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How to Get a Visa to China 🇨🇳 for United States 🇺🇸 Citizens

📅 Max stay: 90 days 🔄 Multiple entry 💰 Fee: Varies ⏱ Processing: 4 working days ✅ No fingerprints ✅ No bookings needed
🔄 Just passing through?No visa needed — 240h

If China is a stopover on your way to another country — not your final destination — US citizens can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) without any visa. This is China's Visa-Free Transit policy, separate from the standard tourist visa. It covers 65 entry ports across 24 provinces, making it viable for multi-city stopovers in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, and more.

ℹ️ 240 hours = 10 days. This is a transit-only allowance for travelers passing through China on the way to a third country — not for visiting China as your final destination.

Show requirements & details ▾Requirements:
  • Your onward destination must be a third country or region — not the United States. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan each count as distinct destinations.
  • Hold a confirmed onward transportation ticket (flight, train, or ship) departing China within 240 hours of your arrival
  • Enter and exit through one of 65 designated ports across 24 provinces (airports, land crossings, or sea ports)
  • Complete the Digital Arrival Card online at s.nia.gov.cn or via the NIA 12367 app within 72 hours before your flight lands — mandatory since November 2025
  • Remain within the 24 designated provinces and regions during your transit stay

⏱ How the clock works:The 240-hour clock starts at 00:00 on the day after you enter China — not from your landing time. A late-night arrival effectively gives you an extra partial day to work with.

📍 Port & province coverage:24 provinces covered: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi (Taiyuan & Datong only), Anhui, Jiangxi, and Guizhou. You can travel freely between all covered cities during your stay.

📄 Official source: China State Council — Visa-Free Transit Policy Fully Relaxed (Dec 2024) ↗

The essentials in 30 seconds: 🇨🇳 Yes — you need to apply for a visa. Visa type: Tourist Visa (L). Max stay: 90 days. Total time: 1–3 weeks from start to finish.

📅 Last verified: 2026-06-06

📋 Gather these documents first

Check each off as you gather it.

🪜 The steps

Go to cova.mfa.gov.cn, create an account, and complete your application. Upload your passport-style photo and any required documents. Your application undergoes an initial online review (3–5 days).
When COVA displays 'Passport to be submitted,' print the confirmation page — you'll need it when visiting the consulate.
Bring your passport, printed COVA confirmation, a recent photo, and proof of US residence. Check the consulate website for current appointment or walk-in hours. COVA-authorized visa service companies can submit on your behalf in some cities.
Pay the applicable fee at the counter. US applicants typically pay around $185. Accepted payment methods vary by location — confirm with your consulate or service center in advance.
Standard processing takes 4 working days. Pick up your passport with the visa in person, or arrange courier return if the consulate offers that service.
Processing time

Standard: 4 working days
Expedite: 2–3 working days (additional fee applies)

Fees

Approximately $185 USD for US citizens, set by the US-China bilateral fee agreement. Confirm the current fee with your nearest Chinese consulate before applying.

Where to apply

Chinese Embassy
Washington, D.C.
📍 3505 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
📞 +1 (202) 495-2266
🗺 Directions 🔗 Official site
Chinese Consulate-General
New York
📍 520 12th Ave, New York, NY 10036
📞 +1 (212) 244-9456
🗺 Directions 🔗 Official site
Chinese Consulate-General
San Francisco
📍 1450 Laguna St, San Francisco, CA 94115
📞 +1 (415) 852-5900
🗺 Directions 🔗 Official site
Chinese Consulate-General
Los Angeles
📍 443 Shatto Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90020
📞 +1 (213) 807-8088
🗺 Directions 🔗 Official site
Chinese Consulate-General
Chicago
📍 100 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
📞 +1 (312) 803-0095
🗺 Directions 🔗 Official site

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The United States is not on China's visa-free list. You must obtain a tourist (L) visa before traveling.
Up to 90 days per visit on a standard tourist (L) visa — more than enough for most trips.
Yes. Under the US-China bilateral visa agreement, American citizens are eligible for a 10-year, multiple-entry tourist visa. Request the maximum validity when completing your COVA application.
No — since 2024, tourist visa applications no longer require proof of hotel bookings, flight tickets, or a day-by-day itinerary.
Fingerprinting has been waived for tourist (L) visas through the end of 2026.
Apply at the Chinese consulate whose jurisdiction covers your state of residence. There are six locations: Washington D.C. (Embassy), New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. Check the embassy website for state-level jurisdiction maps.
If China is a layover on your way to a third country — not your final destination — US citizens can enter China and stay up to 240 hours (10 days) without any visa. This is completely separate from the standard tourist visa. You need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country, must enter through one of 65 designated ports, and must complete the Digital Arrival Card (s.nia.gov.cn) within 72 hours before arrival. The 240-hour clock starts at 00:00 the day after you land, not from landing time. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan each count as separate third destinations.
Yes — if you are transiting to a third country. The 240-hour transit policy covers 24 provinces including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Sichuan (Chengdu), Shaanxi (Xi'an), Yunnan (Kunming), and Hainan. You can travel freely between covered cities during your 10-day transit window. This makes China a genuinely viable multi-city stopover destination without a visa.

Official sources