Chinese Visa Application (Individual & Group)
Chinese visa application is very important. When applying for a Chinese visa, it is better not to list Tibet on your travel itinerary. This would delay your visa process. Embassy might require you to present a Tibet Travel Permit. But it is impossible to get the Tibet Travel Permit without a valid Chinese visa
1. Tourist L Visa– Individual Application
When applying for a Chinese tourist visa, it is usually better not to include Tibet in your travel plan, as this may slow down the visa process. The embassy may ask for a Tibet Travel Permit, but this permit can only be issued after you obtain a valid Chinese visa. Instead, you can list other cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, or Chengdu as your main destinations.
You can apply for a Chinese visa in your home country or at any Chinese embassy or consulate. Requirements and fees may vary depending on your nationality.
Application Methods
Online application: Complete the required visa form.
Offline application: Submit the following documents:
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport photo
• Basic personal information form
• Flight tickets and hotel bookings that match your itinerary
(Note: some applicants, such as US citizens in the US, may be exempt from providing flight and hotel bookings.)
If you already have a valid Chinese visa and are traveling to Tibet from mainland China, you only need to send us a copy of your passport and visa. We will then arrange your Tibet Travel Permit.
Other Visa Types
Student Visa: Requires an invitation letter from your school and a copy of your student ID.
Work Visa: Requires an official invitation letter from your employer with company stamp and a copy of your work permit.
2. Tourist L Visa– Chinese Group Visa
A Chinese group visa is required for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. Even if you already have a Chinese visa, you must apply for a group visa when entering from Nepal. We will assist you with the process. A group visa is issued for at least 5 travelers. All members must travel together, follow the same itinerary, and enter and exit China on the same dates. This visa is for single entry and is issued on a separate paper (not stamped in your passport). The application can only be submitted through a travel agency. We will arrange it through our partner in Kathmandu. The process usually takes 3–5 working days if documents are submitted before 11:00 AM.
You will need to:
• Provide personal details for all group members
• Confirm the same entry and exit dates
• Submit your original passport in Kathmandu
• Complete the application form and pay the visa fee
Our partner agent will assist you in Kathmandu, submit your application, and return your passport with the visa once approved.
Required Documents
1. Completed application form
2. Original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
3. Copy of passport and any previous Chinese visa (if applicable)
4. Passport photo
Note: In some cases, you may be asked to attend a biometric appointment at the embassy.
Chinese Visa Application – Simple Guide
I. Choose the Visa Type
• Tourist (L): Travel, sightseeing, visiting friends or family
• Business (M): Business trips, meetings, exhibitions
• Work (Z): For employment in China (requires work permit)
• Study (X1/X2):
• X1: Long-term study (over 180 days)
• X2: Short-term study (up to 180 days)
II. Prepare Documents
Basic documents:
• Passport (valid at least 6 months, with blank page)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport photo
Additional documents (depending on visa type):
• Tourist: Flight and hotel booking or invitation letter
• Business: Invitation letter from Chinese company
• Work: Work permit and employment documents
• Study: School admission letter + financial proof
III. Submit Application
• Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate (or through an agent)
• Pay the visa fee (depends on nationality and visa type)
IV. Processing & Collection
• Processing usually takes a few days to 2 weeks
• Collect your visa in person or by delivery (if available)
Note: Requirements may vary, so always check the official embassy website before applying.
Overview of Visa-Free Countries and Policy Key Points
As of April 13, 2026, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free entry policy for holders of ordinary passports from 38 countries, allowing them to enter China without a visa for up to 10–30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, cultural exchanges, or transit.
• Total number of visa-free countries: 38 (based on the latest announcements from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and major authoritative media in 2026).
• Length of stay: Up to 30 days.
• Eligible purposes: Business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, and transit.
• Validity period: Most visa-free arrangements are valid until December 31, 2025, while some newly added countries (such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Russia) have extended validity until June or September 2026.
European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein
Asian countries: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Oceania countries: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea
American countries: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Barbados, Grenada, Suriname
African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles, Fiji, Bahamas, Tonga
Note: Some countries such as Russia (Sep 15, 2025 – Sep 14, 2026), the four Gulf Cooperation Council countries including Saudi Arabia (Jun 9, 2025 – Jun 8, 2026), as well as Canada and the United Kingdom (from Feb 17, 2026 until the end of 2026), are also included in the visa-free scheme, but with different validity periods.
Special Notes
• The above refers to a unilateral visa-free policy, meaning China grants visa-free access to citizens of these countries.
• If mutual visa-free agreements are included (e.g., Thailand, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, etc.), the total number of visa-free or visa-exempt countries would be higher. However, since the question refers specifically to “unilateral visa-free entry to China,” the list above applies.
• Before traveling, please ensure you check passport validity, return ticket requirements, hotel bookings, and other entry conditions, as some travelers may still need to meet additional requirements.