A clear path to your application
The right application channel depends on your destination and where you legally live.
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.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Arrival paperwork is a separate 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.
Open China Arrival CardPractical tips for China
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
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 at a glance
- Capital
- Beijing
- Currency
- CNY
- Calling code
- +86
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Vatican City need a visa for China?
For tourism in China, travelers using an ordinary passport from Vatican City should obtain a visa before travel. 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.
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. It does not replace a required visa or travel authorisation.
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 websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
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.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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