Apply for your tourist visa
Confirm where to apply based on your passport and legal residence, then prepare your documents.
Prepare your application
Tourism uses the L visa category. Complete the online form and follow the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence; the local instructions determine where documents are submitted and whether an appointment is needed.
Submit through the official channel
Use China tourist visa (L visa). Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
China arrival steps
Check the timing and conditions for each arrival step.
China Arrival Card
Complete it online before travel or at the border; paper forms remain available. Exemptions include permanent-resident ID or eligible mainland-permit holders, group visa or visa-free groups, direct airside transit within 24 hours, same-ship cruise visits, fast-lane entrants and transport crew.
Arrival guidanceBefore and during your visit to China
Arrange accommodation registration
Hotels register their guests. For a private home or other non-hotel stay, you or your host must register with local public security within 24 hours of arrival. The NIA website and NIA 12367 apps now offer nationwide online registration; local offices remain available.
China travel essentials
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- CNY
- Calling code
- +86
China entry questions
Do North Korean citizens need a visa for China?
For tourism in China, ordinary passport holders from North Korea need a visa before travel.
Do I need to complete China Arrival Card?
Required only when the stated conditions apply. Complete it online before travel or at the border; paper forms remain available. Exemptions include permanent-resident ID or eligible mainland-permit holders, group visa or visa-free groups, direct airside transit within 24 hours, same-ship cruise visits, fast-lane entrants and transport crew.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm China’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open China tourist visa (L visa)
Tourism uses the L visa category. Complete the online form and follow the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence; the local instructions determine where documents are submitted and whether an appointment is needed.
Open China Arrival Card
Check China’s visa-free entry guidance
Official questions and answers on visa-free entry and links to consular visa information.
China accommodation registration guidance
Check how you or your host can register a non-hotel stay.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to China with an ordinary North Korea passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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