Skip to content
9 ways to enter

China visas

China tourist visa

The L visa is for tourism. Some passport holders can visit without a visa, and separate visa-free schemes cover certain regions and tour groups.

Ways to get a China tourist visa

  1. L tourist visa

    Visa needed

    People travelling to mainland China for tourism.

    Stay
    As shown on the visa.
    1. Apply through a travel agency or the Chinese embassy, consulate or appointed visa application centre.
    2. Complete the form on a computer and sign it by hand.
    3. Submit your passport and supporting documents, and provide fingerprints.

  2. Visa-free entry under permanent arrangements

    No visa needed

    Holders of ordinary passports from the listed countries.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days for Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and San Marino; 60 days for Mauritius; 30 days for the other listed countries.

  3. Temporary 30-day visa-free entry

    No visa needed

    Holders of ordinary passports from the listed countries during the temporary exemption period.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.
    Valid for
    The exemption runs until 31 December 2026, except for Russia, where it runs until 31 December 2027.

  4. Hainan 30-day visa-free entry

    No visa needed

    Citizens of the 59 eligible countries visiting Hainan for an allowed purpose. The United Kingdom entry applies to British citizens only.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days in Hainan.

  5. Visa-free organised tour groups

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from Moldova and Turkmenistan travelling in groups organised by authorised travel agencies.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

    Passports that qualify (2)

    1. Book a tour group organised by an authorised travel agency.
    2. Travel as part of that group.

  6. Hainan tour groups from Hong Kong or Macau

    No visa needed

    Foreign tour groups of at least two people arriving in Hainan from Hong Kong or Macau.

    Stay
    Up to 144 hours, or 6 days.

  7. Cruise tour group visa-free entry

    No visa needed

    Travellers who would otherwise need a visa and arrive by cruise ship in an approved tour group of at least two people.

    Stay
    Up to 15 days, counted from the day after arrival.
    1. Join an approved cruise tour group of at least two people.
    2. Enter through an eligible coastal cruise port.
    3. Remain with the cruise ship for the trip.

  8. Visa-free tour groups to Guilin or Xishuangbanna

    No visa needed

    Tourists from the listed Southeast Asian countries travelling in an approved tour group.

    Stay
    Up to 6 days.
    1. Join an approved tour group.
    2. Enter and leave through Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or, for Xishuangbanna, Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port or Mohan Highway Port.

  9. Pearl River Delta tour groups from Hong Kong or Macau

    No visa needed

    Visitors to Hong Kong or Macau who are citizens of a country with diplomatic relations with China and join a tour organised by a travel agency based in Hong Kong or Macau.

    Stay
    Up to 6 days.
    1. Join a tour group organised by a travel agency based in Hong Kong or Macau.
    2. Keep the visit within the permitted cities and the 6-day limit.

Who needs it

Tourists who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another entry scheme need an L tourist visa before travelling.

Who doesn't

Eligible ordinary passport holders can visit without a visa for 30, 60 or 90 days. Other exemptions apply to certain regional visits and approved tour groups.

How to apply

  1. Apply through a travel agency or the Chinese embassy, consulate or its appointed visa application centre.
  2. Complete the application form on a computer and sign the declaration by hand.
  3. Submit your passport, application and supporting documents.
  4. Provide fingerprints as part of the application process.

What to bring

  • Passport.
  • Completed and signed visa application form.
  • An invitation letter, or paid return tickets and hotel bookings covering the stay.

Good to know

  • Enter before the visa expires and while it still has an unused entry.
  • Leave before the permitted stay ends, or apply locally for an extension before it ends.
  • Register your accommodation when staying for more than 24 hours. Hotels handle registration during check-in.
  • Visa validity is the period when you can enter. It is different from the length of each permitted stay.
  • A visa extension is not guaranteed.
  • Tibet requires a separate travel permit for many visitors.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for China?

Tourists who do not qualify for visa-free entry or another entry scheme need an L tourist visa before travelling. Eligible ordinary passport holders can visit without a visa for 30, 60 or 90 days. Other exemptions apply to certain regional visits and approved tour groups.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for China?

There are 9 options: L tourist visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free entry under permanent arrangements (no visa at all); Temporary 30-day visa-free entry (no visa at all); Hainan 30-day visa-free entry (no visa at all); Visa-free organised tour groups (no visa at all); Hainan tour groups from Hong Kong or Macau (no visa at all); Cruise tour group visa-free entry (no visa at all); Visa-free tour groups to Guilin or Xishuangbanna (no visa at all); Pearl River Delta tour groups from Hong Kong or Macau (no visa at all).

Who can go to China without a tourist visa?

Holders of ordinary passports from the listed countries. Holders of ordinary passports from the listed countries during the temporary exemption period. Citizens of the 59 eligible countries visiting Hainan for an allowed purpose. The United Kingdom entry applies to British citizens only. Ordinary passport holders from Moldova and Turkmenistan travelling in groups organised by authorised travel agencies. Foreign tour groups of at least two people arriving in Hainan from Hong Kong or Macau. Travellers who would otherwise need a visa and arrive by cruise ship in an approved tour group of at least two people. Tourists from the listed Southeast Asian countries travelling in an approved tour group. Visitors to Hong Kong or Macau who are citizens of a country with diplomatic relations with China and join a tour organised by a travel agency based in Hong Kong or Macau.

How long can I stay on a China tourist visa?

The permitted stay is shown on the visa.

What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?

Passport.; Completed and signed visa application form.; An invitation letter, or paid return tickets and hotel bookings covering the stay..

How do I apply for a China tourist visa?

1. 1. Apply through a travel agency or the Chinese embassy, consulate or its appointed visa application centre. 2. 2. Complete the application form on a computer and sign the declaration by hand. 3. 3. Submit your passport, application and supporting documents. 4. 4. Provide fingerprints as part of the application process.

What rules do I have to follow on a China tourist visa?

Enter before the visa expires and while it still has an unused entry. Leave before the permitted stay ends, or apply locally for an extension before it ends. Register your accommodation when staying for more than 24 hours. Hotels handle registration during check-in.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for China?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the China visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for China be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest China tourist visa rules?

On China's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Reviewed by