Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on August 7, 2025:
1. China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for following eligible countries, including European nations - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Russia. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain are included. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in South America are also eligible. China will continue to extend its visa-free policy for Italy.
2. 240-Hour Visa Free Transit (10 days) has been lanched. 55 eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Indonesia, Brazil, etc. Eligible travelers can now travel across provinces, for example traveling from Beijing to Xian, then to Shanghai. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 240-hour transit visa-free.
3. As of now, China has established full visa exemption agreements with 28 countries, including Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.
4. Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province is 6 days visa-free for tour groups (at least two persons) from ASEAN countries.
5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.
6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.
WeTrip will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information.
original passport with a validity of at least 6 months, one and more blank visa page;
one copy of the passport's data page and used visa pages.
● China Visa Application Form
Visa applicants need to complete visa application form on COVA - "China Online Visa Application (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn)", then make appointments for on-site submission at the Visa Office of Chinese embassies or consulates on the website AVAS - "Appointment for Visa Application Submission (https://avas.mfa.gov.cn)". Citizens from appointed 46 countries can fill in form online and book a appointment to submit documents on the website of China Visa Application Service Center (http://www.visaforchina.cn).
● Photo
At least 1 recently-taken (within 6 months) front passport-size bareheaded color photo. It should be taken against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face. (Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm.) Stick one photo on the application form.
● Valid Visa of the Onward Country or Region (if requires)
● Ticket
Connecting (air, train, ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to next countries or region.
● Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)
Provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, if you will not apply for China Visa in the state/region of you citizenship (nationality).
● Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)
If it's the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa, you are required to submit the original passport and a copy of the passport's date page.
If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new Chinese Visa with a new passport, please provide the photocopy of the previous passport's date page, and copy of the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.

China Transit Visa Required Documents

Paper Photo Size for China Transit Visa Application Form
How much is a China Transit Visa? The accurate costs depend on your nationality and where you make submission.