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Visa Guide

Get your travel authorization sorted

Everything you need to know about obtaining a Chinese visa - from tourist visas to visa-free transit options.

📄 Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Required for most Western travelers

Documents Needed:

  • Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-style photo
  • Proof of travel (flight & hotel bookings)
  • Visa fee (~$140 for US citizens)

⏱️ 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Perfect for short visits! Available for transit through specific regions.

  • •6 days in Shanghai/Jiangsu/Zhejiang
  • •6 days in Beijing/Tianjin/Hebei
  • •Must show proof of onward travel
  • •Available to 53 nationalities

Transit Without a Visa (TWOV) — Not the Same as Visa-Free

The 144-hour transit exemption is technically TWOV (Transit Without a Visa), not "visa-free entry." This distinction matters for the rules.

  • Core rule: You must arrive from Country A and depart to Country B (a different country). Hong Kong and Macau count as "Country B."
  • Cross-province travel: Since December 2024, TWOV travelers can travel across provinces. You can enter in Shanghai and exit from Guangzhou.
  • Example: Fly from Japan → Shanghai, stay up to 144 hours, then fly from Guangzhou → Thailand. This is valid.

For the latest requirements by nationality, check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate, or visit the official NIA website.

💡 Application Tips

  • 1Apply 1-2 months before your trip
  • 2Use CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center)
  • 3Processing takes 4-7 business days
  • 4Single-entry visa valid for 3 months

🔗 Helpful Resources

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