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🇨🇳CHINA
🇺🇸UNITED STATESCN-US

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Yes, Chinese citizens need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, plus EVUS for 10-year visas. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States for tourism, family visits, or short business meetings. Under the U.S.-China reciprocity agreement, B-1/B-2 visas may be issued for up to 10 years with multiple entries, but holders of 10-year visas must also enrol in EVUS and keep it current. CBP decides each stay length at the port of entry.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Maximum stay
CBP decides at entry, often up to 6 months
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
US$185
consular fee only
Processing time
Appointment-dependent
standard track
Validity
Up to 10 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Complete DS-160
Submit the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and save the barcode confirmation page for the interview.
· online· required
/02
Pay MRV and schedule
Create a profile on ustraveldocs.com/cn, pay the US$185 MRV fee, and book the consular interview at Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, or Wuhan.
· US$185· interview required for most
/03
Attend the interview
Bring passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, and supporting documents. Answer questions on purpose, ties, and funding clearly and consistently.
· consular officer· 214(b) standard
/04
Receive passport and visa
If approved, the passport is returned by courier or pickup. Verify visa class, validity, and number of entries before travel.
· post-interview· track online
/05
Enrol in EVUS before travel
Holders of a 10-year B-1/B-2 visa must complete EVUS at evus.gov before each U.S. trip. Re-enrol every two years or when a new passport or visa is issued.
· evus.gov· required for 10-year visas
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Chinese passport
Valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay
DS-160 confirmation page
Barcode must match the appointment profile
Appointment confirmation
Consular interview slot at the assigned post
MRV fee receipt
US$185 non-refundable
Recent visa photo
Bring one printed 51x51mm photo as backup
Employment or business proof
Employer letter, salary records, business licence, or social security records
Funds and tax evidence
Bank statements, property records, tax filings, sponsor proof if applicable
Travel plan
Itinerary, hotel, host invitation, or conference letter
Home ties evidence
Family, property in China, ongoing employment, or business obligations
Prior visa or refusal history
Old passports, prior U.S. visas, and refusal records if any
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
MRV application feeUS$185Non-refundable, State Department
Visa issuance reciprocity feeUS$0China reciprocity, B-1/B-2
EVUS enrolmentUS$30.75Required for 10-year visas (from Jan 1, 2026)
Courier or pickupVariesSet in the scheduling profile
Total estimateUS$185 — US$260+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Appointment wait
Days to weeks
Wait times vary by post. Beijing and Shanghai are typically longest; check the scheduling portal before booking flights.
Passport return
5-12 business days
Typical after approval, but not guaranteed.
Administrative processing
Weeks or longer
Some cases trigger additional review after the interview (often technology-related fields).
Interview waiver
Limited
Tightened in September 2025. Available only for renewals within 12 months of prior visa expiration, applicant aged 18+ at prior issuance, never refused, and no other ineligibility.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient ties to China
The officer is not satisfied you will leave the United States after a temporary visit. Stable employment, property, and family in China weigh heavily.
High
/02
Unclear or implausible purpose
Vague itineraries, mismatched travel plans, or weak event details often trigger 214(b) refusal.
High
/03
Funding mismatch
Trip cost does not align with income, savings, or sponsor evidence.
Medium
/04
DS-160 inconsistencies
Employment, travel history, family, or prior refusal answers conflict with supporting documents or interview responses.
Medium
/05
Prior immigration issues
Past overstays, unauthorized work, or misrepresentation are serious red flags.
Medium
/06
Sensitive field or affiliation concerns
Some study or work fields may receive additional administrative processing.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
CBP inspection
A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.
/02
Customs
Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-26
China to United States route verified
Confirmed US$185 MRV fee, 10-year B-1/B-2 reciprocity, EVUS US$30.75 fee effective Jan 1 2026, and tightened interview-waiver policy.
2025-09-02 · major
Interview waiver eligibility narrowed
State Department restricted dropbox renewals; most first-time and many renewal applicants must now attend an in-person interview.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Does a 10-year visa mean I can stay 10 years?—
No. Visa validity controls when you may seek entry. CBP sets each stay period at the port of entry, usually recorded on the I-94.
What is EVUS and do I need it?+
Can I apply via the dropbox or interview waiver?+
Which consular post should I choose?+
Can I work remotely from the U.S. on B-1/B-2?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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