This post is from 2024 and was written by Kevin and Kate of Happy Irish Wanderers.
I have updated it where possible: November 2025
Are you planning a trip to China but are feeling overwhelmed by the visa application process?
Fear not, because this article will put those feelings at ease by guiding you through the entire process. Step by step we will provide you with all the information and answer any questions you may have, making it easy to get your China visa.
Let’s waste no time and get straight into it!
NOTE: This is China. Things change fast. ALWAYS check the latest details on official websites!!
Kevin and Kate of Happy Irish Wanderers:
Chinese Tourist Visa in 2024:
What type of visa do I need for China?
China offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, business visas, work visas, and many others.
This article focuses on the tourist visa so you will be applying for an L VISA. With a tourist visa, you can stay up to 30 days in mainland China.
Your China visa does not include Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. Please note that if you exit China during your 30 days, your China visa will no longer be valid and you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter the country.
Kevin and Kate of Happy Irish Wanderers:
Temporary Unilateral Visa-Free Policy
Updated: Extended until December 31, 2026: Nationals holding valid ordinary passports of 48 countries: Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Russia (until September 14, 2026) and Sweden are exempted from visa requirement if coming to China for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without a visa.
24-hour Transit Visa
There are two types of transit-without-visa programs in mainland China:
- 24-hour TWOV, available to passengers of most nationalities at most ports of entry
- 240-hour / 10-day TWOV, available for 54 countries and only through specific ports of entry and exit:
European Union European Union member states, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States
How do I apply for a Tourist Visa for China visa?
Complete and submit the application form online (finding this form was the hardest part) https://cova.mfa.gov.cn.
Do NOT use any other websites. There are many “Official” visa application websites out there, but all they will do is charge you a higher fee + commission for their effort.
If you are applying for a visa for any country in the world and are in doubt if it is the official government website then use the following trick.
Simply type 3 words into Google search – Country Visa .Gov.
All government visa application websites will almost always have dot gov incorporated into their URL.
*Please note that if you use a VPN in China, this will need to be turned off to access this site.
Where do I submit my Visa application form?
Initially, you have to submit your application form online as mentioned above. However, you also have to print off the completed form and present it at your local Chinese embassy/consulate along with the other required documentation (see next question below)
Visit the closest Chinese embassy or consulate near you. Make sure to check their visa application opening hours to submit your application. This is best done on Google Maps.
We attended the Chinese consulate in Phuket with no appointment needed, however, in some cases, you may need to schedule an appointment in advance.
Be there before opening hours, so you are first in line.
Have all your required documents prepared in advance and submit them to the relevant office.
You will need to leave your passport at the embassy/consulate for at least 3 working days
What documents do I need?
Required documents may vary depending on the type of visa, but common requirements include the following:
- The online application form that you previously submitted. There will be a “print form” option at the bottom of the page once you submit the application or simply download it and email it to yourself to print later.
- Proof of entry to China – we booked our flight from Phuket to Beijing (as our entry). Consider opting for a cancellation policy to lessen your concerns in case your visa approval is uncertain.
- Travellers from the United States are no longer required to submit round-trip air ticket booking records, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, or invitation letter
- Proof of exit from China – we booked a train to Hong Kong from Guangzhou on 12go dot com.
- Proof of accommodation for initial stay. Sites such as booking dot com can offer free cancellation options if you are still undecided.
- China Visa photo size 2024: 33 mm x 48 mm
- Copy of your current visa – given that we were in Thailand, we copied the Thailand visa stamp on our passport
- Copy of passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining)
Do I need an invitation letter?
Tourist visas typically do not require an invitation letter.
How long does it take to process?
Processing times can vary, but it usually takes around 3 business days. You may opt for express services with additional fees for faster processing.
Is it possible to apply for a China visa online?
No, China does not offer online visa applications. You must submit your application in person or through an authorised visa service centre.
Can I apply for a Visa on Arrival?
No, China generally does not allow visas on arrival. You must obtain a visa before entering the country. Exemptions for this include, if you are transiting through on the 144-hour visa or if you are from countries eligible for the 14-day visa-free entry.
How long is the visa valid for?
Most tourist visas are valid for 6 months and allow the holder to stay in China for 30-90 days.
What are the visa fees?
China visa fees are very different depending on the type of visa you want (Single, multiple entry) and your nationality. For example:
- For Australian citizens, a single-entry visa costs 71.50 USD per passport holder.
- For UK citizens, a single entry Chinese visa costs 98 USD for standard service and around 189 USD for express service.
- For US citizens, a single-entry Chinese visa costs 140 USD for standard service and an extra 25 USD for express service.
- For other countries, including Ireland, a single-entry Chinese visa costs 22.60 USD.
Make sure to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate from your country for the most up-to-date fee information.
*Please note that all fees are payable at the embassy/consulate and they only accept payment by card, not cash.
Final Tips
The application form is LONG. Maintain patience and proceed with it until you want a break. Once you start the application, you’ll receive a unique code to resume it any time you want.
Part of the application is to detail your planned itinerary. Do not put Tibet on your itinerary. If you do want to visit Tibet, organize this after your visa has been granted. Individual travel to Tibet is not allowed.
You MUST have proof of an entry and exit. If you are a US citizen, then this is not required.
Make sure you have 6 months or more left on your passport.
Unless you do have something to hide, you should have no fear when applying for your China visa.
Enjoy your trip to China!