Where to Apply for Chinese Visa - Chinese Embassy & Consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center
Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on September 11, 2025:
1. China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for following eligible countries, including European nations - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Russia. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain are included. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in South America are also eligible. China will continue to extend its visa-free policy for Italy.
2. 240-Hour Visa Free Transit (10 days) has been launched. 55 eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Indonesia, Brazil, etc. Eligible travelers can now travel across provinces, for example traveling from Beijing to Xian, then to Shanghai. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 240-hour transit visa-free.
3. As of now, China has established full visa exemption agreements with 28 countries, including Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.
4. Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province is 6 days visa-free for tour groups (at least two persons) from ASEAN countries.
5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.
6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.
WeTrip will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!
According to different situations, visitors can apply for Chinese Visa before departure, on arrival or in China. If you do not meet requirements of China Visa Free Policy, you must submit a visa application and get a valid China Visa prior to arrival. In this case, you may directly submit application at visa office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or via China Visa Application Service Center in your residing country. Note that the Chinese Embassy and Consulate are the only official authorities to issue Chinese Visa abroad.
For special cases, like applying for Chinese Visa upon arrival, China Visa Renewal or Extension, the visa services are normally processed by the Exit & Entry Administration Department of the Public Security Bureau. Besides, visitors can also apply for visa/entry permit to Hong Kong/Macau SAR from the local Immigration Departments in Hong Kong/ Macau.
The Highest Priority - Know Where You Should Apply for China Visa
Once confirmed you need a visa for China, you must figure out where you are required to submit the application. According to your residence city and country, you can check the following country list to make clear where you should apply for and visit to get a China Visa.
| Visa Application Submission to China Visa Application Service Center (if you reside and apply in the countries/regions below) | Visa Application Submission to Chinese Embassies & Consulates (if you reside in countries below) |
|---|---|
Asia (12): Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait. America (1): Canada Europe (17): UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Greece, Poland, Czech, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland. Oceania (1): Australia Africa (9): Congo, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, Senegal, Gambia, Egypt. | Asian: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Cambodia, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cyprus, Iran, Israel, Laos, Maldives, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen, etc. North America: US, Mexico, Cuba, Panama, Dominica, Jamaica, etc. South America: Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, etc. Oceania: New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Micronesia, Vanuatu, etc. Europe: Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Bulgaria, Ireland, Poland, Norway, Serbia, etc. Africa: Botswana, Cameroon, Angola, Burundi, Benin, Chad, Cabo Verde, Sudan, Togo, Zambia, Tanzania, Niger, etc. |
Apply for Chinese Visa at Chinese Embassy Visa Office
Chinese Embassy and Consulate General are both official diplomatic organizations which issue Chinese Visa to foreign citizens and provide other consular services (including passport services to domestic nationals) in another state. If your residing country has none official China Vis Application Service Center, you have to submit China Visa Application directly at the visa section of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General
How to Apply for Chinese Visa from Chinese Embassy
Useful Links: How to Get a Visa for China: Application Requirements, Costs, Procedures and Tips.
Tips:
For applicants from certain states, you can visit https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn to fill in the visa application form online, and then book an appointment for submission via http://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn. Go to the visa office at the appointed time. If it's not available to complete the form online, you may download the form from Chinese Embassy/Consulate's official website, and fill in electronic form, print it out, and submit during office hours. You are suggested to check on the visa office hours first.
Chinese Embassy & Consulate Locations and Official Website
The Chinese Embassy is the main office of China's diplomatic representatives, and its mission covers all cities and regions in the residing country. Usually, the embassy is located in the capital city of the related country and has the most comprehensive sections to deal with foreign affairs. Besides, the Chinese Consulate is a smaller diplomatic institution situated in other major cities (outside the capital).
Currently, China sets up over 170 Chinese Embassies and over 90 Consulates in 6 continents around the world. Based on local conditions, there are multiple consulates in some certain countries, like America, Canada, Australia, etc. And that offers great convenience for you to apply for a visa to China. You can locate the nearest Chinese Embassy.
Chinese Embassy & Consulate Visa Office Hours
The exact visa office hours is slightly different in each Chinese Embassy and Consulate. Generally, the visa working hour is 9:00/9:30 am to 12:00, 2:00/2:30 pm to 5:00/5:30 pm on Monday to Friday (local time). The embassies and consulates will be closed during local public holidays and Chinese holidays. Some also have specific opening hours for submission, payment and collection. Please check the latest work & holiday schedules on the official website.
Below is the part of the whole list of Chinese Embassies and Consulates. Each embassy/consulate has official website you can get more details, such as China Visa application guide (requirements, form, fees...), embassy address, contact number, office hours, payment, and more. You can find overall receivable Chinese Visa information at www.china-embassy.org or www.china-consulate.org
List of Chinese Embassies and Consulates Abroad
| Host Country | Embassy Location & Official Website | Consulate General |
|---|---|---|
| US | Chinese Embassy in Washington DC http://us.china-embassy.org/eng/ | Consulate General of PRC in New York Consulate General of PRC in Chicago Consulate General of PRC in San Francisco Consulate General of PRC in Los Angeles Consulate General of PRC in Houston |
| UK | Chinese Embassy in London http://china-embassy.org.uk/eng/ | Consulate General of PRC in Manchester Consulate General of PRC in Edinburgh Consulate General of PRC in Belfast |
| Australia | Chinese Embassy in Canberra http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ | Consulate General of PRC in Sydney Consulate General of PRC in Melbourne Consulate General of PRC in Perth Consulate General of PRC in Brisbane Consulate General of PRC in Adelaide |
| Canada | Chinese Embassy in Ottawa http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/ | Consulate General of PRC in Calgary Consulate General of PRC in Toronto Consulate General of PRC in Vancouver Consulate General of PRC in Montreal |
| France | Chinese Embassy in Paris http://www.amb-chine.fr/fra/ | Consulate General of PRC in Marseille Consulate General of PRC in Strasbourg Consulate-General of PRC in Lyon Consulate-General of PRC in Saint-Denis |
| Germany | Chinese Embassy in Berlin http://de.china-embassy.org/det/ | Consulate General of PRC in Frankfurt Consulate General of PRC in Hamburg Consulate General of PRC in Munich Consulate General of PRC in Dusseldorf |
| India | Chinese Embassy in New Delhi http://in.china-embassy.org/eng/ | The Consulate General in Mumbai The consulate General in Kolkata |
| Ireland | Chinese Embassy in Dublin http://ie.chineseembassy.org/eng/ | N/A |
| Italy | Chinese Embassy in Rome http://it.chineseembassy.org/ | Consulate General of PRC in Firenze Consulate General of PRC in Milan (Milano) |
| Malaysia | Chinese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur http://my.china-embassy.org./chn/ | Consulate General of PRC in Kuching Consulate General of PRC in Penang |
| Netherlands | Chinese Embassy in Hague http://nl.chinaembassy.org/ | N/A |
| New Zealand | Chinese Embassy in Wellington http://nz.china-embassy.org/eng/ | Consulate General of PRC in Auckland Consulate General of PRC in Christchurch |
| Singapore | Chinese Embassy in Singapore http://sg.china-embassy.org/ | N/A |
| Spain | Chinese Embassy in Madrid http://es.china-embassy.org/ | Consulate General of PRC in Barcelona |
| Switzerland | Chinese Embassy in Bern http://ch.china-embassy.org | Consulate General of PRC in Zurich |
| Thailand | Chinese Embassy in Bangkok http://th.china-embassy.org/ | The Consulate General in Chiang Mai The Consulate General in Songkhla The Consulate General in Khon Kaen |
Apply for Chinese Visa via China Visa Application Service Center
Up to now, Chinese Embassies and Consulates in 40 countries use an online system of application form submission and appointment booking to receive China Visa Applications. In the 40 countries, Chinese Embassies or Consulates will not accept any ordinary visa applications (except Diplomatic, Service and Courtesy Visas), and the China Visa Application Service Center is the one and only official visa service center that can receive and deliver application to Chinese Embassy and Consulate. If you apply for Chinese Visa in Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Spain, Italy, Austria and so on, you're required to apply at the service center.
How to Apply for Chinese Visa Through Visa Service Center
Foreign Embassies & Consulates in China
What to do if I lost my passport in China? Can I renew my passport when traveling in China? Don't worry! You can seek help from the embassy or consulate of your country, as long as your country has diplomatic relations with China and establish foreign missions in China. They will offer lots of consular services, like passport issuing and renewal, and assistance to emergency for local citizens. You can easily locate them and contact for help without going back to your own country, and continue to travel in China.
At present, Beijing hosts over 170 foreign embassies (the largest number), and major big cities in China also have many consulates, such as Hong Kong (123), Shanghai (76), Guangzhou (62), Chengdu (17), Chongqing (10), Shenyang (7), Kunming (6), Wuhan (5), Xiamen (3) and Xian (3), etc.
Major Consular Services of the Embassy & Consulate General includes:
- Passport Services - e.g. passport renewal, replacement (if lost, stolen) and new passport and temporary travel document issuing.
- Citizenship Services - e.g. child born in China, renounce original citizenship
- Child and Family Matters: - e.g. adoption, report birth abroad, renounce original citizenship
- Emergency Assistance: - e.g. adoption, urgent medical care, arrest, death and etc.
- Notarial & Documentary Services
- Local Resources...
Major Embassies and Consulates in China
| Country | Embassy Location & Official Website | Consulate General |
|---|---|---|
| US | US Embassy of Beijing, China https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/embassy-consulates/beijing/ | US Consulate General in Shanghai US Consulate General in Chengdu US Consulate General in Guangzhou US Consulate General in Shenyang |
| British | British Embassy Beijing, China https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-beijing | British Consulate General Shanghai British Consulate General Guangzhou British Consulate General Chongqing British Consulate General Wuhan |
| Canada | Embassy of Canada to China Beijing https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/offices-bureaux/index.aspx?lang=eng | Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong Canadian Consulate General in Guangzhou Canadian Consulate General in Chongqing |
| Australia | Australian Embassy Beijing, China https://china.embassy.gov.au/bjng/home.html | Australian Consulate General in Guangzhou Australian Consulate General in Chengdu Australian Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR |
| Singapore | Singapore Embassy Beijing, China https://www1.mfa.gov.sg/overseas-mission/Beijing | Singapore Consulate General in Beijing Singapore Consulate General in Shanghai Singapore Consulate General in Chengdu Singapore Consulate General in Guangzhou Singapore Consulate General in Xiamen Singapore Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR |
| Malaysia | Embassy of Malaysia Beijing, China http://mw.kln.gov.my/web/chn_beijing/home | Malaysia Consulate General in Shanghai Malaysia Consulate General in Guangzhou Malaysia Consulate General in Kunming Malaysia Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR |
| India | Embassy of India Beijing, China http://www.eoibeijing.gov.in | Consulate General of India, Shanghai Consulate General of India, Guangzhou Consulate General of India, Kunming Consulate General of India, Hong Kong SAR |
| New Zealand | Embassy of New Zealand Beijing, China https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/north-asia/china/new-zealand-embassy | New Zealand Consulate General in Shanghai New Zealand Consulate General in Guangzhou New Zealand Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR |
| Ireland | Irish Embassy Beijing, China https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/china/ | Consulate General of Ireland in Shanghai Consulate General of Ireland in Hong Kong SAR |
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