Apply for a visa for China

A visa for China is an important consideration for anyone planning a trip to the country, whether it is for leisure, business, or study. A properly processed and approved visa is the key to a relaxed and enjoyable stay in China. Therefore, it is very important to thoroughly inform yourself in advance and carefully follow all necessary steps.

Visa requirements may vary depending on nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. In the following articles, we will extensively discuss whether a visa is required for German and other EU citizens, and explain the different types of visas, their validity, length of stay, and associated costs. A special visa calculator will help you calculate the expected fees in advance so you can better plan your trip.

In addition to the financial aspects, it is equally important to prepare the necessary documents for obtaining a visa. We have compiled a comprehensive list of required documents for you to make the application process as easy as possible. And if you have any questions or uncertainties during the process, you can find answers to the most common questions in our FAQ section.

Our specialists at the visa agency are happy to provide you with up-to-date information for your visa application for China. After all, a well-prepared visa application is the first step to a successful and unforgettable trip to the country. With our help, you can avoid common mistakes and receive all the necessary tips for applying for a visa, making your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

Many foreign nationals who cannot enter China visa-free must apply for a visa.

Each visa has its own requirements and restrictions, including length of stay and required documents. Some visas may require an official invitation from a Chinese institution, while others may require a work or study contract. Visas can be issued for single or multiple entries, and their duration may vary.

Contact our visa agency to ensure your trip to China goes smoothly.

A traditional visa is a stamp or sticker that is affixed to the passport and must be presented physically. To obtain it, you must submit your documents to the Chinese embassy or an accredited agency such as book-your-visa.com. You can pick up the documents yourself or have them delivered through the agency. 

Tourist visas for China (Category L) can be issued for single or double entry. In both cases, the maximum stay is up to 30 days per visit. The visa is valid from the date of issue for up to 90 days and allows single or double entry within this period with each stay of up to 30 days.

Business Visa (Category M) offer more flexibility and can be issued for single, double, or multiple entries. The duration of stay can be 30, 90, 180 days, or even a whole year. For a stay of more than 30 days, a proper invitation and approval from a visa office (consulate) or the Chinese embassy is required. The validity period of the visas varies and can be 90, 180, or 365 days, giving business travelers more freedom, especially when planning multiple visits over an extended period.

The e-Visa is a group visa available for at least two people and is only for tourists or business travelers. It is applied for online, and approval is sent via email. The e-Visa requires a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. It is important to note that the e-Visa is not available to all foreign nationals, so it is important to carefully read the requirements before applying.

It is important to emphasize that the duration of stay and the validity period are two different aspects. The duration of stay refers to the number of days you are allowed to spend in China on each entry. The validity period, on the other hand, defines the period during which the visa is valid overall and within which all entries must occur.

The costs for a Chinese visa depend on several factors: type of visa, nationality, and processing time. The main components of the price are consular fees and service fees.

The consular fee is a mandatory fee that must be paid at a Chinese embassy or consulate. Its amount depends on the type of visa and processing time. In addition, a service fee may apply if you submit your application through an agency like buch-dein-visum.de. These fees cover the costs of preparing, submitting, and tracking the application.

Many agencies offer additional services, including filling out the online application, foreign health insurance, and expedited visa processing (Priority Service).

To easily calculate the total visa costs, we recommend using our Visa Calculator, which allows you to consider all additional services online. Please note that the exact costs depend on various factors. It is therefore worth checking prices and options in advance to ensure a smooth visa application process for China.

From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, citizens from Germany and 37 other countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days to engage in tourism, business, exchange, family visits, or transit. It is important to note that for other purposes of travel, such as for study or work, a visa is required before entry.

China has recently significantly improved the conditions for a visa-free stay for foreign nationals, increasing the duration of stay from 72 hours to 240 hours.

Citizens from 54 countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other Schengen countries, are allowed to stay in 24 Chinese provinces (e.g. Guangzhou, Beijing, Qingdao, Shanghai, etc.) for up to 240 hours without a visa. Travelers can now plan their itinerary more freely, explore China's culture and business opportunities, and enjoy local attractions without having to worry about visa formalities. They no longer have to fill out an online application or notify the consulate or embassy in advance.

With the 240-hour rule, the Chinese provinces want to boost tourism and the economy. They show why a visa for the People's Republic of China is worth its price. A short trip of 10 days gives you the opportunity for exciting city trips. They often remain enthusiastic and return for a longer trip. For business travelers, stopovers in Chinese metropolises such as Beijing, Shanghai or in the Chinese economic centers of Chengdu and Chongqing are a good opportunity for support and networking. Chengdu, home to a major panda breeding center, is also considered the “panda capital” of the world. Therefore, a trip or excursion here is a must for all animal lovers.

Requirements for visa-free entry

To visit China without a visa, you must enter by air. Passengers must be in transit to a third country. Additional requirements and restrictions apply for visa-free transit of up to 24 hours. Find out in advance what you need to observe and how travelers can apply for a visa-free stay. And if your trip lasts a little longer, there is the option of applying for an express visa for China.

If you are planning a trip to the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong and then returning to the People's Republic of China, please make sure to apply for a double entry China visa. If you only have a single entry permit, the number of entries will be used up upon arrival in the People's Republic of China. German citizens are allowed to stay visa-free in Hong Kong for up to 90 days. For citizens outside the EU, a copy of the residence permit is required. The residence permit must be valid for at least 12 months when applying for the China visa. In this case, no registration certificate is required.