China Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
To enter China, visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure and has at least one blank visa page.
Passport Note
Passport and visa regulations are subject to change, and airlines may have different requirements. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should check with the relevant embassy before departure, particularly when transiting through a third country. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these requirements.
Visas
China generally requires visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and EU member states to obtain a tourist visa in advance. However, it has introduced visa-free entry policies for certain nationalities for limited periods and under specific conditions. As these arrangements can change, travellers should check the latest requirements before travelling.
Foreign travellers visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau through an authorised travel agency. Applicants must hold a valid Chinese visa before the permit can be arranged. Independent travel is not permitted, and visits must be organised as part of an approved tour.
Types and Cost
Visa fees vary depending on nationality.
Validity
Tourist visas are typically issued for single or multiple entries, with stays often limited to 30 or 60 days per visit, depending on the visa granted.
Transit
China offers visa-free transit schemes in a number of cities, allowing eligible travellers to stay for a limited period (such as 72 or 144 hours) when transiting to a third country. Conditions vary by city and nationality, and travellers must meet specific requirements, including confirmed onward travel.
Application to
Travellers must apply for a visa through a Chinese embassy or consulate, or through authorised visa application centres. Applications generally require a valid passport, completed application form, photographs and supporting documents such as travel itineraries and accommodation details.
Working days
Visa processing times typically range from four to seven working days, though express services may be available in some locations. Travellers are advised to apply well in advance.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
British Embassy in China
Telephone: 0(10) 5192 4000 ; 0(10) 8529 6600 (consular section).
Website: https://www.gov.uk
Address: Jian Guo Men Wai, 11 Guang Hua Lu, Beijing, ,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1330-1700.
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the USA
Telephone: (202) 495 2266 ; (202) 338 6688 (visa section).
Website: http://www.china-embassy.org
Address: NW, 3505 International Place, Washington, DC, 20008,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1730; Mon-Fri 0930-1230 and 1330-1500 (visa section).
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK
Telephone: 020) 7299 4049 ; (020) 7631 1430 (consular section).
Website: http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk
Address: , 49-51 Portland Place, London, W1B 1JL,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1700.
