Visa requirements

China

General visa requirements for travelling to China. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
Varies - processed through diplomatic channels
Fee
Free
Validity
Varies by agreement and purpose
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Holders of diplomatic passports from countries without bilateral diplomatic visa exemption agreements with China

  • Purpose of visit

    Official diplomatic duties, government missions, international organization business

    Includes
    • Official diplomatic duties
    • government missions

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

How to apply

  1. Document submission

    Application submitted through official diplomatic channels (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy). Note verbale may be required.

  2. Processing wait

    Processing through diplomatic channels.

  3. Visa collection

    Visa issued free of charge.

Sign in to apply

Diplomatic visa (Courtesy Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay
30 days
Processing time
Standard processing
Fee
Free
Validity
Varies
Entry
Single entry

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Diplomatic passport holders traveling for personal reasons, and other individuals of special standing as determined by Chinese authorities

  • Purpose of visit

    Personal travel: tourism, family visits, transit, and other non-official purposes for individuals of diplomatic standing

    Includes
    • Personal travel for diplomatic passport holders

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA); Form url: https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn

How to apply

  1. Document submission

    Apply at Chinese Embassy/Consulate with diplomatic passport and COVA form.

  2. Processing wait

    Standard processing.

  3. Visa collection

    Issued free of charge.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.