Visa for China: Who Needs to Apply and How?

While China’s visa-free travel programs have expanded for more and more nationalities, many people still need to apply for a visa before traveling to China. This includes both tourists from countries not subject to the visa-free travel programs, and people who intend to travel to China for purposes such as study, employment, or family reunion. We provide a comprehensive guide to the types of visas available and the China visa application process.

In the years since the pandemic, China’s visa-free travel policies have gained a lot of attention, especially as the country seeks to revive tourism and business exchanges with the rest of the world. These relaxed entry rules have made short-term visits easier for travelers from an increasing number of countries.

However, although China’s visa-free policies continue to expand in order to encourage inbound travel, there are still many scenarios in which people need to apply for a specific visa.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of Chinese visas, their requirements, application procedures, and related considerations to help travelers, students, workers, and other visitors navigate China’s visa application processes.

Who needs to apply?

Generally, you need to apply for a visa if you fall into any of the following categories:

• You are traveling to China to study (for any length of time).
• You are traveling to China for employment or commercial performances (for any length of time), including as a journalist, crew member, or specialist talent.
• You are traveling to China for long-term residence or family reunion.
• You are from a country not subject to any of China’s visa-free policies and are traveling to China for tourism, travel, business, or visiting family or friends for any length of time.
• You are from a country subject to one of China’s visa-free policies and are traveling to China for tourism, travel, business, or visiting family or friends, but the length of your stay exceeds the duration of the visa-free permit.

Note that there may be other scenarios in which you will be required to apply for a visa, such as study exchanges and visits, foster care, and commerce and trade.

China’s visa-free policies

China has a range of visa-free policies for citizens of certain countries and under certain conditions. For instance, China has signed agreements on mutual visa exemption with over 150 countries, which enables certain citizens to travel to China without a visa. However, for most countries, these visa-free arrangements apply only to diplomatic or official passport holders.

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China has mutual visa agreements for ordinary passport holders with 25 countries. Citizens of these countries are generally permitted to stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days or a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within any 180 days for tourism, travel, business, and visiting family or friends. These countries are mostly small island nations but also include Thailand, Singapore, Belarus, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition, since 2023, China has gradually expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to more and more countries. As of November 30, 2024, citizens of 38 countries can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China for business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchanges, and transit. This policy will remain in effect for most countries until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of further extensions subject to official announcements. 32 of these countries are in Europe, with the remaining six located in Asia (Japan, South Korea, Brunei, and Malaysia) and Oceania (Australia and New Zealand).

China also grants a variety of short-term, visa-free transit for citizens of certain countries, which allows travel within specific areas of China. The duration of the visa-free transit ranges from 24 to 240 hours. Note that visa-free transit is only available to people who are traveling to a third country after their stay in China.

Finally, China has various visa-free schemes for both individual travelers and tour groups, applying to citizens of specific countries and usually valid only for travel within a specified area of China.

See our article on China’s Visa-Free Policies for a full explanation.

Types of Chinese visas and requirements

There are currently 16 major types of ordinary visas for China. The duration of a visa depends on a variety of factors, including the type of visa, the intended length of stay, the applicant’s nationality, the jurisdiction in which the application is made, and the intended length of employment or study, if applicable. Generally, visas last anywhere from 30 days to multiple years.

Note that Chinese visas only permit entry into China and a short-term stay. Generally, if you intend to reside in China for over six months and you have a visa that enables you to obtain a residence permit (such as a long-term study or employment visa), you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China. Moreover, if you are planning to reside in China for work and have received an employment visa, you must also apply for a work permit alongside your residence permit within 15 days of entering China.

Other visa types

Humanitarian visa

Humanitarian visas, also called emergency visas, are usually granted for two main purposes:

• For people already residing in China whose original purpose of residence is no longer valid but who need to continue residing in China for humanitarian reasons.
• For people outside of China who need to travel to China on short notice for a funeral or to visit a critically ill family member.

If applying from within China, you must provide a letter issued by the receiving unit explaining the status of the application and relevant supporting documents for the termination of residency.

If applying from outside of China to attend a funeral or visit a critically ill relative, you must submit the identity document of the deceased or sick relative (such as a passport or Chinese ID card), a death certificate or a diagnosis issued by the hospital, a critical illness notice, proof of kinship, and so on.

Humanitarian visas are usually valid for a 30-day stay.

Domestic helper visa

This visa applies only to people employed by Hong Kong residents who wish to accompany their employers on a short-term visit to the Chinese mainland. To be eligible, you must have been working for your employer for at least three months and have a Hong Kong work permit valid for at least two months. You must also return to Hong Kong before the expiry of your work permit.

The purpose of the visit to the Chinese mainland can be to accompany your employer for activities such as tourism, family visits, and shopping.

Specific documents required (in addition to the general documents) for the application include:

• Hong Kong ID and work permit of the applicant (original and photocopy).
• Hong Kong ID of the employer (original and photocopy).
• Employment contract (original and photocopy).
• Guarantee letter from the employer.
• Declaration letter by the applicant.
• Proof of residence in the Chinese mainland (hotel reservation, employer’s property ownership certificate, and so on).
• Round trip tickets (air, ship, rail, and so on) with the applicant’s name,

General visa requirements

For most visa categories, the following documents must be provided:

• Original and photocopy of the applicant’s passport, valid for a period of at least six months with blank visa pages.
• Application form.
• Recent passport photo (taken in the last six months).
• Legal stay or proof of residence (for applicants who are not citizens of the country in which they are applying).
• Consent form for applicants under 16 years of age.
• Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign nationals who once held Chinese nationality).

Note that the required documents vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the application is made. Always consult the Chinese consular office or visa office in your place of residence for any specific requirements or documents.

Each visa will also have specific required documentation, listed in the table above.

How to apply for a visa to China

Visa applications for ordinary passport holders are almost always handled by a Chinese Visa Application Service Center. Generally, Chinese embassies or consulate-generals only handle visas for diplomatic and service passport holders.

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To apply for a Chinese visa, you must go to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in your place (country) of residence or your country of citizenship. Some visa centers require applicants to make an appointment, and some do not – check with your local service center to see if you need an advance appointment.

You will need to bring all of the documents required for the specific visa required to the service center by yourself or an entrusted person (some centers accept applications by post). You will then have to pick the visa up from the service center no later than three months after its issuance.

For some visas, you will also be required to provide fingerprints at the service center.

In the application form, you will be able to state your desired length of stay and number of permitted entries into China. However, this will ultimately be up to the discretion of the service center.

Visa processing fees and times

Fees and processing times vary and depend on the type of visa, where you apply, and whether or not you are a citizen of the country in which you apply. In most cases, you can also pay an additional fee to expedite the application process.

In general, the standard visa processing time is four working days, but this can be expedited to two or three working days.

Below is an example of the fees for different types of visas when applying from the service center in Hanoi.

Requirements after entry into China

Temporary residence registration

Within 24 hours of entering China, you will be required to register your place of residence or temporary accommodation with the local police. This applies to all foreign nationals in China, as well as Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents, whether you are in China for a short-term visit, such as for tourism or business, or living in China long-term for work, study, or family.

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The proof temporary residence registration will be required when you apply for a residence permit, if you are traveling to China for longer-term residence. If you are only staying in China for a short period, you will likely not need to present the proof of residence registration at any time, however, there may be other consequences if you fail to register as required, including a fine of up to RMB 2,000 (US$274).

Note that even if you already have a residence in China and live in a private long-term residence, you will still need to register your residence whenever you travel somewhere new, even if it is only for a short period of time, whether you are staying in a hotel or with friends and family.

Among others, the registration must be done/updated:

• each time you re-enter China (even with the same visa);
• when you stay at a different address in China (whether you move to a different residence or residence within the same city or to a different city or region); and
• each time you change your visa category or have a new passport.

If you stay in a hotel or other paid accommodation (except a paid home share arrangement such as an Airbnb), the hotel is responsible for registering your residence on your behalf. This is usually done at check-in. If you are a student, your host institution will normally be responsible for handling the residence registration on your behalf, or arranging for you to go to the police station accompanied by administrative staff.

However, if you are staying in a private residence, whether that is staying with friends or family, renting your own apartment, or staying in a homeshare, you will have to register by yourself. In most places in China, this will involve going to the local police station in person and providing the necessary documents (normally passport, rental agreement, homeowner’s ID, and copies of visa or residence permit). However, some cities such as Shanghai allow you to do it online.

For more information on temporary residence registration, see our article on Temporary Residence Registration in China – A Guide for Foreign Residents and Visitors.

Converting a visa to a residence permit

As mentioned, if you intend to stay in China for a period of over six months, you are required to convert your entry visa into a residence permit within 30 days of entering China.

If you are traveling to China to study, your school or institution will usually help with the application process. Similarly, if you have moved to China for work, your employer will usually help to apply for the residence permit.

To apply for a residence permit, you must go to the exit and entry department of the Public Security Bureau in the place you intend to reside and present the required documents. The required documents will depend on the type of visa you have entered China on.

For all residence purposes, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Original and photocopy a valid passport or other international travel document.
2. Completed visa/stay permit/residence permit application form.
3. Recent passport photo.
4. Supporting materials related to the reason for your application.
5. If applying for a residence permit of over one year in length, a health certificate issued by the local health and quarantine authority or health and medical institution certifying that the applicant does not have a serious mental disorder, tuberculosis, or other infectious disease which could be a substantial hazard to public health.

In addition, you will need to provide the following documents, depending on your visa type:

• Work visa:
  • A work permit issued by the local human resources and social security authority or foreign expert administration authority; and
  • A letter of certification from the employer.
• Study visa:
  • A letter from the school/university indicating the term of study; and
  • A letter of admission or enrollment.
• Journalist visa:
  • The letter issued by the foreign affairs authority of the provincial level people’s government; and
  • An issued Press Card.
• Family reunion visa:
  • ID of the person being visited; and
  • A letter explaining the relationship between family members.
• Private affairs visa:
  • A letter explaining the relationship between family members; and
  • The residence permit of the person being visited.

Obtaining a work permit

If you have entered China on an employment visa, you must apply for a work permit within 15 days of entering China. This is usually done with the help of your employer, who will help you prepare the necessary paperwork and make the application.

Since December 1, 2024, you no longer need to obtain a physical work permit. Instead, you can apply for an electronic social security card via the Electronic Social Security Card App, which will automatically integrate the relevant details from the work permit.

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The application, renewal, modification, and cancellation of the work permit can now be fully managed online through the Service System for Foreigner’s Working in China. That said, there may be special circumstances where application, renewal, modification, and cancellation have to be submitted in person.

After downloading the Electronic Social Security Card App, you can register using your name, work permit number, or social security number. Upon completing identity verification, you will receive an electronic social security card containing your work permit information.

If you have already obtained a physical social security card, the electronic version will automatically provide equivalent services.

Companies still need to apply for a work permit on behalf of their employee within 15 days of them entering China. This application can be made through the Service System for Foreigners Working in China by submitting the following documents:

• Application form for Foreigner’s Work Permit;
• Verification of past employment;
• Verification of education or a verification of professional qualification;
• Criminal record certificate;
• Physical examination record for foreigners or overseas Chinese;
• Copy of the job contract or appointment letter;
• Passport;
• ID photo; and
• Information of accompanying members.

In addition, the employer needs to provide the following documents:

• Registration form;
• Business license and organization code certificate;
• ID information of the employer/agent who is responsible for the registration; and
• Industry license documents

Visa and residence extensions

If you intend to remain in China beyond the duration allowed by your initial visa or residence permit, you may apply for an extension at the exit and entry department of the Public Security Bureau. The required documents are generally the same as those submitted for your original visa or residence permit application. However, if the purpose of your stay has changed, you must apply for a new visa and provide supporting documents that reflect your updated circumstances.

Consequences of illegal entry or overstay in China

If you overstay your visa, work without proper authorization, or enter China illegally, you risk detention, interrogation, deportation, and a ban from returning for years. It is therefore important that your visa status matches your activities and that you renew or extend it through the proper legal channels if needed.

Under China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law, you could be interrogated if you’re suspected of:

• Illegally entering or exiting China;
• Helping others do so;
• Illegally residing or working in China; or
• Engaging in activities that threaten national security or public order.

In the above circumstances, you can be stopped and questioned on the spot by the authorities. If necessary, they can continue the interrogation later, following procedures under Chinese law.

In addition, you could be detained pending investigation if officials can’t clear you of suspicion after questioning. In this case:

• They must give you a written notice of detention.
• You must be interrogated within 24 hours of being detained.
• The detention can last up to 30 days, and up to 60 days for complex cases, especially if your nationality or identity is unclear.

You can be repatriated if:

• You fail to leave China after being ordered to do so;
• You are found to be residing or working in China illegally; or
• You are involved in prohibited activities under Chinese laws.

Once repatriated, you may be banned from re-entering China for one to five years, starting from the date of repatriation.

Finally, if you’re awaiting repatriation and it can’t be done right away (for example, due to identity issues or logistics), you will be held in a designated facility until arrangements are made.

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