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⚠ Important
Visa rules change frequently. Always double-check with your nearest Chinese embassy or visa application center (CVASC) before applying. This guide is accurate as of June 2026.
Who Needs a Visa
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. As of 2026, the following exceptions apply:
- Singapore — 30-day visa-free entry (bilateral agreement since Feb 2024)
- Brunei — 15-day visa-free for ordinary passport holders
- Japan — 30-day visa-free entry (added to unilateral visa-free program in Nov 2024)
- 38+ countries under unilateral visa-free policy — China expanded its visa-free program significantly in 2024. The list now includes most EU nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and more), plus Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and others. Duration is typically 15-30 days depending on nationality. Check the latest list at cova.mfa.gov.cn as new countries are added regularly.
- Maldives, UAE, Qatar, Serbia, Bosnia, San Marino, Mauritius, Barbados, Bahamas, Fiji, Grenada, Dominica, Ecuador, Suriname, Seychelles, Tonga — various bilateral visa-free agreements
For everyone else — including US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and most other nationalities — you will need to apply for a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival for tourism in mainland China.
The 144-Hour Transit-Free Policy
This is the single most important option for short-term visitors. China offers a 144-hour (6-day) transit without visa (TWOV) policy for citizens of 54 countries — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations.
The rule is an A to China to C routing: you must arrive in China from one country and depart to a different country. For example: London to Hangzhou to Tokyo works. London to Hangzhou to London does not.
Hangzhou is covered under the Shanghai-Zhejiang-Jiangsu zone. With a Shanghai-area TWOV, you can explore not only Shanghai but also Hangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Ningbo, and the broader Yangtze River Delta region — all within 144 hours.
💡 Pro Tip
Many travelers use this to combine Shanghai and Hangzhou. Fly into Shanghai Pudong, take the 45-minute high-speed train to Hangzhou, spend 3-4 days, then fly out of Shanghai to a different country. No visa needed.
Types of Chinese Visas
The most common visa for tourists visiting Hangzhou is the L (Tourist) visa. Here is a breakdown of the relevant options:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entries | Price (US) | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L Single Entry | 30 days | 1 | $140 | £130 |
| L Double Entry | 30 days each | 2 | $160 | £151 |
| L Multiple Entry | 30–60 days each | Multiple (6mo/1yr) | $185 | £178 |
| L 10-Year (US only) | 60 days per stay | Multiple | $185 | N/A |
| Q2 Family Visit | 90–180 days | Single/Double/Multiple | $140 | £130 |
| G Transit | 7–10 days | Single | $60 | £56 |
US citizens are eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry L visa, which is excellent value if you plan multiple trips. UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens typically receive 2-year multiple-entry visas.
Required Documents
When applying for an L tourist visa, you will need:
- Valid passport — Must have at least 6 months validity remaining and at least 2 blank visa pages
- Completed COVA form — The online visa application form at cova.mfa.gov.cn, printed and signed
- One passport photo — 48mm x 33mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- Round-trip flight itinerary — Confirmed booking showing entry and exit dates
- Hotel reservations — For your entire stay in China (free-cancellation bookings work)
- Bank statements — Last 3 months showing sufficient funds (roughly $100/day)
- Photocopy of passport bio page — Some centers also want previous China visas if any
- Travel insurance — Recommended but not always required for L visa (varies by consulate)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Complete the Online COVA Form
Go to cova.mfa.gov.cn and fill out the visa application form. This is about 10 pages and takes 30-45 minutes. You will need your passport details, employment history, education background, and travel itinerary. Save your application number — you will need it to retrieve your form.
Book an Appointment
After submitting the COVA form, book an appointment at your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Major cities like London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Sydney have CVASC offices. Appointments can book up 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season.
Prepare Your Documents
Print your COVA form, gather all supporting documents (flights, hotels, bank statements), and ensure your passport photo meets the specifications. Organize everything in the order listed on the CVASC checklist for your country.
Attend Your Appointment
Arrive at the CVASC at your appointment time. Bring your passport, documents, and payment. The appointment typically takes 20-40 minutes. They will take biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Your passport will be kept for processing.
Collect Your Passport
Standard processing takes 4 working days. Express service (2-3 days) costs an additional $25-40. You can either collect in person, have a representative collect (with authorization), or use the courier return service. Check your visa immediately for accuracy — any error must be corrected before travel.
2026 Visa Policy Updates
- Visa-free expansion — China has expanded its unilateral visa-free program from 15 to 38+ countries, now including Japan, South Korea, and most EU nations. The program has been extended through at least 2026 and continues to add new countries.
- Digital COVA form — The online application system was upgraded in 2025 with improved English interface and auto-save functionality.
- Biometrics requirements — Most applicants aged 14-70 must provide fingerprints at the CVASC. Applicants under 14 or over 70, and some diplomatic visa categories, are typically exempt — check with your local CVASC for current rules.
- 144-hour transit expanded — The Shanghai-Zhejiang-Jiangsu transit zone now allows travel across all three provinces seamlessly, and the eligible country list grew to 54.
- E-visa pilot — Limited e-visa trials are running for certain nationalities visiting Hainan; not yet available for Hangzhou but expected to expand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a China visa by mail?
Most applicants must attend in person for biometrics collection at the CVASC. However, some categories may be exempt from in-person attendance — applicants under 14 or over 70, and those who have previously provided fingerprints within a certain period, may be able to apply by mail or through a representative. Check with your local CVASC for current rules, as policies vary by country.
How long does the visa last from the issue date?
The L tourist visa is typically valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You must enter China before the "Enter Before" date on your visa. The stay duration (30/60/90 days) begins on the day you enter China.
Can I extend my visa while in China?
Yes, you can apply for a single 30-day extension at the local Exit-Entry Administration Bureau (Public Security Bureau). You need a valid reason (medical, family emergency) and must apply at least 7 days before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed.
Do I need a visa for Hong Kong or Macau if I have a China visa?
No. Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration policies. Many nationalities (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) receive visa-free entry to Hong Kong (90 days) and Macau (30 days) regardless of their China visa status. The 144-hour transit zone does not include Hong Kong or Macau.
What if my visa application is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include incomplete COVA form, mismatched travel dates, insufficient funds, or passport issues. You can reapply after addressing the issue. The application fee is not refunded. Consider using a visa agency (like CIBTvisas or VisaHQ) if you are concerned about rejection — they typically charge an additional $50-100.