How to Get Transit Visa for China | China G Visa Application Guide

China entry rules — what applies right now

Last checked against official sources on 22 September 2026. Entry policy changes several times a year, so confirm against the official list below before you book flights.

Travelling on a US, Canadian, Australian or British passport? You still need a visa for an ordinary tourist visit to mainland China — most visitors apply for the L (tourist) visa. None of these four nationalities are on China's visa-free entry list as of the date above.
240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit. Open to 57 nationalities, including the US, Canada, Australia and the UK, when you are transiting China on the way to a third country and hold an onward ticket out within the window. Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam joined on 20 August 2026. You may move between the provinces covered by the scheme rather than staying in one city.
Visa-free entry without transit. China has mutual visa-exemption agreements with a set of countries and a separate unilateral visa-free trial covering much of Europe plus several Asian, Oceanian and South American countries. Which list your passport sits on — and for how many days — changes; check the official page.
Hainan. Flying straight into Haikou or Sanya gets many nationalities 30 days visa-free, but the permission covers Hainan island only.

Official source: China National Immigration Administration — visa-free transit policies. The NIA also runs a public enquiry line on +86 10 12367.

Do I Need a Visa for a Stopover in China?

International transit passengers may transit through mainland China without a visa if you are eligible for China's 24/240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption Policy. Otherwise, you should apply and hold a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before arrival in stopver cities in China. Besides, most foreigners are allowed to apply for Transit Visa for Hong Kong or Macau on arrival.

* Indian & Pakistani passport holders meeting related regulation can apply for 24-Hour Visa Free Transit in China, but do NOT qualify for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit.

* Canada, US and Australia are on the list of 54 countries for 240-Hour TWOV.

Foreigners were Applying for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit at Beijing Capital Airport

Introduction to China Transit Visa Rules

China Transit Visa - G Visa is a short-term (single or double entry) visa issued to foreign applicants who will transit through China by overseas Chinese Embassy, Consulate or other Chinese Diplomatic Mission. In recent years, after the implement of 24/240 TWOV Program, lots of visitors can get transit visa waiver for a stopover in China, and Transit Visa (G Visa) is seldom needed.

What are the Requirements of China Transit Visa Application?

● Passport

original passport with a validity of at least 6 months, one and more blank visa page;

one copy of the passport's data page and used visa pages.

● China Visa Application Form

Visa applicants need to complete visa application form on COVA - "China Online Visa Application (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn)", then make appointments for on-site submission at the Visa Office of Chinese embassies or consulates on the website AVAS - "Appointment for Visa Application Submission (https://avas.mfa.gov.cn)". Citizens from appointed 46 countries can fill in form online and book a appointment to submit documents on the website of China Visa Application Service Center (http://www.visaforchina.cn).

● Photo

At least 1 recently-taken (within 6 months) front passport-size bareheaded color photo. It should be taken against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face. (Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm.) Stick one photo on the application form.

● Valid Visa of the Onward Country or Region (if requires)

● Ticket

Connecting (air, train, ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to next countries or region.

● Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

Provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, if you will not apply for China Visa in the state/region of you citizenship (nationality).

● Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

If it's the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa, you are required to submit the original passport and a copy of the passport's date page.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new Chinese Visa with a new passport, please provide the photocopy of the previous passport's date page, and copy of the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.

China Transit Visa Required Documents

Paper Photo Size for China Transit Visa Application Form

Note: According to personal situation, Chinese Embassy or Consulate may request applicants to provide other documents or make an interview personally.

How to Get Transit Visa for China?

Aliens holding ordinary passport shall prepare the above mentioned documents and obtain a China Transit Visa before departure. Where to apply for? Depending on own case, you may submit application to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or directly to the Visa Office of Chinese Embassy or Consulate, which holds consular jurisdiction over the state where you reside.

Prepare documents needed → fill in Application Form online on websites of COVA - "China Online Visa Application (https://cova.mfa.gov.cn) or China Visa Application Service Center (https://www.visaforchina.cn) → make an appointment → print out the completed applicant form and appointment slip → go to embassy/conslate or Visa Service Center to submit materials, pay visa fees → wait for notice, pick up visa and passport.

Tips: If you can not submit in person, you can entrust your friend, family, other person, travel agent to make application on behalf of you.

Office of China Visa Application Service Center

China Transit Visa Cost and Fees

How much is a China Transit Visa? The accurate costs depend on your nationality and where you make submission.

◆ If you apply at Chinese Embassy or Consulate, you only need to pay visa processing fee and expedited service fees for Express or Urgent Application.

◆ If you submit application at China Visa Application Service Center, extra service fees will be charged at local currency by the center. Visit www.visaforchina.org (Homepage-General Information -Visa Knowledge-Payment Methods & Schedules of Fees ) to check the detailed visa fees.

China Transit Visa Fees

Regular Application	Number of Entries	US Citizen	Canadian Citizen	UK Citizen	Australian Citizen	Other Citizen
	Single Entry	USD 140	CAD 157.75	GBP 151	AUD 109.5	AUD 99.5
	Double Entries	USD 140	CAD 157.75	GBP 151	AUD 139.5	AUD 124.5

China Transit Visa Processing Time

Regular Application: about 4 working days.

Express Service: about 2~3 working days.

Rush Service: about 1 working day.

Attention: 1.) Express and especially Rush Service is only provided in some countries and for certain emergencies. When using the expedited service, extra visa application fees and services fees will be charged. 2.) Postal application in Australia needs more processing time, typically over 10 working days. Express and Rush Service do NOT apply to such application.

Hong Kong and Macau Transit Visa

Both Hong Kong and Macau offer visa-free entry and transit for visitors from appointed countries for a certain period. A Transit Visa is needed if you are NOT qualified for the visa-free policy of Hong Kong or Macau when transit through.

● Transit in Hong Kong: You may mail application materials to the local Immigration Departemnt, or apply at visa section of Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or through a China Visa Application Center.

● Transit in Macau: Except Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, others can get Macau Transit Visa on Arrival at entry ports.

Some Foreigners must Obtain Transit Visa when Having Stopover in Hong Kong

Transit in China without Visa - China Transit Visa Exemption

Three TWOV Program have been carried out in China to give convenience for international transit passengers. Upon arrival, eligible applicants can apply Transit Visa exemption and even enjoy short-term tour in the transit cities. Travelers directly transiting through China within 24 hours, may get 24-Hour Transit Visa exempted in most Chinese cities. Citizens from certain 54 foreign countries and meeting related requirements can also apply for 240-Hour Transit Visa Free in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guilin, Xian, Chongqing, Harbin, Changsha, etc.

Transit in China Without Visa

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WeTrip is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in mainland China, among all, Beijing, Shanghai are used as gate way cities, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026?

It depends on your nationality. US, Canadian, Australian and British passport holders still need a visa for an ordinary tourist visit. China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 38+ countries, 240-hour visa-free transit for 57 countries, and 30-day visa exemptions for many European and Asian nations. Check our full visa guide for details specific to your passport.

How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?

Standard processing takes 4-5 business days at most Chinese embassies. Express service (2-3 days) and rush service (1 day) are available at higher fees. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your trip.

What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?

You need a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), the completed application form and a passport photo. If you apply in the United States, flight, hotel and itinerary documents have not been required for a tourist visa since 1 January 2024. Other consulates may still ask for a flight itinerary, hotel bookings and proof of financial means, so check the one you apply to.

Can WeTrip help with my China visa application?

We can’t issue invitation letters — for our own tour clients or anyone else — and most tourists do not need one. For travellers who book a tour with us, we provide a day-by-day itinerary and confirmed hotel and transport bookings for consulates that ask for them, plus step-by-step guidance through the application.