If you’re a foreign citizen, the type of visa you qualify for varies depending on your  purpose of travel, country of origin, and length of stay, among other factors. In this guide, we’ll provide all you need to know about applying for a China visa, including various visa types, processing times, general requirements, and more.

Types of Chinese Visas

There are several types of visas available for travel to the People’s Republic of China, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and study visas. The tourist visa allows visits of 30 to 90 days and is suitable for those traveling for tourism purposes. Business visas are valid for three months and are for those traveling for business-related purposes.

Although you can submit your Chinese visa-application form online, you’ll still need to file the application and be approved in person at your nearest Chinese embassy or Chinese consulate general.

Entriva offers a range of China visa services, including tourist visas and business visas. The company provides comprehensive visa application services, from assistance with the application process to support with tracking your China visa application.

Tourist Visa

The Tourist Visa (L Visa) allows foreign passport holders to enter China for tourism purposes. They are usually issued for a stay of 30 to 90 days, but can be valid for up to 10 years and permit multiple entries. Holders of a tourist visa are not allowed to work in China.

Sub Section Icon

Types of Tourist Visas

  • L Visa
Sub Section Icon

Tourist Visa Validity

  • 10 years for US nationals
  • 10 years for all other countries
  • The L visa can be issued for single entry or multiple entry, but you must have at least one year’s validity on your current passport to be eligible for multiple entry.
Sub Section Icon

Tourist Visa Required Documents

  • Valid passport with at least two blank visa pages and at least six months validity
  • Photocopy of passport information page
  • Passport-size photo taken within the past six months (in color, face against white backdrop)
  • Fully completed visa application form with full information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, address, arrival and departure dates, etc.)
  • Letter of invitation from Chinese citizen host or Chinese tour operator, OR:
  • Proof of round-trip airline tickets
  • Hotel reservation confirmation
Sub Section Icon

Tourist Visa Government Fees

For US passport holders, Chinese government authorities charge US$185 for the L tourist visa.

The cost of a visa to China varies depending on your trip’s purpose and timing. While it’s possible to apply for a China visa yourself, booking with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time. In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges among the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.

Sub Section Icon

Tourist Visa Average Processing Time

Processing time for the L visa typically takes four to five business days, but can take up to 30 days.

Business Visa

Chinese business visas are for those traveling for business-related purposes, valid up to 90 days.

Types of Business Visas

Sub Section Icon

  • M Visa: The Chinese business visa (M Visa) allows travel to China for commercial and trade activities
Sub Section Icon

Business Visa Validity

  • M Visa: 90 days

US citizens may be eligible for a 10-year visa that permits multiple entry for stays of up to 90 days, decided by Chinese authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Sub Section Icon

Business Visa Required Documents

Along with the same requirements for the tourist visa, you’ll also need the following for an M business visa:

  • Business cover letter from US company on company letterhead
  • Invitation letter from Chinese company
Sub Section Icon

Business Visa Government Fees

The Chinese government charges US$185 for the M business visa.

Sub Section Icon

Business Visa Average Processing Time

Processing time for an M business visa takes about the same as an L tourist visa, typically between four and five business days, but it can take longer.

What to Know Before Applying for a Visa

Before you apply for a Chinese visa, there are a few things you should know:

Sub Section Icon

  • Apply in advance: As the visa application process can sometimes take up to a month, apply well in advance.
  • Apply in person: Although Entrivia can assist with completing and applying for your Chinese visa online, you’ll need to visit a Chinese embassy or consulate in-person to complete the process. Entrivia can also assist with navigating that step and setting up appointments.
  • Visa validity length not guaranteed: Although it’s possible to get a 10-year, multiple-entry visa and be issued stays of 30 to 90 days, visa validity varies on a case-by-case basis. If you have a need for the longest possible stay, be sure to highlight that in your initial visa application form.
  • 10-year visa: To qualify for the 10-year visa, you need to have at least a year of validity on your current passport at time of application. Otherwise you’ll only be eligible for a six-month visa.

Average Processing Time

The average processing time for a Chinese visa depends on the type of visa you’re seeking. Generally, it takes four to five days to process a visa application, but it can take upwards of 30 days.

How to Track Your Visa Application Process on Entriva

When planning a trip, few things are more stressful than waiting for your visa to arrive without knowing if it will get there in time. At Entriva, we take the stress out of the equation by letting you monitor your application in real-time. Here’s how:

After registering and setting up your profile, you’ll get your own personal Traveler Hub, and once you have submitted your visa application to Entriva, you can track the progress of your application online. To track your application, log in to your Entriva account and click on the “My Applications” tab.

On the “My Applications” tab, you will see a list of all of your visa applications. You can click on the “View Details” link for an individual application to see the status of your application.

The status of your application will be updated as it progresses through the processing system. The possible statuses for your application are:

  • Pending: Your application is currently being processed.
  • Approved: Your application has been approved, and your visa will be sent to you.
  • Denied: Your application has been denied. You will receive an email explaining why your application was denied.

In addition to checking your Traveler Hub for updates about processing, approval, and more, you can also use it for things like organizing to-dos before your trip and checking out our other China travel resources to answer all your questions.

If you have any questions about your visa application, please contact Entriva customer support.

 

link to customer service contact

FAQs about China Visas and China Visa Applications

Sub Section Icon

Can I travel to China without a visa?

Yes, US citizens can travel to China visa-free under the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free exemption. This exemption allows those without a residence permit or valid visa to stay in certain Chinese cities for a few days to explore, provided they will then be leaving the country.

To qualify, you need to enter through an eligible port of entry, like Beijing Capital International Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and show proof of departure from an approved port of entry within the allotted 72- or 144-hour time period. Your arrival and departure flights cannot have stopovers within Mainland China and must originate and terminate in a different country. You’ll also need to show a valid passport (valid at least three months from the intended arrival date).

How long can I stay in China with my visa?

The L visa usually allows stays of 30 to 60 days but can go up to 90 days. The M visa is valid for up to 90 days.

Can I extend or renew my China visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend your Chinese visitor visa. You’ll need to do so at least seven days before your current one expires at the Exit & Entry Administration Office of the Public Security Bureau. The extension period depends on how long your current visa is valid. Most 30-day visas are extended for an additional 30 days, while 60-day visas can be extended for 60 days.

Can I travel to China with a different or separate passport than the one I used to get my visa?

If the passport that you used to get the Chinese visa has expired, you can still use it to enter China, provided you bring it along with your new, valid passport. The information on both passports needs to match.

If you lost your old passport that the Chinese visa is tied to, you’ll need to apply for a new visa along with your new passport.

Where can I find the Government of China’s official visa portal?

This is the Government of China’s official authorized visa website, where you can learn more about Chinese visas.

Where should I keep my China visa while traveling?

Your Chinese visa will be put into your passport, and you’ll need to keep your passport and visa with you at all times while out and about in China.

Didn’t find the answer you needed? Reach out to us directly —we’re happy to help.

Preparing for your China Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a China visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to China,  including travel requirements, health and safety, and culture and traditions, visit our China content hub.