How to Apply for a Chinese Visa – An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Chinese visa is easier than you think. Here we will guide you through the entire process, from determining the right visa type to successfully receiving your passport and visa. You will learn what documents you need to prepare, how to submit your application at the visa application centre, payment methods with different processing speeds, and how to track and collect your visa.

China's 240-hour transit visa exemption (144h➡240h)

The Chinese Immigration Administration issued an announcement on December 17, 2024, which will comprehensively relax and optimize the transit visa exemption policy from now on, extending the stay time of foreigners in the country from the original 72 hours and 144 hours (6 days) to 240 hours (10 days). At the same time, 21 new ports will be added as entry and exit ports for transit visa exemption personnel, and the stay area will be further expanded. Among them, 54 eligible countries including the United Kingdom are included.

Transiting from China to a third country (region), you can enter China without a visa from any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay in the specified area for no more than 240 hours.

The 240-hour transit visa exemption policy applies to 19 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Shaanxi, with the addition of 5 provinces (Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan and Guizhou), totalling 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

Among the newly added 5 provinces, the transit visa exemption personnel's stay and activity areas in Anhui, Hainan and Guizhou are the entire province, the stay and activity areas in Shanxi are Taiyuan and Datong, and the stay and activity areas in Jiangxi are Nanchang and Jingdezhen. The stay and activity areas in Fujian, Hubei and Shaanxi are expanded to the entire province, and the stay and activity areas in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are expanded to the administrative areas of 12 cities including Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi and Laibin.

Foreigners who come to China through the transit visa exemption policy can travel across provinces within the permitted stay and activity areas of the above 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

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Visa Types and Required Materials

Please verify the latest news before travelling.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

First, you need to gather all the necessary paperwork. Here’s what you'll need:

1. Passport

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 2 blank pages for the visa.
• You'll also make a photocopy of the page with your photo and personal details.
• If you have dual nationality, You'll need to bring all your valid passports.

2. Visa Application Form & Photo

• You'll fill out the form online at the China Visa Application Service Centre website.
• You'll need one recent passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background, no hats or sunglasses).
• After printing the form, you'll sign pages 1 and 6.

3. Proof of your residence in the UK (if you are not a UK citizen)

• Show your BRP card, work visa, or student visa as proof.

4. Travel Plans

• You can provide flight and hotel bookings (round trip), or
• An invitation letter from someone in China (with their ID, contact details, and your travel dates).

5. Previous Chinese Visas (If Any)

• If you’ve had a Chinese visa before, you’ll include a photocopy.
• If you used to be a Chinese citizen, you’ll bring your old passport and naturalisation papers.

6. For Children Under 18

• A birth certificate (showing parents’ names).
• A parental consent letter (signed by both parents).
• If parents aren’t UK citizens, you’ll need proof of their UK visa/residence.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• No appointment is needed – You can just go to the London Visa Centre during opening hours.
• What to bring:
• • Printed and signed application form + photo.
  • Passport + photocopies.
  • All supporting documents.
• At the Visa Centre:
• • You’ll take a queue number.
  • Submit your documents + give fingerprints (if you are between 14–70 years old).
  • Pay the fee (see below).
• Tip: Avoid busy times (like mornings) to save waiting.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees

The costs are as follows (as of 2025): Always verify details before applying.

1. Visa Fees

2. Service Fees

Step 4: Track & Collect Your Visa

• You can check the status online on the Visa Centre website.
• Collecting in person:
• • Bring the pick-up form and payment receipt.
  • Check all details (name, dates, entries) – if there’s a mistake, you'll report it immediately!
• Late collection: Unclaimed passports go to the Chinese Embassy after 1 year.

Latest China Entry Requirements and the E-Arrival Card

The E Arrival Card is the mandatory electronic form that most foreign travellers must complete before entering China. It replaces the old paper form and allows arrival information to be recorded more quickly and easily.

Where and How to Complete It

You can fill in the declaration through several official channels:

• On the official website of the National Immigration Administration
• Through the NIA 12367 mobile app
• In the WeChat and Alipay mini programmes by searching “NIA 12367”
• By scanning the official QR code shown at airports and border checkpoints

If you cannot complete it before travelling, you can still do it on arrival:

• At smart machines located at entry ports
• As a last resort, using a paper version

Who Is Exempt

Most visitors must fill in the E Arrival Card, but seven groups are exempt:

1. Holders of a China Permanent Residence Card
2. Holders of a Hong Kong or Macao Travel Permit (non-Chinese citizens)
3. Travellers with group visas or group visa free entry
4. Direct transit passengers within 24 hours who stay in the designated area
5. Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship
6. Travellers using fast-track channels
7. Foreign crew members of international ships, aircraft, or trains

When to Complete It

You must complete the form:

• Within 24 hours before arriving in China
• Once submitted, you will receive a QR code which must be shown to the immigration officer

It is recommended to take a screenshot of the QR code in case you lose connection.
If your information changes (hotel, flight, arrival date), you can simply submit a new declaration.

For more details, see our full China entry requirements and arrival card guide

Chinese Visa Application FAQs

Do I need a visa for China?
Yes, unless you qualify for visa-free transit (e.g., 144-hour rule in cities like Shanghai).

Can I get a visa on arrival?
No – you must apply in advance.

How long can I stay?
Usually 30–90 days for tourist visas.

How fast can I get my visa?
Standard takes 4 working days (faster options available).

China Travel Guide