China is optimizing its entry policies to attract more international travelers. It is becoming easier for US citizens to travel to China in 2025. In this article, we will introduce Chinese visa types, how to apply for a tourist visa from the US, visa-free policies for US nationals, and other related issues.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to China in 2025?
Yes. US citizens typically need to obtain a Chinese visa according to what they are traveling for. However, they might be exempted from a visa if they take a short-stay visit to some cities. Here are the available types of visa-free trips in China for US citizens.
| Visa Type | Permitted Stay Areas | Duration of stay |
| Visa-free Travel | Hainan Province | 30 days |
| Visa-free Travel | Hong Kong SAR of China | 30 days |
| Visa-free Travel | Macao SAR of China | 90 days |
| Visa-free Transit | Transit area at the sea, land, or air ports | 24 hours |
| Visa-free Transit | 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities | 10 days |
China Visa Types for US Citizens
The Chinese government issues the following types of visas to US citizens according to the purpose of visiting.
- Tourist Visa (L)
It is issued to those who travel to China for tourism and sightseeing.
- Crew Visa (C)
It is issued to crews of international planes, ships, or trains. It should be applied by the employer on behalf of the crew.
- Student Visa (X)
A Chinese student visa is issued to international students who go to China for study, training, or fieldwork. Applicants should provide an offer issued by an accredited educational institution in China.
- Work Visa (Z)
It is issued to foreign workers. Visa holders can get a paid job or undertake commercial entertainment performances in China.
- Family Visit Visa (S)
It is issued to foreigners who go to China to visit their relatives who are Chinese nationals or foreign residents in China.
- Business Visa (M)
It is issued to foreigners who go to China to visit clients, meet business partners, attend an exhibition, or take part in other commercial and trade activities.
China Visa Requirements for US Citizens
US citizens are eligible to apply for a China tourist visa in the following cases.
- Travel for tourism, family/friend visits, or other short-term leisure activities;
- Intend to travel in the whole country;
- Enter China under visa-free transit policy and wish to stay longer.
Required Documents for China Visa Application
Applicants must prepare a set of documents to prove their identity and purpose of traveling. Here are the required documents for a Chinese tourist visa.
- China Online Visa Application (COVA) Form (available on COVA portal).
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages (both original and photocopy of the bio-data page).
- Photocopy of the previous Chinese visa or the residence permit (if any).
- A recent passport-style photograph compliant with the official photo guidelines.
- Photocopy of proof of residence in the US, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement.
- A handwritten and signed Where You Stay Form.
- If the applicant was a Chinese national and it is the first time that he/she applies for a Chinese visa application after becoming another country’s citizen, the last Chinese passport (original and 2 photocopies of the bio-data page) and a photocopy of naturalization certificate are needed.
- Proof of name change (if any).
If the applicant is a minor (under 18) of Chinese origin born in the US and applies for a China visa for the first time, extra documents below are required.
- Birth certificate of the child.
- Identification documents of both parents.
China Visa Fee for US Citizens
The China visa processing fees are subject to the number of entries and services you choose, which is listed as follows. The fees can be paid by cash, credit/debit card, or money order at the Chinese embassy or consulate when applying. Some may allow online payment options. It is suggested to contact the local consular office for exact information.
| Number of Entry | Regular Processing | Express Processing |
| Single Entry | $140 | $165 |
| Double Entries | ||
| Multiple Entries for 6 Months | ||
| Multiple Entries for at least 12 Months | ||
| Jourist Visa (J1/J2) | $171 | $196 |
How to Apply for a China Tourism Visa for US Citizens
To get a China visa, US citizens should apply in person from the Chinese embassy or consulate in the US.
Fill out the Application Form
The form can be completed online through the steps below.
- Visit the COVA official website and choose where you apply from on the right menu.
- Read the guidelines and click on the “Start an Application” button.
- Provide the required information on the digital form, including type of visa, work information, education, family details, travel history, etc. Make sure all fields marked with an asterisk are filled accurately. Additionally, if you want to quit midway, save the form and note down the application ID at the top to retrieve your application after returning to the website.
- After completing the form, print out the form and sign on it.
Prepare Required Documents
Before going to the visa office, applicants must prepare all the required documents, including passports, visa photos, proof of residence, and so on. If you make photocopies, they must be clear, legible, and complete. It is necessary to note that missing any information or submitting false documents will lead to rejection.
Submit the Application On Site
After everything is ready, applicants should submit all supporting documents at the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C or any of the 4 Consulate Generals. Some might require a prior appointment, so please contact the visa office to check. Here is a list of places that you can submit an application.
| Embassy/Consulate | Address | Contact | States in Jurisdiction |
| Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America | 2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007 | Tel: +1 202-855-1555 (12:30-16:30, Monday to Friday, except for holidays) Fax: +1 202-525-2056 Email for Visa Application: washington_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn | Washington, D.C. Maryland Virginia West Virginia North Carolina South Carolina Kentucky Tennessee Delaware Other territories not listed below |
| Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in New York | 520 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036 | Tel: 212-2449392 / 212-2449456 (9:00 –15:00, Monday–Friday, except weekends and holidays) Fax: (212) 465-1708 Email:ny_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn | Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Vermont Rhode Island |
| Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago | 1 East Erie Street,Suite 500, Chicago,IL 60611 USA | Tel: 312-453-0210 ext. 3000 (9:30am-2:30pm, Monday through Friday) Fax: 312-453-0211 Email for Visa Application: chicago@csm.mfa.gov.cn | Illinois Indiana The state of Iowa Kansas Michigan Minnesota Missouri Wisconsin Nebraska North Dakota South Dakota |
| Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco | 1450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA94115 (Visa Office Entrance at Geary Blvd) | Tel: 415-919-6008 (9:30am-2:30pm, Monday to Friday, except weekends and holidays) Fax: 415-852-5940 Email for Visa Application: sf_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn | Northern California Alaska Nevada Oregon Washington State Idaho Montana Wyoming |
| Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles | 3rd Floor, 500 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90020 | Tel: 1-213-348-1778 (9:30am–11:30am & 1:00pm–3：00pm，Monday to Friday exclude public holidays) Email for Visa Application: la@csm.mfa.gov.cn | Southern California Arizona New Mexico Utah Colorado Hawaii Pacific islands |
Collect the Visa
The authority will inform the applicant by email or by phone when the visa is ready. You should return to the same consular office where you submit the application. Remember to bring a valid identity document and a Master/Visa card, a money order, or a cashier’s check to pay the visa fees. Make sure to check whether the information is correct when picking it up. If there is any mistake, report it to the authority and correct it in time.
How Long Does It Take to Get a China Visa?
The China visa processing time usually takes about 4 business days. If you have to travel urgently, you can pay another $25 for express service which will shorten the processing time to 3 business days. However, please note that the waiting time might vary in some special cases.
How Long Is a Tourist Visa to China?
A single-entry visa is usually valid for 3 months and the tourists are allowed to stay in China for up to 30 days. A multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 10 years and visa holders can travel in and outside China unlimited within validity. The duration of each stay ranges from 30 days to 90 days. Overstaying might lead to fines or other severe punishments. It is advised to check the expiry date on the visa before traveling and avoid overstaying without permission.
Alternatives to Tourist Visa for US Citizens
Besides a regular tourist visa, US citizens can also travel to China in any of the following ways.
Visa-free Transit Policy
Starting on 17 December 2024, the duration of stay for citizens of eligible countries, including the United States, has been extended from 72 hours (3 days) and 144 hours (6 days) to 240 hours (10) days. Here is a complete list of eligible ports and permitted stay areas.
| Provinces, Autonomous Regions, and Municipalities | Eligible Ports | Permitted Stay Areas |
| Beijing | Beijing Daxing International Airport | Beijing Municipality |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport | ||
| Tianjin | Tianjin Binhai International Airport | Tianjin Municipality |
| Tianjin Port(Passenger) | ||
| Hebei | Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport | Hebei Province |
| Qinhuangdao Port(Passenger) | ||
| Liaoning | Shenyang Taoxian International Airport | Liaoning Province |
| Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport | ||
| Dalian Port(Passenger) | ||
| Shanghai | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | Shanghai Municipality |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport | ||
| Shanghai Port(Passenger) | ||
| Jiangsu | Nanjing Lukou International Airport | Jiangsu Province |
| Su’nan Shuofang International Airport | ||
| Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport | ||
| Lianyungang Port(Passenger) | ||
| Zhejiang | Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | Zhejiang Province |
| Ningbo Lishe International Airport | ||
| Wenzhou Longwan International Airport | ||
| Yiwu Airport | ||
| Wenzhou Port (Passenger) | ||
| Zhoushan Port(Passenger) | ||
| Anhui | Hefei Xingiao International Airport | Anhui Province |
| Huangshan Tunxi International Airport | ||
| Fujian | Fuzhou Changle International Airport | Fujian Province |
| Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport | ||
| Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport | ||
| Wuyishan Airport | ||
| Xiamen Port(Passenger) | ||
| Shandong | Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport | Shandong Province |
| Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport | ||
| Yantai Penglai International Airport | ||
| Weihai Dashuipo International Airport | ||
| Qingdao Port(Passenger) | ||
| Henan | Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport | Henan Province |
| Hubei | Wuhan Tianhe International Airport | Hubei Province |
| Hunan | Changsha Huanghua International Airport | Hunan Province |
| Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport | ||
| Guangdong | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | Guangdong Province (Exits available at all open ports across the province) |
| Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport | ||
| Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport | ||
| Nansha Port(Passenger) | ||
| Shekou Port(Passenger) | ||
| Hainan | Haikou Meilan International Airport | Hainan Province |
| Sanya Phoenix International Airport | ||
| Chongqing | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport | Chongqing Municipality |
| Guizhou | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport | Guizhou Province |
| Shaanxi | Xi’an Xianyang International Airport | Shaanxi Province |
| Shanxi | Taiyuan Wusu International Airport | Taiyuan City and Datong City |
| Heilongjiang | Harbin Taiping International Airport | Harbin City |
| Jiangxi | Nanchang Changbei International Airport | Nanchang City and Jingdezhen City |
| Guangxi | Nanning Wuxu International Airport | All cities except Baise and Chongzuo |
| Guilin Liangjiang International Airport | ||
| Beihai Fucheng Airport | ||
| Beihai Port(Passenger) | ||
| Sichuan | Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport | A total of I1 cities: Chengdu, Zigong, Luzhou, Deyang, Suining, Neijiang, Leshan, Yibin, Ya’an, Meishan,and Ziyang |
| Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | ||
| Yunnan | Kunming Changshui International Airport | A total of 9 cities and autonomous Prefectures: Kunming,Yuxi, Chuxiong, Honghe, Wenshan.Pu’er, Xishuangbanna, Dali, and Lijiang |
| Lijiang Sanyi International Airport | ||
| Mohan Railway Port |
Visa for Hong Kong SAR of China
US passport holders can take a short-stay visit to Hong Kong without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, if you want to stay longer or travel to Hong Kong for study, work, business, or residence, you are supposed to apply for a visa on the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department or at a nearby Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General.
Visa for Macao SAR of China
US passport holders can travel to Macao for leisure activities without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, please apply for a visa according to your purpose of visiting from the online portal of Macao SAR Public Security Police Force or the Chinese Embassy/ Consulate General in your country of residence.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Travel to China
As a multi-nationality and vast country, China is a popular tourist destination in all seasons. To enjoy a safe and wonderful trip, these tips will help you.
- Learn about the entry requirements in advance. If you need to apply for a visa, please apply as early as possible before traveling.
- Purchase travel insurance and it is suggested to cover medical treatment, trip cancellation, loss of belongings, or any other emergencies.
- The climate might vary a lot in different parts of the country. Please check the local weather report of the place you will go and prepare proper clothes.
- China has a long history and various food cultures. Be open-minded to the local cuisine and be careful of dietary restrictions, especially when you have allergies.
- Book accommodation beforehand according to your budget and preferences, especially in peak seasons, such as Chinese New Year, National Day Holiday, or summer/winter holiday.
- Familiarize yourself with public transport, including subways and high-speed trains. If you want to take a road trip, you must have a Chinese driver’s license.
- Get acquainted with the address and contact the embassy or consulate of your country in China, so you can ask them for help in an emergency.
FAQ
What is the easiest visa to get in China?
The easiest way is to transit in China and head to another country or territory due to the minimum requirements of visa-free transit policy.
Can US citizens get visa on arrival in China?
No. US citizens must get a visa before arrival.
How to get China visa photo in the US?
There’re many places where you can get China visa photos in the US. You can take photos in a US pharmacy, retail store, photo booth, or studio. To save time and money, you can also make a perfect China visa photo with AiPassportPhotos.
Can I renew or extend my Chinese visa in China?
Yes. You should apply from the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities of China to extend your stay.
What happens if I overstay my visa in China?
Overstaying might lead to fines, deportation, detention, or future visa rejections.
Do children or minors need a visa to travel to China?
Yes. Minors share the same entry requirements as adults.
What happens if my Chinese visa application is denied?
It means you might not be allowed to enter China unless you file an appeal or a new application.
Summary
The United States is one of the eligible countries for 240-hour visa-free transit policy. If US citizens want to travel, work, study, or live in China, they typically need to obtain a visa in person at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the US. Visas are waived if you travel to Hong Kong, Macao, and Hainan and stay for 30-90 days.
Dolores Xiao