Visa Requirements

Citizens of many countries can now enter China visa-free for up to 15 days, including all EU member states, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and more. Just ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Policies can change — verify at visaforchina.cn before booking.

If you're transiting through Beijing on your way to a third country and your stay is 10 days or less, you may qualify for the 240-hour transit policy. Applies to U.S., Canadian, U.K., EU, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Brazilian, Mexican, Argentinian, UAE, and Qatari passport holders, among others. Requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.

If your passport isn't on the visa-free list, apply for a Type L tourist visa in advance. The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco accepts online applications. Step 1 — Complete the application online at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA. Select 'San Francisco' as your consulate, fill in details, upload documents, submit for preliminary review. Step 2 — Gather: valid passport (6+ months beyond travel, blank page), 2×2" white-background photo, flight itinerary, hotel confirmation. Step 3 — Submit your physical passport once your application shows 'Passport to be submitted'. No appointment needed. $140 USD for U.S. citizens (single entry); express +$25. CIBT and CITS can handle it for you.