| Key Facts 2026 | |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee | FREE : available at evisa.mfa.gov.cn since 2023 |
| Standard visa fee | USD 140 (consulate application) |
| Stay allowed | 30 days, single entry |
| TWOV policy | 72h or 144h transit without visa in eligible cities |
| Passport validity | At least 6 months beyond intended stay |
| Photo requirement | 48×33mm, white background, taken within 6 months |
| Biometrics | Required at consulate for standard visa |
Overview of China Entry Requirements 2026
China opened its free eVisa programme in 2023, allowing nationals of many countries to apply online at evisa.mfa.gov.cn without visiting a consulate. The eVisa grants a 30-day single-entry stay and is valid for tourism, business, transit and family visits. Travellers not eligible for the eVisa must apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate and pay the standard USD 140 fee. China also maintains a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy: 72 hours for most eligible transit cities and 144 hours for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other major hubs, provided you hold an onward ticket to a third country. Confirm TWOV eligibility by nationality before travel, as not all passports qualify.
Documents Checklist for China eVisa 2026
- Valid passport : minimum 6 months validity beyond planned departure from China
- Digital passport-style photo : 48×33mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- Completed online application at evisa.mfa.gov.cn
- Round-trip flight itinerary or onward travel proof
- Confirmed hotel booking or invitation letter from a Chinese host
- Travel insurance covering the full stay (recommended)
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds (consulate applications)
Eligibility & Special Categories
The free eVisa is available to citizens of eligible countries listed on evisa.mfa.gov.cn. Business travellers may need additional documents such as a company invitation letter or conference registration. Journalists, diplomats and students require special visa categories (J, D, X). Children travelling on a parent's passport require their own travel document. Always verify current eligibility at the official portal before applying, as the list of eligible nationalities is updated periodically.
How to Apply for a China eVisa
Visit evisa.mfa.gov.cn, create an account and select the appropriate visa type (L for tourism, M for business, etc.). Upload a passport scan, digital photo and supporting documents. The system guides you through the form in English. Once submitted, processing takes 4-5 business days. You will receive an approval letter by email to print and present on arrival alongside your passport. No embassy visit is required for eVisa applicants.
Complete Visa Categories
| Category | Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | L Visa (Tourist) | 30-90 days, single/double/multiple | USD 140 (US) / varies by nationality | Invitation letter or hotel bookings, itinerary, financial proof |
| Tourist | Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) | 24-144 hours | Free | Transit through designated cities, onward ticket to third country |
| Tourist | Visa-Free Entry (Bilateral) | 15-30 days | Free | Selected countries with visa-free agreements (expanding in 2024-2025) |
| Business | M Visa (Business/Trade) | 30-90 days | USD 140 (US) | Invitation from Chinese business, company documents |
| Work | Z Visa (Work) | 30 days (entry), then Work Permit | USD 140 (US) | Work permit notification letter, employer sponsorship, medical exam |
| Work | R Visa (High-Level Talent) | Up to 5 years | USD 140 (US) | Recognized high-level talent or urgently needed specialist |
| Student | X1 Visa (Long-term Study) | Over 180 days | USD 140 (US) | JW201/JW202 form, admission notice from Chinese institution |
| Student | X2 Visa (Short-term Study) | Under 180 days | USD 140 (US) | Admission notice from Chinese institution |
| Family | Q1 Visa (Long-term Family Reunion) | Over 180 days | USD 140 (US) | Invitation from Chinese citizen/PR family member, relationship proof |
| Family | Q2 Visa (Short-term Family Visit) | Under 180 days | USD 140 (US) | Invitation from Chinese citizen/PR family member |
| Family | S1/S2 Visa (Dependent of Foreigner) | S1: over 180 days / S2: under 180 days | USD 140 (US) | Spouse/parent/child of foreigner working/studying in China |
| Journalist | J1/J2 Visa (Journalist) | J1: resident / J2: temporary | USD 140 (US) | Approval from Chinese authorities, media organization letter |
| Transit | G Visa (Transit) | Duration of transit | USD 140 (US) | Confirmed onward ticket, transit through China |
| Crew | C Visa (Crew) | As needed | USD 140 (US) | Airline/shipping company employment |
| Diplomatic | Diplomatic / Official | Duration of posting | Free | Diplomatic passport, government note verbale |
Processing Times by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Expedited Processing | Expedited Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| L Visa (Tourist) | 4 business days (regular) | 2-3 business days (express) | USD 20 (express) / USD 30 (rush) |
| M Visa (Business) | 4 business days | 2-3 business days | USD 20 (express) |
| Z Visa (Work) | 4-10 business days | 2-3 business days | USD 20 (express) |
| X1/X2 Visa (Student) | 4 business days | 2-3 business days | USD 20 (express) |
| Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) | Instant (on arrival) | N/A | N/A |
| Work Permit (after arrival) | 15-30 business days | N/A | N/A |
Health & Character Requirements
- Medical exam: Required for Z Visa (work) and X1 Visa (long-term study). Physical Examination Record for Foreigner form must be completed at an approved hospital. Includes blood tests, chest X-ray, ECG, and general exam. The exam done abroad must be re-verified at a local Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau within 30 days of arrival.
- Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations for entry. Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic area.
- Health insurance: Not mandatory but recommended. Health insurance is required by many Chinese universities for international students.
- Police clearance: Required for work permit applications : from home country, notarized and authenticated by Chinese embassy.
- Biometrics: Fingerprints collected at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for applicants aged 14-70.
Visa Extension & Renewal
- L Visa (Tourist): Can be extended once at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration. Fee: CNY 160. Apply at least 7 days before expiry. Extension usually 30 days.
- Visa-Free Transit: Cannot be extended. Must depart within the permitted hours.
- Z Visa / Work Permit: Work permit renewable annually. Residence permit renewable through employer at PSB.
- X1 Visa (Student): Must apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival at the local PSB. Renewable annually with enrollment proof.
- Temporary Registration: All foreigners must register with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival (hotel guests are automatically registered by the hotel).
- Overstay: Fine of CNY 500 per day (max CNY 10,000). Detention of 5-15 days possible. Serious overstays result in deportation and 1-5 year re-entry bans.
Visa Refusal & Appeals
- Common refusal reasons: Incomplete documents, previous Chinese visa violations, security concerns, nationality restrictions, inconsistent information, journalist or NGO connections without proper authorization.
- Appeal: No formal appeal process. Applicants can request reconsideration at the Chinese embassy/consulate with additional documentation.
- Reapplication: Can reapply immediately with improved documentation and additional supporting evidence.
- Tip: China's visa policies can change rapidly. Always check with the nearest Chinese embassy or visa application center for the latest requirements.