China entry requirements for Indonesia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indonesian passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. Apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for tourism. Processing can take a week or more, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Indonesian passport holders need a visa to enter China. Submit your application through the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) at visaforchina.cn. Processing takes 4-7 working days for standard service, and you must apply in person at the nearest Chinese embassy or visa center.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. Have at least two blank visa pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Chinese airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you will leave China before your visa expires. Airlines also check this at check-in — without it, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in China ready. Immigration rarely asks, but the visa application requires it, and officers may request it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient financial means | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Officers rarely check this for visa holders, but having proof avoids delays if asked. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply before you fly
There is no visa on arrival or visa-free entry for Indonesian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Chinese embassy or visa centre before departure. Processing takes at least a week, so plan ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter China, not from when you leave. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your application at the Chinese embassy or visa application centre in Indonesia. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, a recent passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and sometimes an invitation letter. Processing takes 4–7 working days. Fees vary by visa type and processing speed — expect around IDR 500,000–1,000,000 for a standard tourist visa.
2
Prepare your documents
Before you travel, print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, flight tickets, hotel confirmations, and insurance. Keep them in a separate bag from your passport.
3
Arrive at a Chinese airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Answer questions clearly. You'll be given a small arrival card to fill out — keep it with your passport until you leave.
4
Register with local police (if staying long-term)
If you're staying in a private residence (not a hotel), you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically for you.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Indonesia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostIDR 1,500,000 (~$100 USD)
Standard option for short visits. Must apply at Chinese embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostIDR 3,000,000 (~$200 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30–60 days, extendable
Validity3–6 months
CostIDR 2,000,000 (~$133 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company. Allows longer stays.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
IDR 3,000,000 (~$200 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in China. Requires employer to obtain a work permit and invitation letter. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
IDR 2,000,000 (~$133 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
R Visa (Talent/Investor Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
IDR 5,000,000 (~$333 USD) plus investment
For high-skilled professionals or investors meeting specific criteria. Requires significant investment or recognized talent.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | IDR 1,500,000 (~$100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, max 30 days per stay. | IDR 3,000,000 (~$200 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of IDR 10,000,000 (~$667 USD). | IDR 500,000 (~$33 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through China
Transit visa required
Indonesia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in China unless they qualify for the 24-hour visa-free transit at major airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen countries may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours at certain airports.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have periodic high pollution levels; sensitive individuals should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in rural parts of Yunnan and Hainan provinces. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard itineraries.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2, Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Efficient service for visa-related issues. Online appointment recommended.
Practical information for ID travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.8 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Indonesian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in China. You must have a visa before you fly. The only exception is for certain transit passengers staying under 24 hours in specific cities — but that doesn't apply to most tourists.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. Expedited service (2–3 days) is available at some centres for an extra fee. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Fees vary by visa type and processing speed. A standard single-entry tourist visa typically costs around IDR 500,000–1,000,000. Check the latest fees at the Chinese visa application centre in Jakarta or Surabaya.
Yes. You'll need to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing your entry and exit from China. It doesn't have to be a fully paid ticket — a reservation from a travel agent is usually accepted.
Yes, but it's not guaranteed. You can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days. You'll need a valid reason, such as illness or travel delays. Start the process at least 7 days before your visa expires.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 500 RMB per day (up to 10,000 RMB) and may be detained or banned from re-entering China. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in time.
If you're staying in a hotel, they'll register you automatically. If you're staying in a private home, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.