How do I get a visa for China?

21.09.2024 - 11:49 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 20, 2024 • 6 min read

Stretching from the steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Laos and Vietnam, China is a land of endless travel opportunities. After reopening to international travel in 2023 following the COVID-19 pandemic, China made several changes to its visa policies to encourage more visitors.

Here is everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for China. Always check the latest regulations with the Chinese authorities before you travel, as policies may change.

The majority of foreign nationals require a tourist visa (also known as an "L visa") to enter and visit mainland China, though an increasing number of nationalities are granted visa-free entry. L visas can be obtained from Chinese embassies and consulates around the world, or through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. To avoid the tedious bureaucracy when applying in person, many people obtain a visa via a tour operator or visa agent.

As of September 2024, citizens from a handful of countries can travel visa-free to mainland China for tourism or business purposes. The following nationalities allow a 15-day visa-free entry: Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Norway.

Visitors from 53 countries – including the US, Canada, UK, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina – can spend up to 144 hours (6 days) transiting in China without a visa if they arrive by air, ship or train at selected Chinese cities. The list of cities includes Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming, and Qingdao, opening up some interesting quick trip opportunities.
 
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. These visas start from the time the traveler arrives at the Chinese border and receives an entry permit. 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. To travel from there into China proper, a standard tourist visa is required. These are fairly easy to obtain via China Travel Service in Hong Kong.

Since May 2018, the Chinese resort island of Hainan has offered 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 59 countries including the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. You can’t leave Hainan island and travel to mainland China on this visa – if you want to roam deeper into China, you'll need a standard tourist visa.

To travel to Tibet by air, road or train, you'll need both a China