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China Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EU | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Do you need a Visa?
Our preferred partner VisaCentral can make applying for one fast and easy.
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To enter China, visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure and has at least one blank visa page.
Passport and visa regulations are subject to change, and airlines may have different requirements. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should check with the relevant embassy before departure, particularly when transiting through a third country. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these requirements.
China generally requires visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and EU member states to obtain a tourist visa in advance. However, it has introduced visa-free entry policies for certain nationalities for limited periods and under specific conditions. As these arrangements can change, travellers should check the latest requirements before travelling.
Foreign travellers visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau through an authorised travel agency. Applicants must hold a valid Chinese visa before the permit can be arranged. Independent travel is not permitted, and visits must be organised as part of an approved tour.
Tourist visas are typically issued for single or multiple entries, with stays often limited to 30 or 60 days per visit, depending on the visa granted.
China offers visa-free transit schemes in a number of cities, allowing eligible travellers to stay for a limited period (such as 72 or 144 hours) when transiting to a third country. Conditions vary by city and nationality, and travellers must meet specific requirements, including confirmed onward travel.
Travellers must apply for a visa through a Chinese embassy or consulate, or through authorised visa application centres. Applications generally require a valid passport, completed application form, photographs and supporting documents such as travel itineraries and accommodation details.
Embassies and tourist offices
British Embassy in China
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the USA
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK
Do you need a Visa?
Our preferred partner VisaCentral can make applying for one fast and easy.
With more than 50 years experience CIBT and its subsidiary VisaCentral have become the largest and most well-established travel visa and passport company in the world.
CIBT and its subsidiary VisaCentral has the tools, experience, and global network necessary to effectively reduce the time associated with obtaining travel documents and legalisations.
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