Tourist / visitor for US citizens travelling to China
US citizens normally need a visa before travel to mainland China for tourism. Use the official Chinese visa application service or your nearest embassy or consulate, and read U.S. Embassy travel information (opens in a new tab).
For a US citizen passport. Lawful permanent residents and other statuses can follow different rules.
Key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it's for | US citizen passport holders on short tourism trips. · China visa application service (opens in a new tab) |
| Maximum stay | As granted on your visa. · China visa application service (opens in a new tab) |
| Cost | Visa fee published by the embassy or application centre. · China visa application service (opens in a new tab) |
| Processing time | See the official portal or embassy. · China visa application service (opens in a new tab) |
| How to apply | Chinese visa application centre or embassy/consulate for your jurisdiction. · China visa application service (opens in a new tab) |
Each fact above is linked to the authority that sets the rule. Entry Visa Guide does not take applications.
Apply only on the government website linked above. This site does not issue visas or travel authorisations and does not take applications. Other websites charge their own service fee on top of any government charge.
How to apply
- Read U.S. Embassy travel information (opens in a new tab) for China.
- Gather documents listed on the official visa application guidance.
- Apply through the visa centre or embassy before departure.
FAQ
Do US citizens need a visa for China?
Yes for most tourism visits—apply before travel; confirm on U.S. Embassy travel information (opens in a new tab) and the official visa site.
Do Canadians need a China visa?
Yes for most visits—see travel.gc.ca and the official Chinese visa application guidance.
Sources
- China visa application service (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China (opens in a new tab)
- Canada: China (opens in a new tab)
Independent guide, not legal advice. Entry Visa Guide is an independent information site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or run by any government or public authority. Always check official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Report an error.