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Apply for your China visa from USA

Fast, secure, and expert-led visa processing for American citizens traveling to China

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How to apply with iVisa

How to apply for your China visa with a passport from USA

1

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, determine whether you need a China Arrival Card, Chinese Tourist Visa, or another Chinese visa or document, pay securely, and upload your documents. You can save your progress and come back anytime.

We'll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

2

We review your application

The China visa system can be complicated for American USA citizens, but don't worry – we review your whole application to catch anything that might cause delays.

3

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the Chinese government, but we review your application for accuracy and submit it directly to them. If anything goes wrong, we’re here 24/7 to help resolve it – no long wait times, no confusing forms, just expert support from start to finish.

4

Get your China visa

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

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Chinese visa policy for American citizens

US citizens require a Chinese visa for tourism (L) or business (M). If transiting. However, they may transit up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free in designated ports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket. Additionally, US travelers can visit Hainan Province visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or medical purposes when arriving on eligible routes. All travelers must complete the China Arrival Card online before traveling.

iVisa offers one China entry document for US citizens:

  • China Arrival Card: US citizens entering China must complete the Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival in China. It is mandatory for travelers arriving by air, land and sea.

General China visa requirements for US travelers are:

  • An 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
  • Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of travel

Chinese visas we offer for American citizens

China Arrival Card (Digital)

Prices starting from $69.99

Valid for 1 month after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 30 days per entry
Get it as fast as 15 minutes

Fast facts

Interview needed?

Not usually, but may be requested

When to apply?

2-3 weeks in advance (within 72 hours for the arrival card)

Documents required upon arrival?

US passport (valid for 6+ months), Chinese Visa, China Arrival Card, proof of return/onward travel

Why choose iVisa?

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

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98%  visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to China rated this product a 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews.
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Carlos Ribeiro
May 8, 2026
"Excelent service."

Frequently asked questions about getting the China visa with a United States passport

Yes, US visitors must apply for an L Visa (Tourist Visa) or M Visa (Business Visa) through the Chinese embassy near them.

If transiting to a third country, they may stay up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free in designated ports, provided they have a valid passport and confirmed onward ticket.

Additionally, travelers can visit Hainan Province visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or medical purposes when arriving on eligible routes.

All travelers must complete a *China Arrival Card before traveling, even if they don’t need a visa.

The China Arrival Card is processed immediately after submission.

United States citizens can stay in China for up to 30 days with an L- or M-visa.

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).

Major entry cities:

  • Beijing – Capital & Daxing airports
  • Shanghai – Pudong & Hongqiao
  • Guangzhou / Shenzhen
  • Chengdu
  • Xi’an
  • Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chongqing, Kunming, etc. It also includes:
  • Some seaports (cruise terminals)
  • Rail ports (e.g., Hong Kong West Kowloon station)

Make sure to have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not back to the United States) to be eligible.

For the full list, check China’s official government website.

To be eligible for the visa-free visit to Hainan, foreign nationals (including US citizens) must enter Hainan (Haikou or Sanya) via approved international routes, such as direct international flights to:

  • Haikou Meilan Airport (HAK)
  • Sanya Phoenix Airport (SYX) Important restrictions:
  • US citizens must stay within Hainan Province only
  • To be eligible you are generally required to book via registered travel agencies OR be part of organized or approved travel arrangements (policy varies slightly by nationality/program). Check the full rules and how to book via the Chinese government website.

US citizens can apply to extend their stay in China by applying at a local Exit & Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau (PSB) at least seven days before their current visa expires.

Extensions are at the discretion of local authorities and usually granted for the same duration as the original max. length of stay (e.g., a 30-day stay might be extended by another 30 days).

China visa requirements for other passport holders

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