🌏 China's Visa-Free Policy: Check if Your Country Is on the List!

1、Last Updated: 2027-07-23 2、This data is cross-referenced from official sources. Policies can change, so we recommend double-checking with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before your trip. 3、The mutual visa exemption mentioned here applies to ordinary passport holders, meaning individuals who are not officials or business travelers.

• UX (单) : Unilateral Exemption (中国单方面免签)

• BA (双) : Bilateral Agreement (双边互免协定)

• TE (过) : Transit Exemption (过境免签)

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Chinese Tourist (L) Visa

Official Visa Center Website: https://bio.visaforchina.cn/MEL3_EN/qianzhengyewu

Before you do anything else, visit this website. It is the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center portal. Select your country/city to find the most accurate and up-to-date information you'll need. It is your single source of truth.

Part A: Gather Your Core Documents (The Checklist) 📋

1. 🛂 Passport
• Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of entry into China.
• Blank Pages: Must have at least two completely blank visa pages. (This is for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps).

2. ✍️ Visa Application Form
• This is typically filled out online through the official Visa Center website linked above.

3. 📸 Photo
• You'll need a recent, front-facing, color passport-style photo with a plain white background. You should not be wearing a hat.
• Specific Size: 48mm × 33mm.
• Pro-Tip: Don't try to take this yourself. Go to a professional photo service and tell them it's for a Chinese visa application; they often know the exact requirements.

4. ✈️ Proof of Travel
• You need to provide EITHER a flight & hotel itinerary OR an invitation letter.
• Option 1: A round-trip flight booking confirmation and hotel reservations that cover your entire stay in China.
• Option 2: An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China.

5. 🏠 Proof of Residence (If Applicable)
• If you are applying in a country that is not your country of citizenship, you must provide proof of your legal residence status (e.g., a residence permit, work visa, etc.).

Part B: Submit Your Application 🗂️

1. Find the Right Place to Apply
• Important: You do not apply directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. You apply at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
• Think of the Visa Center as a helpful assistant. Their job is to help you check your documents and submit them correctly. The consular officers at the Embassy/Consulate are the ones who actually review and approve the visa. This system makes the process much faster and more efficient.

2. Book an Appointment Online
• Most, if not all, Visa Centers require you to book an appointment online before you can go in to submit your documents.

3. Submit, Pay, and Provide Fingerprints
• You will need to go to the Visa Center in person (or have an authorized agent go for you, if allowed) to submit your documents, pay the visa fee, and have your fingerprints taken.

Part C: Wait and Collect Your Passport 📮

• Regular Service: Usually takes around 4 business days.

• Express Service: Usually takes around 3 business days.

• Rush Service: Usually takes around 2 business days.

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