Do I need a visa for China?
Select your passport country to instantly check your 2026 entry options — visa-free, visa-free transit, or tourist visa.
This tool is a general guide based on China's 2026 entry policies and is not legal advice. Rules change frequently — always confirm with the official Chinese embassy or visa centre for your country before booking.
Documents needed for a Chinese visa application
If the checker above says you need a tourist (L) visa, prepare the following before you apply. Requirements vary slightly by embassy, so confirm the exact list with your local Chinese visa application centre.
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank visa pages.
- A completed Chinese visa application form (filled in online via the COVA system, printed and signed).
- A recent passport-style photo (48×33 mm, taken within the last 6 months, plain light background).
- Round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations covering your stay — or an invitation letter from a host or travel agency in China.
- Proof of funds (recent bank statements) where required by your local embassy.
How to apply for a China tourist visa, step by step
- Check your eligibility. Use the checker above to confirm whether you actually need a visa or can travel visa-free.
- Fill in the application form. Complete the online COVA form, print it and sign it.
- Book an appointment at your nearest Chinese visa application service centre or embassy.
- Submit your documents and biometrics. Attend the appointment in person with your passport, form and supporting papers, and provide fingerprints.
- Collect your passport. Pick it up with the visa sticker after processing — typically 4 working days for regular service.
For a deeper walkthrough with screenshots and fee tables, read the full China visa application guide.
China's 2026 visa policy at a glance
- Visa-free for up to 30 days — most of Europe and much of Asia-Pacific, e.g. the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.
- Visa-free for up to 15 days — a smaller group including Russia and Brunei.
- Visa-free transit up to 240 hours (10 days) — for nationalities such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Indonesia and the Philippines when travelling onward to a third country via eligible ports.
- Visa required — nationalities such as India generally need a standard L tourist visa arranged in advance.