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Find the right China visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

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Our China visa application process

How to apply for your China visa with iVisa

1

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, find out whether you need a China Digital Arrival Card, or another China visa or document. Then, upload your documents, and pay securely. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.

We’ll guide you through any unclear steps during the application process.

2

We review your application

The China entry system is known for being difficult to navigate. We review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

3

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the China government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

4

Get your China document

We’ll email your approved China document and let you know how to use it for your trip.

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Visa types needed for China

  • China Arrival Card (Digital)
  • China Tourist Visa (L Visa)*
  • China Business Visa (M Visa)*
  • China Transit Visa (G Visa)*

China Arrival Card (Digital)

Purpose: The China Arrival Card (also referred to as the Entry/Exit Card or Health Declaration) is used to collect traveler information for immigration, customs, and health inspection purposes when entering China.

When to complete: Complete the arrival card online before landing or immediately upon arrival at the airport or border checkpoint.

Ports of entry: The arrival card is required at all international airports, seaports, and land border crossings in China.

Delivery format: The arrival card may be provided in paper form during your flight or at the port of entry, or it can be completed digitally, generating a QR code to speed up immigration upon arrival.

China Tourist Visa (L Visa)*

The China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is issued to travelers visiting China for tourism purposes such as sightseeing, holidays, or visiting friends and family.

It's typically valid for single, double, or multiple entries with stays of 30–90 days per visit, depending on the visa issued and nationality.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

China Business Visa (M Visa)*

The China Business Visa (M Visa) is granted to individuals traveling to China for commercial and trade activities such as meetings, negotiations, or conferences.

This visa can be issued as single, double, or multiple-entry with stays typically ranging from 30 to 90 days per visit, and validity periods up to 10 years for some nationalities.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

China Transit Visa (G Visa)*

The China Transit Visa (G Visa) is for travelers transiting through China to a third country. It is required if the traveler does not qualify for visa-free transit policies.

It's usually valid for a short stay of up to 7 days, with single entry in most cases.

*We currently don’t offer this visa.

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China visa policy

Most foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, must obtain a visa before traveling to China for tourism, business, study, work, or other purposes. China offers visa-free entry policies, including 24-hour, 72-hour, and 144-hour visa-free transit for eligible nationalities, as well as visa-free access for certain countries to specific regions in China (such as Hainan Province). Every visitor must fill out a China Arrival Card.

General China visa requirements are:

  • Passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and at least one or two blank pages
  • Recent photo
  • Completed visa application form
  • Travel details (such as flight itinerary and accommodation information)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay
  • Additional supporting documents depending on visa type (e.g., invitation letter for business visa)

China visa prices

China Arrival Card (Digital)

Prices starting from $84.99

Valid for 1 month after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 30 days per entry

Fast facts

Average time it takes to apply for Arrival Card

5 minutes

iVisa approval rate

100%

Main reason for denials

Incomplete information

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind.

Benefit

Applying by yourself

iVisa
Simple, easy forms Not included Included
24x7 support from visa experts Not included Included
Error detection to prevent rejections Not included Included
World's easiest passport scan Not included Included
Multiple payment methods Not included Included

1.4M happy customers

24/7customer support

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69,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98%  visa approval rate

FAQs

The digital China Arrival Card QR code is usually issued right after completing it, or you can fill it out upon entry. Processing times for paper forms may vary slightly depending on airport procedures. We recommend completing it online to avoid queues.

Most travelers need a visa to enter China, depending on their nationality and the purpose of travel. China also offers visa-free transit policies (such as 24, 72, or 144-hour transit) for eligible travelers. We currently don’t offer visa services for China, but can help completing the Arrival Card.

You can check your visa requirements on the government website.

No. Visa-free, Tourist (L) and Business (M) visas do not permit employment in China. To work legally, you must apply for a work visa (Z Visa) and obtain the appropriate permits after arrival.

In some cases, it may be possible to apply for an extension or change of visa type through local Public Security Bureau (PSB) offices in China. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on your situation.

China offers visa-free land side transit for citizens of 55 countries, allowing up to 240-hour stays at specific ports of entry.

Eligibility requires entry through designated ports, passports valid for at least three months beyond arrival, and visas for destination countries if needed. Travelers must have confirmed tickets departing withintheir designated transit time.

If you don’t qualify for visa-free transit, a Transit Visa (G Visa) may be required.

After completing your arrival card, you will present the QR code to immigration authorities upon arrival. Officials may review your information along with your passport and visa (if required) before granting entry.

In the meantime, download the iVisa app so you can keep your travel documents handy while you’re on the go.

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Start your visa application today and get approved quickly
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