Get a China Visa

Tourist Travel Requirements for a China Visa for Chinese Citizens

Mandatory Arrival Card

All travellers to China are required to apply for an Arrival Card before arrival. The arrival card can be applied for here free of charge.
The following categories are not required to apply for an arrival card:
- Travellers transiting through China without leaving the airport
- Crew members of international aircraft or ships
- Travellers entering and departing China by cruise ship
- Travellers holding a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
- Permanent residents of China
Visa Exempt

No visa is required. Travellers must hold a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents.

Mandatory Arrival Card

All travellers to China are required to apply for an Arrival Card before arrival. The arrival card can be applied for here free of charge.
The following categories are not required to apply for an arrival card:
- Travellers transiting through China without leaving the airport
- Crew members of international aircraft or ships
- Travellers entering and departing China by cruise ship
- Travellers holding a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
- Permanent residents of China
Visa Exempt

No visa is required. Travellers must hold a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents.

When is the best time to apply for my China visa?
The best time to apply for your China visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we may be able to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy’s discretion.
Do I have to send you my passport to get a China visa? Is it safe to send a passport?
Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The China visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application by a secure method, such as a guaranteed postal service or courier.