China Visa for US Citizens: The Complete 2026 Guide
I spent three weeks researching China visa requirements. Every source said something different. Some claimed visa-free entry. Others insisted on a 10-year visa. A few mentioned "transit without visa" as a loophole.
Here's the truth for US passport holders in 2026: you need a visa.
Unlike citizens of France, Germany, or Spain who get 30-day visa-free entry, Americans must apply for a tourist visa (L visa) before traveling to China. The good news? Once approved, you'll likely get a 10-year multiple-entry visa that lets you visit China as many times as you want.
Your Options as a US Citizen
You have two paths:
Option 1: Tourist Visa (L Visa) — Recommended
- Stay up to 30, 60, or 90 days per visit
- Valid for 10 years with multiple entries
- Cost: $140 at the consulate
- Timeline: 1-3 weeks
- Travel anywhere in mainland China
Option 2: Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
- Stay up to 6 days (144-hour) or 10 days (240-hour)
- Free
- Must be transiting to a third country (not back to US)
- Limited to specific regions
- More complex at airline check-in
For most travelers, the L visa is the better choice. It's more flexible, and $140 for 10 years of access is excellent value.
The L Visa Process: Step by Step
Timeline Overview
| Stage | Duration | |-------|----------| | COVA online application | 1 hour | | COVA review and approval | 1-10 days | | Passport drop-off | 30 minutes | | Processing at consulate | 3-4 business days | | Passport pick-up | 30 minutes | | Total | 1-3 weeks |
Start your application 3-4 weeks before your trip.
Step 1: Complete the COVA Online Application
All visa applications go through COVA (China Online Visa Application).
What you'll need:
- Passport scan (bio page)
- Digital passport photo (white background)
- Travel dates and first hotel address
- Basic itinerary (cities and dates)
Important photo requirements:
The photo is the most common rejection reason. Requirements:
- Pure white background (not off-white)
- No glasses
- Neutral expression
- Ears visible
- Taken within 6 months
The application takes about 1 hour. Save frequently—sessions can time out.
Common COVA Issues
Email verification code doesn't arrive: Try registering on your phone instead of desktop. The verification puzzle sometimes doesn't appear on desktop browsers.
"Contact in China" field: If you don't know anyone in China, list your first hotel name and address.
Step 2: Wait for COVA Approval
After submitting, your status will show "Preliminary review in progress."
What happens:
- COVA reviews your documents
- You may receive requests for additional documents
- Each request adds 1-3 days
When approved:
- Status changes to "Submit passport"
- A barcode page generates automatically
- Print this page — showing it on your phone is not accepted
Step 3: Drop Off Your Passport
Take your passport and printed barcode page to your assigned Chinese consulate.
What to bring:
- Original passport
- Printed barcode page
- That's it
What you don't need:
- Printed application form
- Physical photos (already uploaded)
- Supporting documents (they have them digitally)
The process:
- Arrive during drop-off hours (typically 9am-12pm)
- Security check at entrance
- Get a ticket number
- Wait for your number
- Hand over passport + barcode page
- Receive a receipt
- Leave
Total time: 15-40 minutes.
Step 4: Pick Up Your Passport
Return 3-4 business days later during pick-up hours (typically 2pm-4pm).
What to bring:
- Your receipt
- Credit card (payment is at pick-up)
Cost: $140 (credit card only)
Check your visa immediately:
- Validity: Should be 10 years
- Entries: Should say "M" (multiple)
- Days per stay: 30, 60, or 90
- Your name and passport number match
Consulate Locations
US citizens must apply at one of these consulates based on your state of residence:
| Consulate | States Covered | |-----------|----------------| | New York | NY, NJ, CT, PA, OH | | San Francisco | CA, OR, WA, NV, AK | | Los Angeles | Southern CA, AZ, NM, HI | | Chicago | IL, MI, WI, MN, IN, IA | | Houston | TX, LA, OK, AR, AL, MS, GA, FL | | Washington DC | DC, DE, MD, VA, WV, NC, SC, KY, TN |
Using a Visa Agency (Remote Applicants)
Live far from a consulate? Visa agencies handle the in-person steps for you.
How it works:
- You complete COVA application
- Mail your passport to the agency
- Agency does drop-off and pick-up
- Agency mails passport back
Typical cost:
- Visa fee: $140
- Agency service: ~$40
- Return shipping: ~$20
- Total: ~$200
Recommended agency: Oasis China Visa has good reviews from recent travelers. Search online for their contact info.
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Alternative
If you're making a short trip and continuing to another country, you can use TWOV instead of a visa.
Requirements:
- Flying to a third country (not back to US)
- Staying within permitted region
- Exiting within 144 hours (6 days) or 240 hours (10 days)
Example that works: US → Shanghai (5 days) → Tokyo ✓
Example that doesn't work: US → Beijing (5 days) → US ✗
The catch: Airline staff often don't understand TWOV rules. Budget extra time at check-in to explain, and print official documentation from the Chinese immigration website.
Common Problems and Solutions
Photo rejected for "background not white"
COVA is strict. Even backgrounds that look white may register as off-white.
Fix: Take the photo against a completely white wall in bright natural light. Use photo editing to increase background brightness if needed.
COVA status stuck for weeks
This happens with Q2 (family) visas more than L (tourist) visas.
Fix: Call or email the consulate with your application number. For L visas, stuck status is rare—most process within 1-2 weeks.
Card asked for parent passport numbers
Common if you have Chinese heritage.
Fix: If your parent never had a passport, upload a declaration letter stating this.
What Happens at China Immigration
You have your visa. Now you're flying to China.
At the immigration desk:
- Hand over passport with visa
- Photo taken
- Fingerprints scanned (all 10 fingers)
- Brief questions: purpose of visit, length of stay, where staying
- Entry stamp in passport
Time: 5-20 minutes at the desk, plus 60-90 minute queue during busy periods.
What they don't ask for:
- Hotel confirmations
- Printed itinerary
- Proof of funds
Pre-Trip Checklist
4+ weeks before:
- [ ] Check passport validity (6+ months) and blank pages (2+)
- [ ] Take visa photo with white background
- [ ] Complete COVA online application
- [ ] Respond to any document requests
After COVA approval:
- [ ] Print barcode page
- [ ] Schedule consulate drop-off
After pick-up:
- [ ] Verify visa details are correct
- [ ] Screenshot first hotel booking
- [ ] Have return flight info accessible
Cost Summary
| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa fee | $140 | | Express processing (optional) | +$20 | | Agency fee (if remote) | ~$40 | | Agency shipping (if remote) | ~$20 |
DIY total: $140-160 With agency: ~$200
The 10-year visa works out to $14 per year. Worth it.
If This Feels Overwhelming
The visa process is manageable if you follow the steps. But if you'd rather have someone help with paperwork or troubleshoot issues, our Guardian package includes pre-trip support for $19.
Related Guides:
Need More Help?
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