China Visa Guide: Who Needs One, How to Apply, and What to Know Before You Go
- Kristina Coluccia
- May 7
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
As China continues to reopen its borders and foster international engagement, understanding the current visa policies is crucial for travelers, students, professionals, and businesses planning to enter the country. While visa-free access has expanded for many nationalities, specific visa requirements remain in place depending on the purpose and duration of your stay.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter China?
Despite the broadened visa-free policies, you must apply for a visa if:
You're traveling to China for study, regardless of the duration.
You're entering China for employment, journalism, or specialized talent roles.
You're planning a long-term residence or family reunion.
You're from a country not included in China's visa-free agreements and are visiting for tourism, business, or family visits.
You're from a visa-exempt country but intend to stay beyond the permitted visa-free period.
Additional scenarios requiring a visa include study exchanges, foster care arrangements, and certain commercial activities.
China's Visa-Free Policies
China has established various visa-free arrangements:
Mutual Visa Exemptions: China has agreements with over 150 countries, primarily for diplomatic or official passport holders.
Ordinary Passport Holders: Citizens from 25 countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Belarus, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, can stay visa-free for up to 30 days or a cumulative 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits.
Unilateral Visa-Free Policy: As of November 30, 2024, China allows citizens from 38 countries, predominantly in Europe, as well as Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand, to enter visa-free for 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit. This policy is effective until December 31, 2025, with potential extensions.
Visa-Free Transit: Travelers from certain countries can transit through specific areas in China without a visa for durations ranging from 24 to 240 hours, provided they're en route to a third country.
Regional Visa-Free Schemes: Certain regions in China offer visa-free access for individual travelers and tour groups under specific conditions.
Types of Chinese Visas and Their Requirements
China offers 16 main types of ordinary visas, each tailored to specific purposes:
F Visa: For non-commercial visits like academic exchanges or study tours. Requires an invitation letter from a Chinese entity.
M Visa: For commercial and trade activities. Requires documents related to the commercial activity and an invitation letter.
L Visa: For tourism. Requires round-trip tickets and hotel reservations or an invitation letter if staying with someone in China.
Q1/Q2 Visas: For family reunions. Q1 is for stays over 180 days; Q2 is for shorter visits. Requires proof of relationship and an invitation letter.
S1/S2 Visas: For visiting relatives working or studying in China. S1 is for stays over 180 days; S2 is for shorter visits. Requires proof of relationship and an invitation letter.
Z Visa: For employment. Requires a work permit notification and an invitation letter from the employer.
X1/X2 Visas: For students. X1 is for studies over 180 days; X2 is for shorter courses. Requires an admission letter and relevant forms.
Other Visas: Include C (crew members), R (high-level talent), J1/J2 (journalists), D (permanent residence), G (transit), and humanitarian or domestic helper visas, each with specific requirements.
Note: All visa applications require a valid passport, completed application form, recent passport-sized photo, and other documents specific to the visa type.
Applying for a Chinese Visa
As of March 31, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK has launched the China Online Visa Processing System. Applicants can fill out forms and upload materials online. After online approval, materials must be submitted at the visa center.
Steps to Apply:
Online Application: Complete the visa application form and upload necessary documents through the online system.
Appointment: Check if an appointment is required at your local Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Submission: Submit your application in person or through an authorized representative. Some centers accept postal applications.
Biometric Data: Provide fingerprints if required.
Processing Time: Standard processing is four working days. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
Collection: Collect your visa within three months of issuance.
Visa Fees and Processing Times
Visa fees vary based on nationality, number of entries, and processing speed. For example, at the Hanoi Visa Center:
Nationality | Single Entry | Double Entries | Multiple Entries (6 months) | Multiple Entries (12 months) | Regular Service Fee (VND) | Express Service Fee (VND) | Urgent Service Fee (VND) |
Vietnam | US$45 | US$70 | US$82 | US$135 | 690,000 | 1,040,000 | 1,380,000 |
USA | US$139 | US$164 | US$176 | US$272 | 690,000 | 1,040,000 | 1,380,000 |
Canada | US$60 | US$85 | US$97 | US$150 | 690,000 | 1,040,000 | 1,380,000 |
Note: Fees are subject to change and may vary by location. Always confirm with your local visa center.
Post-Arrival Requirements in China
Temporary Residence Registration:
Within 24 hours of arrival, all foreign nationals must register their place of residence with local police. Hotels typically handle this automatically, but if staying in private accommodations, you must register in person.
Converting to a Residence Permit:
If you plan to stay in China for over six months, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry. This process requires additional documentation, including health certificates and proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract or school admission letter).
Work Permit Application:
For employment in China, apply for a work permit within 15 days of entry. As of December 1, 2024, the process has been streamlined with the introduction of the Electronic Social Security Card App, allowing for online management of work permits.
Extending or Renewing Your Visa
If you wish to extend your stay beyond the validity of your visa or residence permit, apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau's Exit and Entry Administration. Ensure you apply before your current visa expires to avoid penalties.
Consequences of Overstaying or Illegal Entry
Violating China's visa regulations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, detention, deportation, and bans on re-entry. It's imperative to maintain valid documentation and adhere to all visa conditions.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.
