🇺🇸 United States passport 🇨🇳 China
eVisa needed
Apply online and get approval before you fly
United States passport holders need an eVisa for China. It is applied for online before you travel — no embassy visit required.
Our data doesn't record the permitted stay, fee or processing time for this route — check the official page before you apply.
Source: the open Passport Index dataset, with corrections checked against official government sites. How we source this · Report an error
Getting an eVisa for China
What this usually involves for an eVisa — not a checklist researched for United States passport holders specifically. The official page has the exact list.
What you'll typically need 6 items
- Scanned copy of passport bio-data page
- Recent passport-sized photo (white background)
- Travel itinerary / flight details
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid email address for delivery
- Credit/debit card for payment
Steps 6 steps
- Visit the official eVisa portal for the destination country
- Create an account and complete the online application form
- Upload required documents and photo
- Pay the visa fee online
- Wait for approval email — processing time varies by country
- Download and print your eVisa approval to show at immigration
Before you board for China
Beyond the visa itself, these are what travellers most often get turned away for:
- Passport validityValid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
- Onward or return ticket Required
- Proof of funds Required
- Travel insurance Recommended
- Hepatitis A Recommended
- Typhoid Recommended
- Routine vaccines Recommended
- 144-hour or 72-hour visa-free transit available at major airports for many nationalities
- 15-day visa-free access introduced for several countries including France, Germany, US (check current status)
- VPN services are restricted; download tools before arrival
- Many Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked
- Register at accommodation within 24 hours of arrival
Requirements can vary by nationality and change without notice — confirm with the official sources before you travel.
Official sources
Always confirm with China's own government before you travel:
- China official visa information ↗ visaforchina.cn
- China embassies & consulates ↗ fmprc.gov.cn
Keep going
About China
Five thousand years of history, from imperial dynasties to a high-speed future
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan (CNY/¥)
- Language
- Mandarin
- Time zone
- CST (UTC+8)
- Best time to visit
- April – May, September – October
Common questions
Do United States citizens need a visa to visit China?
United States passport holders need an eVisa for China. It is applied for online before you travel — no embassy visit required.
How long can United States passport holders stay in China?
Our data doesn't record the permitted stay for this route. Check China's official visa information before you travel.
How much does a China visa cost for United States citizens?
Our data doesn't record the fee for this route. Fees change often — check China's official visa information before you apply.
How long must my passport be valid to enter China?
Valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
Does China give visas to United States citizens?
Yes — China issues eVisas to United States citizens. Apply online before travelling; approval is delivered electronically.
Where can United States citizens find official China visa information?
On China's official site: https://www.visaforchina.cn