Planning a trip to China? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from China's official immigration authorities, including which nationalities can enter visa-free.
Quick answer
Most visitors to China need l tourist visa, with an official government fee of Varies by nationality & entries (e.g. Singapore residents approx. S$30–100 + service centre fee; US citizens US$185).
China visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | L Tourist Visa |
| Government fee | Varies by nationality & entries (e.g. Singapore residents approx. S$30–100 + service centre fee; US citizens US$185) |
| Processing time | About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express |
| Validity | Typically 3 months to multi-year depending on issuance; per issued visa |
| Permitted stay | 30 days |
| Where to apply | https://www.visaforchina.cn |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$50 per applicant (usually S$100) |
Who needs a visa for China?
Visa-free: Mutual exemption 30 days: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, UAE, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Georgia and others. Unilateral 30-day exemption to 31 Dec 2026 for ~50 countries incl. Japan, South Korea, Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Poland, Brazil, Argentina, Saudi, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait etc. Also 240-hour visa-free transit at 60 ports for 55 nationalities.
L Tourist Visa: Indian nationals and other non-exempt nationalities travelling for tourism
30-Day Mutual Visa Exemption (Singapore): Holders of ordinary Singapore passports for tourism, business, family/friend visits, exchange visits or transit
China visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry (30 days) | Free | 6 days | On arrival | https://www.nia.gov.cn |
| L Tourist Visa | Varies by nationality & entries (e.g. Singapore residents approx. S$30–100 + service centre fee; US citizens US$185) | 30 days | About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express | https://www.visaforchina.cn |
| 30-Day Mutual Visa Exemption (Singapore) | Free (SGD 0) | 30 days | On arrival | https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/newsroom/media-release/mutual-30-day-visa-exemption-arrangement-between-singapore-and-the-people-s-republic-of-china |
Documents required
For the L Tourist Visa:
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank pages
- Completed COVA online application form (printed & signed)
- Recent colour passport photo
- Proof of round-trip air tickets and hotel booking or invitation
- Biometrics (10 fingerprints) taken in person at CVASC
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- L Tourist Visa: https://www.visaforchina.cn — allow About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express.
- 30-Day Mutual Visa Exemption (Singapore): https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/newsroom/media-release/mutual-30-day-visa-exemption-arrangement-between-singapore-and-the-people-s-republic-of-china — allow On arrival.
- Arrival formalities: Paper/electronic arrival card
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
China visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling China visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for China.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: Paper/electronic arrival card — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your China application.
- Processing: allow About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
Before you travel to China
- Arrival card / declaration: Paper/electronic arrival card
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some CNY).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Good to know
- Purpose limited to tourism, business, family visits, transit — not work/study.
- Fingerprint collection required for most applicants aged 14–70.
China visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a China visa?
L Tourist Visa: Varies by nationality & entries (e.g. Singapore residents approx. S$30–100 + service centre fee; US citizens US$185). HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$50.
How long does it take?
L Tourist Visa: About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express.
Apply for your China visa with HolidaySG
Flat S$50 assistance fee per applicant (usually S$100) — official government fee: Free (exempt) · L Tourist Visa: S$30–100. We check your eligibility, send a personalised document checklist, complete the forms and track your application until the outcome.
Things to do once your China visa is sorted
- {INSTANT} eSIM China Pure Unlimited | Travel SIM China Global Komunika — from IDR 56,168
- {INSTANT} eSim China Big Data Global Komunika — from IDR 67,150
- Kunming Shi Airport (KMG) Transfer (1 way to Kunming Downtown) — from SGD 74
- Pudong Airport (PVG) Transfer (1 way to Pudong Downtown) — from SGD 69
- Qingdao Airport (TAO) Transfer (1 way to Qingdao Downtown) — from SGD 41
- Shanghai Airport (SHA) Transfer (1 way to Shanghai Downtown) — from SGD 46
Official sources
- MFA China (Office of the Commissioner, HK) — verified 19 August 2026
- Chinese Visa Application Service Center — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.