Useful and Updated Guide to China Single, Double and Multiple Entry Visa
Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on November 22, 2024:
1. 15 days visa free has been upgraded to 30 days. Eligible countries updates: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan. Valid till December 31, 2025. Read more »
2. Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Xishuangbanna and 5 regions in Yunnan Province are applicable to 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.
3. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.
4. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.
5. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.
6. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."
7. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.
8. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.
9. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.
China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
Number of Entry (入境次数) is a very important element for a Visa, because it decides how many times you can enter into a country or region during the validity, basically matters to your second or following trips. For overseas visitors, China Visa has three different number of entries: China Single Entry, Double and Multiple Entries Visa. What’s the cost of each? How to get a Tourist (L) Multiple Entry Visa for China? What to pay attention to for a Single Entry Visa to China? They are all priority should be figured out before application and arrival to China if hold one. Let’s read the following introduction one by one to better understand. (Zero Entry Visa issued for foreigners' overstaying in China can only be used for exit, no entry is allowed.)
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When applying for China Visa, based on personal travel plans, all applicants will fill in proposed number of entries to China's mainland, either 1 entry (within 3 months), 2 entries (valid for 3 to 6 months), and multiple entries (for 6 months, 1 year and above) and special notes on the China Visa Application Form. The embassy visa officer will give a final number of entry by considering your application materials and intended purpose to China's mainland.
Samples of China Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visa
Once successfully issued, the “Entries” is stamped clearly in Arabic numerals with proper visa type, validity, issuance date and personal information on the China Visa page. (understand all China Visa informations here) “01 (壹)” means single (one) entry, “02 (贰)” stands for double (dual) entries, “M (多)” means multiple entries. Literally, you’re allowed to enter China 1, 2 or many times as long as the visa is still valid. A China Visa will become invalid if the number of entries have been used up, or the entry date expires (even there is entry times left). A new trip to China requires a new China Visa with valid entries.
☞ What is Single Entry Visa in China?
China Single-entry Visa is a one entry visa allowing only one entry and one exit out of China. It is usually issued for short-term visitors to destinations in one single trip (e.g. Chinese Tourist Group Visa for no longer than 30 days, Shenzhen 5-Day Special Economic Zone Tourist Visa) and special long-term types of China Visa (such as China Z/X1/J1/Q1/S1/D Visa with a stay over 180 days.) According to individual case, some foreigners may granted China Single-entry Tourist Visa or Non-commercial Visit (F) Visa with a validity of 3 months.
International tourists wishing to visit Forbidden City in Beijing, famoud Bund view in Shanghai, amazing Terracotta Warriors Army in Xian or idyllic countryside scenery in Guilin... in a single trip may apply a single entry visa while submiting application overseas.
China 3-Month Single-Entry Tourist Visa Issued in Manila
☞ What to Notice about China Single Entry Visa?
Short-term tourists or business visitors or travelers for other aims shall exit before the permitted stay period ends. Another entry without a valid China Visa is strictly forbidden. Long-term Single Entry Visa holders, like the Z Visa, are required to apply for a China Residence Permit from the Exit & Entry Administrative Department of local Public Security Bureau where you will stay, within 30 days after entry.
☞ China Single Entry Visa Fee
The Single-entry China Visa cost differently for lots of factors, including your citizenship, where you submit application to (embassy, consulate or China Visa Application Service Center), which service you use, etc.
Nationality | Apply in Which Country | Number of Entry | Regular Application | Express Service | Rush Service |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Citizens |
US (submit to Chinese Embassy/Consulate) |
Single Entry |
USD 140 | USD 165 | USD 177 |
Canadian Citizens | USD 80 | USD 105 | USD 117 | ||
Other Citizens | USD 30 | USD 55 | USD 67 |
Note: For US and Canadian passport holders, China Visa Application fees for single entry, double or multiple entries and all types (3 months, 6 months, 1 year and even 10 year) are the same, third countries shall pay differently for each type of entries. For submission direct to embassy, applicants only need to pay visa application fee, while apply through service center, you need to pay additional service fees.
☞ What is Double Entry Visa for China?
China Double Entry Visa is a kind of visa given two/dual entries for aliens to China's mainland. Easy to understand that, holding a China double-entry Visa, you can enter and exit, and enter again before the expiration date. No need to apply a visa for the second visit. It’s much convenient and time-saving if you do plan another travel in China.
China 6-Month Double-Entry Tourist Visa Issued in Hong Kong
☞ Single Entry or Double Entry?
When thinking about which type of entry visa to apply, you must plan your travel route in advance. Hong Kong and Macau are regarded as third regions from China's mainland. Therefore, if you attend Canton Fair in Guangzhou and have a possible travel to Hong Kong or Macau, you’re suggested to obtain a China Double-entry Visa if will return to China's mainland later. Similarly, a Double-entry Visa is needed if you will return to China's mainland and depart for a international destination. (e.g. Flight: US --> Beijing --> Singapore --> Beijing --> US; Curise: Japan --> Tianjin --> Xiamen --> Hong Kong --> Bangkok.)
☞ Cost of Double Entry Visa to China
Nationality | Apply in Which Country | Number of Entry | Regular Application | Express Service | Rush Service |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Citizens |
US (submit to Chinese Embassy/Consulate) |
Double Entries |
USD 140 | USD 165 | USD 177 |
Canadian Citizens | USD 80 | USD 105 | USD 117 | ||
Other Citizens | USD 45 | USD 70 | USD 82 |
Note: For US, UK, Canada, Australia passport holders, a double-entry short-term visa costs mostly the same as a single-entry visa.
☞ What is Multiple Entry Visa for China?
A China Multiple-entry Visa refers to the holders can enter China's mainland many times during the validity. It can be issued to short-term (3 months, 6 months) or long-term (1 year, 2 years, 5 years and 10 years) visitors. As long as the visa is still valid, there is no limitation of the number of entries. For foreign travelers who may frequently visit China, the Multiple-Entry Visa is the most recommended and best choice, cause you can visit China's mainland more than twice in different trips.
China 10-Year Multiple-Entry Q2 Visa
☞ How Do I Get A Multiple Entry Visa for China?
The application requirements and materials remain the same as a normal short-term visa application. To increase the chance to get a China Multiple-entry Visa (maybe a Toursit L Visa, Business M Visa), you shall make a clear statement on the application form, provide previous record to China (visas, photos...), which may help to explain your willingness to visit China often. We suggest you better prepare former visit evidence as much as possible.
☞ China Visa Multiple Entries Fees
Below are schedules of China Multiple-entry Visa fees in US, you can check on the offcial website of Chinese Embassy in your country or guide page on www.visaforchina.org..
Nationality | Apply in Which Country | Number of Entry | Regular Application | Express Service | Rush Service |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Citizens |
US (submit to Chinese Embassy/Consulate) |
Multiple Entries (for any types & duration) |
USD 140 | USD 165 | USD 177 |
Canadian Citizens | USD 80 | USD 105 | USD 117 | ||
Other Citizens | Multiple Entries (for 6 Months) | USD 60 | USD 85 | USD 97 | |
Multiple Entries (for 12 Months & above) | USD 90 | USD 115 | USD 127 |
● China 5-Year Multiple-Entry Visa
Ethic Chineses (foreigners of Chinese origin) living abroad can apply 5-Year China Q1/Q2 Visa from overseas Chinese Embassy or apply 5-Year Residence Permit after entry in China.
>> British citizens can also apply the 5-Year China Visa for tour (L Visa), business (M Visa), short-term family reunion (Q2 Visa) and private affiairs (S2 Visa), if he/she once granted Chine 2-Year Multiple Visa 2 times or more, or got a China 2-Year or longer Visa once and visited China more than 3 times during recent 2 years.
>> Americans studying in China may apply 5-Year China Student (X1) Visa.
>> Officially invited foreign experts & scholars, recoginized high-level talents can get China Visa on Arrival at border ports, and then apply 5-Year China Visa or Residence Permit, or the longest 10-Year China Talent (R) Visa from local Public Security Bureau.
● China 10-Year Multiple-entry Visa
Currently, only US, UK, Canadian, Argentinean passport holders are eligible to apply for 10-year multiple-entry China Visa, including the Tourist L Visa, Business M Visa, Family Reunion Q2 Visa and Private Visit S2 Visa. Each country has specific requirements to apply, for example, to apply a 10-year China Visa, an American needs a valid passport with more than 1 year’s validity, a British shall obtained 2-year or 5-year multiple-entry China visa before, Canadians will be issued visa valid no longer than the passport validity.
Tips: Argentine citizens can only apply 10-year Tourist & Business Visa with a maximum stay period of 90 days each visit.
How Much is A 10 Year Visa to China?
Americans and Argentineans have to submit application directly to Chinese Embassy in US or Argentine respectively. So just visa application fees would be occured. While Britishs and Canadians must submit though China Visa Application Center, additional service fees will be charged by the center.
Nationality | Where to Submit | Visa Type & Validity | Visa Cost (Application Fee+Service Fee) | Duration of Stay (maximum per entry) | Payment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Citizens |
Chinese Embassy/Consulate in U.S.A |
10-Year Multiple-Entry China L/M/Q2/S2 Visa |
Regular: USD 140;
Express: USD 165; Rush: USD 177 |
L/M Visa: 60 days; Q2 Visa: 120 days; S2 Visa: 90 days. |
Credit Card (Master/Visa Card);
Cash Cheque (Money Order/Cashier's Cheque); Company Cheque. |
Canadian Citizens |
China Visa Application Service Center |
10-Year Multiple-Entry China L/M/Q2/S2 Visa |
Regular: CAD 162.15
Express: CAD 228.79 Rush: CAD 274.3. |
Cash, Debit Card |
|
British Citizens |
China Visa Application Service Center |
5-Year Multiple Entries |
Regular: GBP 236
Express: GBP267 |
||
10-Year Multiple Entries |
Regular: GBP 321
Express: GBP 352 |
||||
Argentinean Citizens | Chinese Embassy in Argentine |
10-Year China Multiple-Entry Tourist/Business Visa |
Regular: ARS 5750
Express: ARS 6700 Rush: ARS 7150 |
China L/M Visa: 90 days | Deposit Receipt to Embassy Appointed Banks |
Note: Under special situation, the duration of stay per entry can be extended for foreigners of Chinese origin up to 180 days.
Q1: Can I get a 10-year visa for China?
Only citizens from certain countries (US, UK, Canada, Argentine) can apply China 10-Year Multiple Visa for specific purposes. Even you’re qualified, the final decision is made by the visa officer, and the result is not always guaranteed.
Q2: I got a double entry visa to China. The visa is valid from March 20 to June 20. I entered China two times already before May 20. Can i use the visa to enter China later?
No, you can’t. The entries permitted to you has been used up, so your visa became void even it’s still during the validity period.
Q3: How to get Hong Kong Multiple-entry Visa?
Foreigners of 170 countries are visa exempted to Hong Kong for 7 to 180 days for multiple trips. Others can apply a Hong Kong Multiple-entry Visa from Chinese Embassy abroad, remember to request a multiple-entry visa if you want one. How to Apply for Hong Kong Visa >>
Q4: How to Understand the “ Entry Before Date” on (old version) China Visa?
Usually, a China Visa starts to be valid since issued. The "Enter Before" is the last entry date (24:00 UTC+8). The new version is marked as “Valid for Entry By”, which is the deadline for entry to China. A China Visa would be expired after passed that date.
China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. We not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also can provide any visa-related support & help you need to travel to China. With a Chinese Visa, you can freely travel to many cities in China's mainland, among all, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong are often used as gate way cities, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu are also excellent destinations to discovery different regional culture, history and local customs in China.
You may choose from our most popular China tours, or just contact us, tell your interests and travel plans, we could customize a perfect China tour as you like.
World Architecture Expo along the Bund, Shanghai
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Customize a TripQuestions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
Currently, there is no limitation on how many times you can use the 15 days visa free policy, as long as your itinerary and entry purpose are legal, which means you don' t have to have a multiple entries visa.
China Discovery
Hope you are OK and everything goes well with you.
You can exit China if your Chinese Visa is still valid and you haven’t been infected. But we suggest you firstly check the entry policy of the country you are going to, since lots of nations have made immigration control for visitors who once stayed in China.
Meanwhile, all Public Security Bureaus in China accept visa extension and application during the period. It’s highly advised to contact them, make an reservation and avoid the crowds. The PSB will handle emergency situations if necessary.
If you need more help, feel free to contact us.
Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, you can enter China any date before 11-03-2020.
Thanks for your inquiry. Yes, you can apply for Chinese visa in UK, but you need to show the document of your legal residence in UK or work certification in UK. You'd better contact the embassy for more details.
Since you already obtained the visa, you don’t need to make the itinerary again. Just carry your passport with the visa and go through related procedures at the port of entry.
Best wishes for you! And, Merry Christmas! ^0^
First of all congratulation on your obtaining of Chinese Tourist Visa. Please carefully check the visa page, there is a permitted duration of each stay highlighted there. That number is exactly how many days you can stay in mainland China each entry. And the date officially counts from 00:00 the day after entry (the second day).
Hope you understand now, and enjoy your coming trip to China!
Best Regards,
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