China visa requirements for US citizens
A guide to Chinese visas, visa-free entry, and the mandatory Arrival Card for US citizens, with expert-reviewed filing from iVisa
China visa requirements for US citizens
US citizens need an L visa for tourism or an M visa for business to enter mainland China. Travelers continuing to a third country may qualify for up to 10 days of visa-free transit at designated ports if they have a confirmed onward ticket. They may also visit Hainan Province visa-free for up to 30 days on eligible routes.
All US travelers must complete the China Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival. This applies whether they enter by air, land, or sea, with a visa or under a visa-free policy.
China entry requirements for US citizens
Requirements verified against official government sources
- A US passport valid for 6+ months from date of arrival
- Passport photo
- Proof of onward/return travel
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel itinerary (for tourism) or invitation letter (for business)
- Proof of funds for entire stay
- China Arrival Card
- Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel
China visa cost for US citizens
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China Arrival CardArrival card
Apply now- Who it's for
- The China Arrival Card is for most foreign travelers entering mainland China, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, and regardless of whether they hold a valid visa or are eligible for visa-free entry.
- When it's required
- It is mandatory for almost all foreign visitors, and even those eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit must complete an arrival registration. Some travelers are exempt, including Permanent Resident (Green Card) holders, those in 24-hour direct transit, E-channel users, and members of a tour group with a group visa.
- Duration and entries
- The Arrival Card is a declaration for a single entry. A new registration must be submitted every time you enter mainland China, even when returning from Hong Kong or Macau.
- When to apply
- You can complete the card within 72 hours before your arrival in China. With iVisa, you can submit your information earlier, and we time the submission so your declaration is valid and active the moment you touch down.
- Delivery format
- After processing, you receive an email confirmation. Depending on the port of entry, you may need to show a QR code on your phone or a printed confirmation, which is also available in your iVisa dashboard.
- Validity
- 30 days
- Length of stay
- 30 days per entry
- Entry
- Single entry
- Processing time
- Get it in as fast as 15 minutes
How US citizens can apply for a China Arrival Card
Three simple steps — iVisa prepares, reviews, and files your China document for your trip from the United States.
Complete the application
Answer a few simple questions and upload your documents, choose your processing speed, and pay securely. Most travelers finish in minutes.
We review and submit your application
Our experts check your application for the errors that cause government rejections, fix them with you, then submit it directly to the China government on your behalf.
Receive your China Arrival Card
Once approved, your China Arrival Card arrives by email — ready to travel, with clear instructions on how to use it.
Why US citizens choose iVisa
Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reviews errors, and gives you peace of mind — so you just show up and travel.
Start my application- 3M+happy customers
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Very easy process. Not all countries use it but for those that do, it is a hassle saver!
Ease of preparation of the code was important and prompness is also important
There’s always someone there to help and be in touch with what you need
Immediate follow-up and the courtesy to process the applications in a timely fashion
Filled out parts of the form suddenly are required to be filled out again
Maybe I'm just very naive, but representations on iVisa's website made me think I was actually going to be completing my visa application on their site. That is not the case. I also made it very clear that I wanted applying for a tourism visa to China. I found out after paying iVisa money for a health certificate, that a tourism visa to China is still not even being offered by the Chinese government. I'll take responsibility for not doing my homework with the embassy. However, I would have to say there is a bit of a shell game of deception on this site in my opinion.
I really appreciate the effort. However, it was unclear why I was asked for hotel itinerary, flight and hotel, and passport, and PCR test, and a Chinese Visa, when none of this was needed for a Health Declaration. The responses were fast, yet, very general and did not guide the process step-by-step as indicated the iVisa team could do. In the end, I have a Health Declaration which does not seem to be needed for Hong Kong or China at this time. I hope you can assure future requests are addressed with the most updated information about Visa and Health requirements. I realize the regulations are changing quickly - I believe this is the need, to keep up-to-the-minute on actual requirements of the day. Thank you! I look forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, Bryan
The customer support responded my email very quickly, but was not doing the right thing. The photo I received (both digital and printed) does not meet the consular's requirements. I added the guidelines to adjust the photo and ask them to reprocess it. However, the support did not read the message, but send me the same photo instead, assuming that I did not receive the photo.
Great job! The photo is very clear and high quality. Fast enough for shipping.
iVisa really impressed me with its great customer service. Their resilience in making every effect possible to complete the task for its customers. I admire this team of great staff for their immediate response, relentless effort and efficient communications. Even though the passport photo didn’t pass the Embassy uploading test after many attempts, they were able to issue the refund as they promised to. Love to recommend to anyone and would continue choosing to work with them in the future.
China visa FAQs
Quick answers for US citizens traveling to China.
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are available 24/7 on chat, email, and WhatsApp.
Do US citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. US citizens usually need an L visa for tourism or an M visa for business. You must apply through a Chinese embassy or consulate.
You may not need a visa if you:
- Are traveling through China to another country and qualify for up to 10 days of visa-free transit at an eligible port.
- Visit Hainan Province for up to 30 days on an eligible route.
All travelers must complete a China Arrival Card before their trip, even if they qualify for visa-free entry.
How do US citizens apply for a Chinese visa?
Apply for a tourist (L) or business (M) visa through a Chinese embassy, consulate general, or approved visa application center in the US. iVisa does not currently process Chinese visa applications.
What is the processing time for the China Arrival Card for United States citizens?
The China Arrival Card is processed immediately after submission.
How long can US citizens stay in China?
United States citizens can stay in China for up to 30 days with an L- or M-visa.
Do United States citizens need an arrival card when transiting through China?
Yes, US citizens should also submit an Arrival Card for transit in China, even if they can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days).
Which entry ports allow 240-hour visa-free transit?
US citizens can use about 60 to 65 designated ports across 24 provinces. Major locations include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Chongqing. Some seaports and rail stations, including Hong Kong's West Kowloon station, are also eligible.
To qualify, you must have a confirmed ticket to a third country or region. Check China's official government website for the latest list of eligible ports.
What are the approved routes to visit Hainan visa-free for US travelers?
To be eligible, US citizens must enter Hainan via an approved international route to Haikou or Sanya, such as a direct international flight to:
- Haikou Meilan Airport (HAK)
- Sanya Phoenix Airport (SYX)
Important restrictions:
- You must stay within Hainan Province only
- You're generally required to book through a registered travel agency or join an organized or approved travel arrangement (policy varies slightly by nationality and program)
Check China's official government website for the full rules and how to book.
Can US citizens extend their stay in China?
US citizens can apply to extend their stay in China at a local Exit & Entry Administration office of the Public Security Bureau (PSB), at least seven days before their current visa expires.
Extensions are at the discretion of local authorities and are usually granted for the same duration as the original stay (for example, a 30-day stay might be extended by another 30 days).
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