No. CVASCs require in-person submission. Authorised travel agents can sometimes submit on your behalf with a Power of Attorney.

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🇺🇸UNITED STATES

🇨🇳CHINAUS-CN

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

Q: Do I need fingerprints?

Yes for most first-time applicants aged 14-70. Children under 14, adults over 70, and some renewals may be exempt.

Q: Can I apply at any CVASC?

No. You must apply at the CVASC in your assigned consular jurisdiction based on your US state of residence.

Q: How long can I stay on an L visa?

The visa itself is valid up to 10 years (reciprocity). Each entry typically allows 30 or 60 days, decided at the port of entry and stamped in the passport.

Yes, U.S. citizens need a Chinese visa — but 240-hour visa-free transit covers third-country trips. U.S. ordinary passport holders need a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) for normal tourism trips. China also offers a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program at 65 ports across 24 provinces and municipalities for travellers continuing to a third country. Returning directly to the United States does not qualify for the transit policy. China-U.S. reciprocity allows multi-year, multi-entry visas with up to 10-year validity in many cases.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE 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.

United States (Green Card)Living in United States as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26

Visa type

L visa (tourism) or 240-hour visa-free transit

Maximum stay

30 or 60 days per entry (L visa); up to 240 hours (transit)

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 140 (consular); USD 185 via CVASC

consular fee only

Processing time

4 working days (standard)

standard track

Validity

Up to 10 years (multi-entry, reciprocity)

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Decide visa or transit

If returning directly to the US, you need an L visa. If continuing to a third country and entering at a qualifying port, the 240-hour visa-free transit applies — no visa required.

· check eligibility

/02

L visa: complete the online form

Fill in the China Online Visa Application (COVA) form at the CVASC website. Print the confirmation page.

· COVA online

/03

Book CVASC appointment

Book at the China Visa Application Service Center in your jurisdiction (Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, etc.). In-person submission and fingerprints are required for first-time L visa applicants under 70.

· CVASC in person

/04

Submit documents and biometrics

Attend with passport, COVA confirmation, photo, supporting documents (itinerary, hotel, invitation if any), and the visa fee.

· fingerprints· first-timers

/05

Collect and travel

Pick up the passport with visa sticker after 4 working days (express options available). At arrival, also fill the China Arrival Card if required.

· passport with sticker

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

U.S. passport

Valid at least 6 months from entry, with 2 blank pages

COVA confirmation page

Printed from the China Online Visa Application portal

Recent passport photo

33x48mm, white background, ICAO compliant

Travel plan

Itinerary, flights, and hotel bookings

Invitation letter

If visiting individuals or organisations in China

Proof of US status

Driver's licence or state ID showing residence in CVASC jurisdiction

Funds evidence

Bank statements or credit cards if requested

Previous Chinese visas

Old passports with prior visas help build trust

Health information

Health declaration on arrival; check current rules

Return / onward ticket

Required for the 240-hour transit option

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Consular L visa fee (US passports)USD 140Reciprocity basis; same for single, double, or multiple entry

CVASC service feeUSD 45-112Depending on speed

Express processing+USD 252-3 working days

Rush (same-day) processing+USD 371 working day, where available

240-hour visa-free transitFreeIf continuing to a third country at a qualifying port

Total estimateUSD 140 — USD 250+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard L visa

4 working days

From drop-off at CVASC. Excludes US and Chinese public holidays.

Express L visa

2-3 working days

Optional, +USD 25

Rush (same-day)

1 working day

Optional where available, +USD 37

240-hour transit

At airport

Free, no advance application required at qualifying ports.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Incomplete COVA or documents

Missing or inconsistent details in the online form, photo, or supporting documents.

High

/02

Wrong consulate jurisdiction

Applying outside your assigned jurisdiction can delay or block the application.

Medium

/03

Sensitive activity declarations

Reporting media, religious, or political activities can require additional review.

Medium

/04

Previous overstays or visa issues

Past Chinese overstays, refusals, or breaches weigh on the new application.

Medium

/05

Transit policy misuse

Trying to use 240-hour transit to enter without genuine onward travel can lead to refusal at the airport.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Use the foreign visitor lanes, keep hotel or invitation details handy, and make sure your entry purpose matches the visa-free category.

/02

Registration

Hotels normally register foreign guests automatically. If staying in a private residence, complete temporary residence registration with local police within 24 hours.

/03

Connectivity

Install maps, translation, and payment apps before travel. Some foreign services may not work reliably without roaming or a compliant VPN.

/08 — The history