Key Updates for 2024
Simplified Visa Requirements:
Travelers from the United States no longer need to provide proof of a round-trip air ticket, hotel reservations, an itinerary, or an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa (L-visa) (Travel + Leisure).
Nationals from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Spain can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry until December 31, 2025 (China Travel) (Smith Stone Walters). Click here for the full list of countries that enjoy this status.
Visa-Free Transit:
The 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit policies have been expanded to cover 54 countries. This allows travelers transiting through certain cities in China to stay visa-free for a specified period (Travel + Leisure).
Nine major international airports, including Beijing Capital International and Shanghai Pudong International, now offer 24-hour visa-free transit without border inspection for international passengers (Smith Stone Walters).
Port Visa Availability:
Foreign nationals needing to enter China urgently for non-diplomatic activities can apply for a port visa upon arrival with an invitation letter and other relevant documents (Smith Stone Walters).
Visa Extension and Renewal:
Those in China for short-term visits who need to extend their stay can apply for visa extensions at local Exit and Entry Administration offices (Smith Stone Walters).
Re-entry Visas:
Foreign nationals in China who need to travel in and out multiple times can apply for a multiple-entry visa at the Exit and Entry Administration (Smith Stone Walters).
General Visa Requirements
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into China and have at least two blank pages (China Mike).
Application Form: Completed and signed application form (China Mike).
Passport Photo: Recent passport-sized photo with a white background (China Mike).
Additional Documents: Depending on the visa type, you might need to provide flight and hotel reservations or an invitation letter (China Mike).
These updates and simplified processes reflect China’s efforts to facilitate easier travel for international visitors, promoting tourism and business exchanges post-pandemic.
The process of getting a visa to travel to China from Australia, America and the UK can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. Here are some general steps and requirements:
For Australian passport holders:
Hold a valid Australian passport with at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry into China2.
Obtain a visa prior to arrival in the People's Republic of China (PRC) 3.
The visa application process takes approximately 2 weeks to complete1.
Applicants can apply in person at the Chinese embassy or visa center in any major city in Australia, or use the online application process5.
For American citizens:
Hold a valid US passport with at least 2 blank visa pages and more than 6 months validity remaining6.
Obtain a visa prior to arrival in the People's Republic of China (PRC) 3.
Applicants can apply in person at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the US, or use the online application process6.
Visa applicants need to log on to the website “China Online Visa Application (COVA)” to fill in the COVA forms, and make appointments for on-site submission at the Visa Office by the website “Appointment for Visa Application Submission (AVAS)”6.
General requirements for a China visa:
It is important to note that the visa application process and requirements can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. It is recommended to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in the applicant's country for specific information and guidance.
For UK citizens, a visa is required to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao2.
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the UK require the following basic documents for visa applications: a passport with at least six months of remaining validity, blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the bio data page; a completed visa application form with a recently-taken colour passport photo against a light background attached; proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-British applicants); and previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign nationals who once held Chinese nationality)1.
All visa applicants aged between 14 and 70 inclusive need to make their visa application in person at a Visa Application Centre, and biometric data (scanned fingerprints) has to be provided2.
The Chinese Visa Application Centres in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are operating, and details of opening hours are on their respective websites2.
Holders of valid APEC Business Travel Cards or study residence permits will be allowed to enter China3. It is important to check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for China’s current entry restrictions and requirements, as these may change with little warning4.
UPDATE!! - Health declaration procedures below are no longer required as of 1/Nov/2023 ********************************************************************************
HEALTH DECLARATION - ALL TRAVELLERS
Upon entry and exit, a health declaration will need to be filled out. One of the best ways to is to fill in this form Online, 24 hours before entry.
You will receive a QR code - that you are recommended to save locally on your device - then use it to scan at the entry/exit gate reader.
If you have a WeChat account (Chinese version of WhatsApp), you can download a mini-program called "China Customs" and fill in the health declaration form there. The convenience is that your details are saved for future entry and exit forms. Check out the steps below.
Good luck, have fun and safe travels.
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