processing time How to extend your visa Tips for Your Trip in China Many attractions have a requirement to make an appointment before your visit or purchase tickets in advance.

Most attractions also have a daily limit on the number of people permitted to enter fewer people enable a better experience. It is required that everyone wears a mask during their visit. You may be required to scan QR code when going in and out of public places such as supermarkets and some attractions. Hard-shell suitcases or waterproof bags are recommended as your check-in luggage may be sprayed with disinfectant in transit.

Always pay attention to the epidemic situation of your location and destination. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas applicable to foreign citizens who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship. If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page.

If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change. A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China. The applicant should guarantee that all information provided in the application is true and correct. Any false, misleading or incomplete information may result in denial of the visa or refusal of entry into China. The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout.

An applicant may be required to submit an original invitation , provide other supporting documents, or schedule an interview with the consular officer. The consular officer will make decisions on whether or not to grant a visa and allowed validity, duration of stay and number of entries based on individual application.

D Visa. A holder of category D visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.

F Visa. If the applicant is a child born in the U. Please click to see detailed info. An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:. Information on the applicant full name, gender, date of birth, etc. Information on the planned visit purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place s to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures.

Inf ormation on the inviting entity or individual name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual. G Visa. An onward air train or ship ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region. J1 Visa. Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

The Visa Notification Letter and the official media letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout. A holder of category J1 visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China.

J2 Visa. L Visa. Documents showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record round trip and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. The invitation letter should contain:. Information on the planned visit arrival and departure dates, place s to be visited, etc. Information on the inviting entity or individual name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual.

In accordance with a China-U. The remaining validity of the U. M Visa. Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. Q1 Visa. For family reunion, the following documents are required:. An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. Information on the visit purpose of visit, intended arrival date, place s of intended residence, intended duration of residence, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures.

Information on the inviting individual name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc. Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

Original and photocopy of certification marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship showing the relationship of family members between applicant and inviting individual. For foster care, the following documents are required:.

Original and photocopy of the consignor's passport s , as well as the original and photocopy of certification marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children. A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent s when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens. Q2 Visa. Information on the visit purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place s to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures.

Information on the inviting individual name, contact number, address, signature etc. Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual.

R Visa. The applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relev a nt regul a tions, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individual s with special skills urgently needed by China.

S1 Visa. An invitation letter from the inviting individual a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies which contains:.