China entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
US passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. The standard option is an eVisa, which you apply for online before traveling. Plan ahead — processing can take a few weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Chinese eVisa at the China Visa Application Service Center website. Processing takes 4-5 business days for standard applications. You need a printed copy of the visa approval to present at check-in and immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | 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 entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Chinese airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in China. Have a printed copy of your booking confirmation or the invitation letter with your host's contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means | Officers may ask for proof you can cover your stay. Carry a recent bank statement or credit card showing available funds. No specific minimum amount is published, but having at least $500 USD equivalent is a safe baseline. | Recommended |
eVisa processing times vary
Processing can take up to 10 business days, and sometimes longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Keep your eVisa printed
Chinese immigration may ask to see a physical copy of your eVisa. Print it out and keep it with your passport. A digital copy on your phone is a backup, not a replacement.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to the official Chinese visa application website and fill out the form. Upload a digital photo and your passport info page. Pay the fee (around $140 for US citizens). Processing takes 4–10 business days.
2
Receive eVisa approval
You'll get an email with your eVisa attached as a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. The visa is usually valid for 90 days from issue, allowing a single entry of up to 30 days.
3
Arrive at Chinese immigration
At the airport, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visa on Arrival' (though you already have the visa). Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address — have them ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After the officer stamps your passport, you're free to collect your bags and proceed through customs. Keep the arrival stamp visible — you'll need it for hotel check-ins.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$140 USD (approx. $140 USD)
For single entry, non-extendable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$180 USD (approx. $180 USD)
For multiple entries, non-extendable.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30-60 days
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost$140-$180 USD (approx. $140-$180 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
Student visa (X visa)
Max stayDuration of study
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$140 USD (approx. $140 USD)
Requires admission letter from Chinese institution.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$140 USD (approx. $140 USD)
For those with a job offer from a Chinese employer. Requires work permit and residence permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of study, up to 5 years
~$140 USD (approx. $140 USD)
For students enrolled in a Chinese educational institution. Requires admission letter and JW201/JW202 form. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor Visa)
1-5 years, renewable
~$140 USD (approx. $140 USD)
For investors with significant capital investment in China. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows long-term residence.
long term resident visa
LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident Visa)
5 years, renewable
~$180 USD (approx. $180 USD)
For high-skilled professionals, researchers, or those with family ties. Requires recommendation from relevant authorities. Offers multiple entries and long stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa feeStandard eVisa processing fee for US citizens. | $140 USD (approx. $140 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For single entry, valid for 30 days. | $140 USD (approx. $140 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for 6 months. | $180 USD (approx. $180 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. | $50 USD per day (approx. $50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
No transit visa needed
US citizens can transit through China without a visa for up to 24 hours at most international airports, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 144 hours in certain cities (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou).
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities often have poor air quality; consider masks and air purifiers.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
High-altitude areas like Tibet require acclimatization.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural areas in Yunnan and Hainan.
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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extension or re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa services. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Practical information for US 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 = 6.81 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. US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival for tourism. You must apply for an eVisa or a traditional visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 4–10 business days. Rush processing is sometimes available for an extra fee, but it's not guaranteed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
The eVisa fee for US passport holders is around $140. This covers a single-entry visa valid for 90 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit.
You must renew your passport first. The 6-month validity is calculated from your date of entry into China, not your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, your visa application will be rejected.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward or return travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. A flexible or refundable ticket is fine.
Extensions are not available for eVisa holders. You must leave before your 30-day stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You can log back into the visa application portal and download a copy. Keep a printed copy and a digital backup on your phone before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.