Thinking about visiting China in 2026? The tourist visa process has gotten significantly easier over the past two years — no flight bookings needed, no hotel reservations, and walk-in applications at any consulate. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Visa type | L (Tourist) |
| Fee | $68 (10-year multi-entry) or $140 (single entry) |
| Processing | 4 business days + consular review (~1 week total) |
| Validity | Up to 10 years, multiple entry |
| Stay per entry | Up to 60 days (extendable 30 days in China) |
| Apply through | COVA system, then in-person submission |
| Walk-ins | Yes, no appointment needed |
Do You Even Need a Visa?
Before starting the application, check whether you actually need one. China has expanded its visa-free options significantly.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Since December 17, 2024, citizens from 54 countries (including the US) can transit through China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) — expanded from the previous 144-hour policy. This applies at 60+ ports of entry across 24 provinces.
The catch: you must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your origin country). So a round-trip US–China–US itinerary won't qualify.
When a Visa Is the Better Choice
- Staying longer than 10 days
- You don't have an onward ticket to a third country
- Planning multiple trips over the next decade (the 10-year visa covers you)
- Visiting areas not covered by the transit visa-free program
What's Changed in 2025–2026
A lot has shifted in the past year. Here's what matters:
COVA System (September 2025): All visa applications now go through the new China Online Visa Application (COVA) platform. It replaces the old form system. The new system adds a consular review stage that can add about a week to processing times.
No Flight or Hotel Docs Needed (Since January 2024): Tourist visa applicants no longer need to provide flight itineraries, hotel reservations, or invitation letters. This was the single biggest simplification in years.
240-Hour Transit Replaces 144-Hour (December 2024): The visa-free transit window nearly doubled, and the number of eligible ports expanded significantly.
China Arrival Card (November 2025): A new requirement for all arrivals — separate from your visa. You can fill it out online ahead of time through the NIA website, the "NIA 12367" app, or via WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. Paper forms are still available at the port of entry.
Fee Reduction Extended Through December 2026: The reduced visa fees originally introduced as a reciprocity measure continue through the end of 2026.
What You Need
The tourist visa document list is shorter than you'd expect:
- Valid passport — at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages
- COVA application form — completed online, then printed and signed
- Compliant photo — 33 x 48 mm, white background (create yours here)
- Previous Chinese visa copy — if you've had one before
- Proof of U.S. residence — driver's license or utility bill showing your address
What You Don't Need
- Flight itineraries
- Hotel reservations
- Invitation letters
- Travel insurance proof
- Detailed day-by-day itinerary
Step-by-Step Application
1. Fill Out the COVA Form Online
Go to consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA and complete the application. Select your correct consulate based on your state of residence — this matters. Our COVA system guide walks through every field.
2. Upload Your Photo
COVA requires a digital photo upload (354 x 472 px minimum, JPEG, 40–120 KB). The system's photo checker can be finicky — see our COVA photo upload guide for tips on getting it accepted on the first try.
3. Wait for "Passport to Be Submitted" Status
After completing the form, COVA moves through several statuses. Once it says "Passport to be submitted," you're ready for the consulate visit.
4. Walk Into the Consulate
Bring your printed COVA form (signed), passport, photo, and supporting documents. No appointment needed — just show up during business hours.
5. Fingerprints
If this is your first Chinese visa in the past 5 years, you'll need to provide fingerprints at the counter. Ages 14–70.
6. Pay at Pickup
Fees are collected when you pick up your visa, not at submission. Expect about a week of total processing time (4 business days regular processing + consular review).
Your Photo
Chinese visa photos follow specific dimensions that differ from standard US passport photos:
- Size: 33 x 48 mm (not the US 2 x 2 inch standard)
- Background: White
- Head size: Width 15–22 mm, height 28–33 mm
- Ears: Must be fully visible
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
You'll need both a digital version (for COVA upload) and a printed version (for the consulate visit). Create a compliant photo here.
COVA upload tip: The system sometimes rejects valid photos. If your upload fails, try adjusting the file size to stay between 40–120 KB. Our upload troubleshooting guide covers the most common issues.
The Consulate Visit
Walk-In Hours
All Chinese visa offices in the US accept walk-ins. Typical hours are weekday mornings, roughly 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, but check your specific consulate's website for exact times and holiday closures.
Which Consulate?
You must apply at the consulate that covers your state of residence. The five locations are:
- Washington, D.C. (Embassy) — covers DC, Virginia, Maryland, and several other states
- New York — covers the Northeast
- Los Angeles — covers Southern California and surrounding states
- San Francisco — covers Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Alaska
- Chicago — covers the Midwest
Bring proof of your address (driver's license works). Applying at the wrong consulate will result in a rejection. See our COVA application guide for the full jurisdiction breakdown by state.
What to Expect
- Security check at the entrance
- Take a number and wait
- Submit your documents at the counter
- Fingerprints collected (if applicable)
- Receive a pickup slip with your collection date
Fees and Processing
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry | $140 |
| Double entry | $34 |
| Multiple entries (6 months) | $34 |
| Multiple entries (12+ months / 10-year) | $68 |
| Express processing | +$25 |
These reduced fees are valid through December 31, 2026.
Processing time: Regular processing takes 4 business days after submission, plus additional time for consular review under the new COVA system — expect roughly one week total. Express processing (additional $25) reduces the base to 2–3 business days, though the consular review period still applies.
Payment methods: Credit card, debit card, or money order at most locations. Personal checks and cash are generally not accepted. Payment is collected at pickup, not submission.
The 10-Year Multi-Entry Visa
Most US citizens applying for a tourist visa receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa by default. Here's what that actually means:
It's not a 10-year stay. Each entry allows up to 60 days in China. You can extend once for an additional 30 days at a local Public Security Bureau office within China.
Multiple entry means exactly that. You can enter and leave China as many times as you want during the 10-year validity period, as long as each stay doesn't exceed the per-entry limit.
It survives passport renewals. If your passport expires but the visa is still valid, you can travel with both your old passport (containing the valid visa) and your new passport. Chinese immigration accepts this.
It's not guaranteed. The 10-year validity is standard for US citizens but ultimately at the consular officer's discretion. Most straightforward tourist applications receive it.
After Arrival: China Arrival Card
Since November 20, 2025, all arrivals in China must complete a China Arrival Card. This is separate from your visa — think of it like the US CBP declaration form.
Fill it out in advance to save time at the airport:
- Online through the National Immigration Administration website
- Via the "NIA 12367" mobile app
- Through WeChat or Alipay mini-programs
Paper forms are also available at the port of entry if you prefer.
Police registration: Within 24 hours of arrival, you must register with local police. If you're staying at a hotel, they handle this automatically at check-in. If staying with friends or family, you'll need to visit the local police station together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong photo size. Chinese visa photos are 33 x 48 mm — not the 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) US passport photo size. Using the wrong dimensions will get your application rejected. Get the right size here.
Forgetting to sign the COVA form. The printed application needs your signature in two places — the confirmation page and section 9. Unsigned forms are returned.
Wrong consulate jurisdiction. Applying at a consulate that doesn't cover your state of residence results in rejection. Double-check before you go.
Not bringing a printed photo. Even if COVA accepted your digital upload, bring a physical 33 x 48 mm print to the consulate. Some officers require it.
Forgetting the Arrival Card. This is a new requirement as of November 2025. Fill it out before your flight to avoid delays at immigration.
Assuming 2 x 2 inch photos work. They don't. China requires 33 x 48 mm. This is the most common reason for photo rejections.
