American citizens need a visa from a Chinese Embassy or Consulate before travelling to China.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportOriginal passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry, with at least two blank visa pages. A photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page (if separate) is also required.
• Visa Application FormOne completed Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China (Form V.2013) filled out online and printed. All sections must be completed accurately and truthfully.
• PhotoOne recently-taken (within 6 months) color passport-style photo (48mm x 33mm) against a white background, attached to the application form. Must meet specific requirements for size, clarity, and background.
• Proof of Travel ItineraryRound-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations for the entire duration of stay in China. If visiting friends/family, an invitation letter may substitute hotel bookings.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable)If invited by an individual or entity in China, an invitation letter containing information about the applicant, the visit, and the inviter. This is often required for L visas if not staying in hotels, and mandatory for M and Q2 visas.
• Proof of Financial MeansWhile not always explicitly listed as mandatory for L visas, applicants may be asked to provide bank statements or other proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay in China.
• Previous Chinese VisasIf you have obtained Chinese visas before, provide a photocopy of the previous Chinese visa. If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous passport, a copy of the official name change document is required.

1. 1
   Complete the Visa Application Form online. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.

   China Online Visa Application (COVA)
2. 2
   Print the confirmation page and the full application form. Sign the application form as required.
3. 3
   Gather all required supporting documents, including your passport, photo, flight and hotel bookings, and any invitation letters.
4. 4
   Schedule an appointment at the nearest Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in the United States. Appointments are typically mandatory.
5. 5
   Submit your application in person at your scheduled appointment. Some CVASC locations may offer mail-in services for specific categories or through authorized agencies, but in-person submission is common.
6. 6
   Pay the visa application fee and service fee (if applying through CVASC) upon submission or collection, as instructed by the processing center.
7. 7
   Collect your passport with the visa from the Embassy, Consulate, or CVASC once your application has been processed.

• Incomplete or inconsistent application documents.

  How to avoid: Double-check that all required fields on the application form are filled, all supporting documents are provided, and information across documents is consistent (e.g., names, dates). Ensure photos meet specifications.

• Unclear travel purpose or itinerary.

  How to avoid: Provide a clear and detailed travel itinerary, including confirmed flight bookings and hotel reservations. If invited, ensure the invitation letter is comprehensive and credible. Avoid vague plans.

• Insufficient proof of financial means.

  How to avoid: While not always mandatory for L visas, be prepared to show bank statements or other evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in China. This demonstrates you won't become a public charge.

• Passport validity or condition issues.

  How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and has at least two blank visa pages. Passports that are damaged or heavily worn may be rejected.

• Previous visa overstays or violations.

  How to avoid: If you have previously overstayed a visa or violated immigration laws in China or other countries, it can negatively impact your current application. Always adhere to visa terms and conditions.

• Lack of strong ties to home country.

  How to avoid: While not explicitly requested for tourist visas, consular officers may assess if you have sufficient ties to your home country (e.g., employment, property, family) to ensure you will return. Provide supporting documents if available and relevant.

• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, and leave the originals securely stored at your accommodation.
• Be aware of local customs and etiquette. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be very helpful.
• Internet access may be restricted; consider using a VPN service if you need access to certain international websites and apps.
• Keep small denominations of local currency (RMB) for purchases, especially in smaller establishments.

• Can I extend my tourist visa while in China?

  It is generally possible to apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration Department in China. However, extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the authorities. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your visa's expiry.

• Is it possible to work in China on a tourist visa?

  No, it is strictly prohibited to engage in any form of employment or paid work while in China on a tourist (L) visa. Doing so can lead to severe penalties, including fines, detention, and deportation.

• What is the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy?

  Certain cities in China offer a visa-free transit policy for travelers from specific countries (including the US) who are transiting through China to a third country or region. This allows a stay of up to 72 or 144 hours without a visa, provided specific conditions are met, such as holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying within designated administrative areas. This is not a tourist visa and has strict limitations.

• What should I do if my passport is lost or stolen in China?

  If your passport is lost or stolen in China, you should immediately report it to the local police and obtain a police report. Then, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General in China to apply for an emergency passport or travel document. You will also need to apply for a new visa or exit permit from the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) before you can leave China.

• Can I apply for a Chinese visa by mail?

  Generally, first-time applicants or those who have changed passports are required to submit their applications in person at a Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Some CVASC locations may offer mail-in services for specific categories or through authorized agencies, but it's best to confirm with the specific center you plan to use.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for a Chinese tourist visa?

  American citizens applying for a Chinese tourist visa typically need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. Your passport should also have at least two blank visa pages. You may need to renew your passport before applying for the visa.

• I'm traveling to China next month, is there enough time to get a tourist visa?

  Standard processing time for a Chinese tourist visa for American citizens is usually 4-5 business days. Expedited services are often available for an additional fee, potentially reducing processing to 2-3 business days. It is always recommended to apply well in advance of your travel dates to avoid complications.

• I am self-employed, what documents do I need to show for my Chinese tourist visa application?

  As a self-employed American citizen, you will need to provide proof of your employment and financial stability. This typically includes a business license, bank statements, and a letter explaining your employment status. Check the specific requirements with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply.

• I am traveling to China with my child, do they need their own visa?

  Yes, every American citizen, including children, must obtain their own individual visa to travel to China. When applying for a minor, additional documents such as the child's birth certificate and consent letters from non-traveling parents may be required. Ensure you check the specific requirements with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

• What if my travel dates change after my Chinese tourist visa is issued?

  A Chinese tourist visa is typically issued with a specific validity period and number of entries. If your travel dates change but still fall within the visa's validity and intended duration of stay, you may still use it. However, if your new plans fall outside the visa's validity or require a different type of entry, you might need to apply for a new visa.

• How much does a China visa cost for American citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for The Great Wall of China, or does this cover all of China?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a China visa is valid for the whole country — including The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and The Bund. Apply once for China and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.