China Visa Guide 2025: Visa-Free Entry, Application Process, Fees, and Transit Rules Explained
China Visa Guide 2025 explains visa-free entry, application steps, fees, transit policies, and travel tips for 190+ nationalities worldwide.
China Visa Guide 2025: Key Points
- China Visa Guide 2025 details visa-free entry for 45 nations and mutual visa-free deals with 9 others.
- 240-hour visa-free transit now extends to 60 ports in 24 provinces for 157 countries.
- 10-year multiple-entry visas remain valid for US and Canadian citizens.
- Biometric exemptions for India, USA, UK, EU, and Australia (short-term).
- Covers visa fees, document checklist, overstay penalties, and global embassy links.
TheInterviewTimes.com | November 7, 2025 — As global travel rebounds, China Visa Guide 2025 offers a comprehensive overview for visitors planning trips to the world’s second-largest economy. From new visa-free entry policies for 45 nations to the 240-hour transit visa covering 157 countries, China has streamlined its entry rules for tourists, business visitors, and students alike. This detailed guide outlines every requirement — visa categories, application steps, document checklists, fees, and official links — to help travellers prepare confidently for their 2025 journeys.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter China in 2025?
According to the China Visa Guide 2025, visa requirements vary by nationality. Mainland China currently offers three categories — unilateral visa-free, mutual visa-free, and visa-required entry.
| Nationality Group | Visa Policy (Mainland China) | Duration | Valid Until |
| 45 Countries – 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free | No visa needed (tourism/business/transit) | 30 days | Dec 31, 2026 |
| 9 Countries – Mutual Visa-Free | No visa needed (all purposes) | Unlimited stays | Permanent |
| All Other 140+ Countries (India, USA, Canada, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, etc.) | Visa required before arrival | – | – |
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30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Countries (45):
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Monaco, Serbia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain.
Mutual Visa-Free Countries (9)
Singapore, Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Qatar (some overlap).
China Visa Guide 2025: Good News
- The 240-hour visa-free transit now covers 60 ports across 24 provinces for 157 nationalities including India, USA, and Brazil.
- 10-year multiple-entry visas for USA/Canada remain active.
- 5-year multiple-entry visas available for many EU, UK, and Australian citizens.
China Visa Guide 2025: Types of China Visas
The China Visa Guide 2025 identifies several visa types based on purpose and duration:
| Visa | Purpose | Max Stay | Entries |
| L | Tourism / Family visit | 30–90 days | Single/Double/Multiple |
| M | Business / Trade fairs | 30–90 days | Multiple |
| F | Exchanges / Lectures | 30–180 days | Multiple |
| Z | Work | 30 days → Residence Permit | Single |
| X1/X2 | Study | X1: >180d, X2: <180d | Single |
| Q1/Q2 | Family reunion | Q1: >180d, Q2: <180d | Multiple |
| S1/S2 | Private visit | Same as Q | Multiple |
| G | Transit | As needed | Single/Double |
| C | Crew | – | Multiple |
| J1/J2 | Journalist | J1: >180d | Multiple |
China Visa Guide 2025: Visa Requirement by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required? | Best Option | Notes |
| France, Germany, UK, Australia, UAE (45) | No | 30-day visa-free | Until Dec 2026 |
| Singapore, Thailand | No | Unlimited | Permanent |
| USA | Yes | 10-year multiple L/M | $140 flat fee |
| Canada | Yes | 5–10-year multiple | Reciprocal |
| India | Yes | 30-day L | Biometric exempt 2025 |
| Pakistan | Yes | Embassy only | Invitation mandatory |
| Nigeria | Yes | Strict process | Bank + police clearance |
| Brazil | Yes | 90-day multiple | Fast approval |
| South Africa | Yes | 30-day L | Normal |
| Japan, Korea | No | 30-day visa-free | Until 2026 |
| Russia | No | Mutual | Unlimited |
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China Visa Guide 2025: Required Documents (Global Checklist)
| Document | Who Needs It | Details |
| Passport | Everyone | 6+ months validity, 3 blank pages |
| Photo | Everyone | 33×48mm, white background |
| COVA Form | Everyone | cova.mfa.gov.cn |
| Flight + Hotel | Tourist L | Confirmed bookings |
| Invitation Letter | M/F/Q/S | From company or citizen |
| Bank Statements | India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines | 6 months, min balance |
| Employment Letter | Most | Salary + leave approval |
| Police Clearance | Some African nationals | Apostilled original |
| Old Passports | India, Pakistan (first-time) | To show travel history |
| Biometrics | Exempt: India, USA, UK, EU, Australia | Short-term visas only |
China Visa Guide 2025: How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Fill COVA Form: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn
- Book Appointment: https://www.visaforchina.cn
- Pay Fees: Cash or card at center.
- Processing: 4 working days (regular), 2–3 days (express).
- Collect Passport: In person or courier (+fee).
There are over 300 Chinese visa centers operating across 110 countries.
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China Visa Fees 2025 (in USD)
| Nationality | Single | Double | 6-Month | 1-Year | 5/10-Year |
| USA | $140 | $140 | $140 | $140 | $140 (10-yr) |
| Canada | $100 | $130 | $160 | $200 | $250 |
| UK | $130 | $190 | $260 | $390 | $650 (5-yr) |
| EU | €80–127 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Up to 5-yr |
| Australia | AUD 110 | AUD 165 | AUD 220 | AUD 330 | 5-yr common |
| India | ₹3,800 | ₹5,700 | ₹7,600 | ₹11,400 | Rare |
| Brazil | BRL 400 | BRL 600 | BRL 800 | – | – |
| Nigeria | $130 | $190 | $260 | – | – |
| Pakistan | Free | Free | Free | Free | Special |
Service fee: $20–50 per application
Express: +$20–40
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China Visa Guide 2025: e-Visa and Visa on Arrival Options
| Option | Available? | Who Can Use | Where |
| Full e-Visa | No | – | – |
| Hainan 30-Day Visa on Arrival | Yes | 59 countries (excl. India, Nigeria, Pakistan) | Haikou/Sanya |
| Shanghai 144h Transit | Yes | 157 countries | Shanghai/Jiangsu/Zhejiang |
| Beijing 240h Transit | Yes | 157 countries | Beijing/Tianjin/Hebei |
| Guangdong 144h | Yes | 157 countries | Guangzhou/Shenzhen |
| Port Visa (24h/144h) | Emergency | All | 18 ports |
Pro Tip: Use the 240-hour transit visa-free option to explore up to 10 provinces by flying in and out of different Chinese cities.
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China Visa Guide 2025: Visa Extension and Overstay Rules
- Extension: Apply at local PSB 7 days before expiry (Tourist L → +30 days once).
- Cost: 160–400 CNY.
- Overstay Penalties:
- Fine: 500 CNY/day (max 20,000 CNY).
- Detention: 5–15 days possible.
- Re-entry ban: 1–10 years.
Health and Entry Rules (November 2025)
- No COVID tests or vaccination proof required.
- No health declaration form.
- Normal entry resumed since March 2024.
China Visa Guide 2025: Pro Tips by Region
| Nationality | Pro Tip |
| USA/Canada | Apply for 10-year visa — valid until passport expiry |
| India | Use Delhi/Mumbai centers — fastest processing |
| Africa | Apply 2 months early — added scrutiny |
| First-Timers | Include old passports + bank proof |
| Everyone | Register at local police within 24 hours |
| Transit Travellers | Book A→China→B flights (different countries) |
China Visa Guide 2025: Official Links
- COVA Form: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn
- Visa Centers Worldwide: https://www.visaforchina.cn
- 240h Transit List: https://en.nia.gov.cn
- Embassy Locator: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn
- Track Application: Check your local visa center portal.
China Visa Guide 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I’m American — do I need a visa?
A: Yes, but 10-year multiple-entry visas are available for $140.
Q: Can Indians get a visa on arrival?
A: No, apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Q: Is the 240-hour transit visa-free?
A: Yes, for 157 nationalities under defined zones.
Q: How long does approval take in London?
A: 4 days regular, 2 days express.
Q: What if I overstay by 3 days?
A: Expect a fine of 1,500 CNY and a warning.
Q: Can I visit Tibet?
A: Yes, with a Tibet Travel Permit via a licensed Chinese agency.
Q: Best city for first-time travellers?
A: Shanghai (144-hour transit) or Beijing (240-hour visa-free).
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China), National Immigration Administration, VisaForChina.cn, and official visa centers worldwide (as of November 2025).