All visitors traveling to mainland China whether for business or pleasure, require a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the duration of your intended stay. Visas are issued through Chinese embassies and consulates overseas. It's very difficult to obtain a China visa at the Chinese border entry points.

Single-Entry Visa

Single-entry China visas are usually valid for 3 months after the issue date, and will permit you to stay in China for a maximum of 30 days. This visa will allow you to travel as a tourist or conduct general business activities. Most people need only to apply for a single-entry.

Double-Entry Visa

If you need to leave and re-enter mainland China, you need to apply for double-entry visa. Please keep in mind that, when you leave from Mainland China for Hong Kong and Macau, you will need to have a double-entry visa if you want to re-enter Mainland China.

Hong Kong & Macau

Residents of most countries can enter Hong Kong without applying for a visa in advance and are allowed to stay for 90 days. A visa will be issued upon arrival.

Residents of 65 countries, including the United States, Japan and European countries, can enter Macau without applying for a visa in advance. A visa will be issued at the border control, and it allows a stay of 30 days.

Travelers who leave Mainland China for Hong Kong and Macau will need to apply for a new visa or double-entry visa, if they wish to re-enter Mainland China.

Visas are not required for transit passengers who hold tickets and have booked seats on international airliners flying on route to a third country no more than 24 hours in advance.

Please check with the Chinese embassy in your country of residence for the most up-to-date information.

* TourdeChina could provide invitation letter for you apply the Chinese visa if you book the tour with us.

Types of China Visa

Ordinary visa consists of eight sub-categories, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters L, F, Z, X, C, G, D, J-1 and J-2.

L (tourist visa): Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs.

F (business visa): Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for visit, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and culture exchanges or short-term advanced studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months.

Z (work visa): Issued to an applicant who is to take up a post or employment in China, and their accompanying family members.

X (student visa): Issued to an applicant who comes to China for the purpose of study, advanced studies or intern practice for a period over six months.

C (crew visa) Visa: Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and family members accompanying them.

G (transit visa): Issued to those who transit through China.

D (resident visa): Issued to applicant who is to reside permanently in China.

J-1 (journalist visa): Issued to foreign resident correspondents in China.

J-2 (journalist visa): Issued to foreign correspondents on temporary interview missions in China.

Tibet Travel Permit

Chinese government regulations forbids independant travelers from traveling to Tibet. Travelers need to obtain a valid China visa and a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet. Tibet Travel Permits are issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, and can only be obtained through travel agencies. According to government regulations, travel agencies can obtain Tibet Travel Permits for tourists, only when the tourists have booked a Tibet tour with the travel agency.

* TourdeChina offers great Tibet tour packages and we will also take care of your Tibet travel permit. It is suggested that you book and confirm the tour with us at least 15 days before you enter Tibet, to ensure enough time for application paperwork and formalities.