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.
Transit visa (240-Hour Visa-Free Transit)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 10 days
- Processing time
- N/A - applied at port of entry
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- Ongoing policy
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must hold an ordinary passport from one of the 55 eligible countries
Eligible countries: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America
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Purpose of visit
Must be transiting through China to a third country or region. Tourism, business, and visiting activities permitted during the transit period.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No
How to apply
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Document submission
Present your passport and confirmed onward ticket to immigration at any of the 65 eligible ports. A temporary entry permit will be stamped in your passport.
Transit visa (G Visa - Transit Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
- Validity
- Single or double entry: 3 months
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Required for nationals not eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit or who do not meet visa-free transit conditions
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Purpose of visit
Transit through China to a third country or region
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No
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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
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Online application
Fill in COVA form selecting G visa.
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Document submission
Submit passport, form, photo, and confirmed onward ticket at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable visa fee.
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Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with G visa.
Transit visa (C Visa - Crew Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 4 business days
- Fee
- $30 USD (varies by nationality; US: $185)
- Validity
- Multiple entry: 12 months
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Available to crew members of international transport from all countries
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Employment
Must be actively employed as crew on international aviation, maritime, or railway routes entering or transiting China
Required status: Active crew member on international transport
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Color photo, 33mm x 48mm, white background, bare-head, full face, taken within past 6 months
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Guarantee letter from the international transport company (airline, shipping company, or railway company)
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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
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Document gathering
Obtain guarantee letter from the international transport company.
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Document submission
Submit at CVASC or Embassy/Consulate.
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Processing wait
Standard: 4 business days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with C visa.