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Visa on arrival China

China Visa Requirements, Fees & Application Guide

A visa on arrival is available for China — we prep your documents so the counter is quick.

Flat fee per applicant · government fee paid separately
Licensed Singapore agency (TA04014) Government-sourced Verified 19 August 2026

China visa at a glance

Government visa fee
Free
Processing time
On arrival
Validity
Single transit
Maximum stay
6 days
Visa required?
Passport holders of ~54 eligible countries (incl. Singapore) transiting to a third country/region via designated ports
Arrival card
Paper/electronic arrival card
Official government fees are paid to the authorities and are separate from any HolidaySG service fee. Application support from a licensed Singapore travel agency (TA04014).

Do you need a visa for China?

Travellers from 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. can generally enter China without a visa. A visa on arrival is available for eligible nationalities. Passport holders of ~54 eligible countries (incl. Singapore) transiting to a third country/region via designated ports

Who does NOT need a visa

Passport holders from 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. do not require a visa for China for eligible short visits. Always confirm your passport type and length of stay against the official source before travelling.

Reviewed against official government sources (MFA China (Office of the Commissioner, HK)) · Last verified 19 August 2026 · HolidaySG — licensed Singapore travel agency (TA04014).

Official China visa options

Verified from government sources · 19 Aug 2026
Visa on arrival: Yes e-Visa: No

Visa-free entry (30 days)

Official fee: Free
Validity
Single transit
Max stay
6 days
Time to verify
On arrival
Time to approval
On arrival
Processing time
On arrival
Where to apply
https://www.nia.gov.cn

Who needs it: Passport holders of ~54 eligible countries (incl. Singapore) transiting to a third country/region via designated ports

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.

Required documents

  • Passport valid at least 3 months
  • Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within the allowed window

Arrival card: Paper/electronic arrival card

Extra charges: None

Purpose limited to tourism, business, family visits, transit — not work/study.

Source: MFA China (Office of the Commissioner, HK) · verified 19 Aug 2026. Government fees & rules change — we re-confirm at the time of your application.

L Tourist Visa

Official fee: Varies by nationality & entries (e.g. Singapore residents approx. S$30–100 + service centre fee; US citizens US$185)
Validity
Typically 3 months to multi-year depending on issuance; per issued visa
Max stay
30 days
Time to approval
About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express
Processing time
About 4-7 working days standard; 2-3 days express
Where to apply
https://www.visaforchina.cn

Who needs it: Indian nationals and other non-exempt nationalities travelling for tourism

Required documents

  • 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

Arrival card: Arrival card

Extra charges: CVASC service fee; optional express service

Fingerprint collection required for most applicants aged 14–70.

Source: Chinese Visa Application Service Center · verified 19 Aug 2026. Government fees & rules change — we re-confirm at the time of your application.

30-Day Mutual Visa Exemption (Singapore)

Official fee: Free (SGD 0)
Validity
Per entry
Max stay
30 days
Time to verify
On arrival
Time to approval
On arrival
Processing time
On arrival
Where to apply
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

Who needs it: Holders of ordinary Singapore passports for tourism, business, family/friend visits, exchange visits or transit

Required documents

  • Ordinary Singapore passport valid at least 6 months

Extra charges: None. Paid work/employment requires a work visa obtained in advance.

Source: Official government source · verified 19 Aug 2026. Government fees & rules change — we re-confirm at the time of your application.

Need help applying? HolidaySG handles the paperwork end-to-end.

China visa — frequently asked questions

No. Since 9 February 2024 Singapore ordinary passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days per entry for tourism, business, family visits or transit.
Yes. Indians must obtain a sticker visa in advance through a China Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC), including in-person biometrics (10 fingerprints).
No. Mainland China does not issue a general online tourist e-visa; applications are made in person at a CVASC, apart from the visa-free schemes.
Up to 30 days per entry. The limit resets on each new entry; it is not an annual cap.
Eligible nationalities (incl. Singapore) transiting to a third country via designated ports can stay visa-free (up to 240 hours / 10 days under the expanded scheme), requesting it at border inspection. Indian passport holders are NOT on the eligible list.
No. Paid work or employment requires a proper work (Z) visa and permit obtained before travel.
A passport valid 6+ months, a completed COVA form, a recent photo, round-trip tickets and hotel/invitation proof, plus in-person biometrics at the CVASC.
Standard processing is around 4 working days after submission at the visa centre; expedited options may be available for an extra fee.

Explore more visa guides

e-Visa countriesApply online, no embassy visit.
Visa on arrivalGet your visa at the border.
All visa guidesBrowse every destination.

Ready to apply for your China visa?

HolidaySG handles the paperwork end-to-end — licensed Singapore agency (TA04014).

Ask me anything!
Luna — HolidaySG

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