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 August 7, 2025:

1. China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for following eligible countries, including European nations - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and Russia. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain are included. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay in South America are also eligible. China will continue to extend its visa-free policy for Italy.

2. 240-Hour Visa Free Transit (10 days) has been lanched. 55 eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Indonesia, Brazil, etc. Eligible travelers can now travel across provinces, for example traveling from Beijing to Xian, then to Shanghai. 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 240-hour transit visa-free.

3. As of now, China has established full visa exemption agreements with 28 countries, including Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.

4. Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province is 6 days visa-free for tour groups (at least two persons) from ASEAN countries.

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

WeTrip 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.

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.)

Introduction of Number of Entries of China Visa

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. "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.

China Single Entry Visa - Travel to China Once Only

☞ 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.

China Double Entry Visa - Make A Second Trip to China

☞ 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.

China Multiple Entry Visa - Visit China Many Times in Different Trips

☞ 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		Multiple Entries (for any types & duration)	USD 80	USD 105	USD 117
Other Citizens		Multiple Entries (for 6 Months)	USD 60	USD 85	USD 97
Other Citizens		Multiple Entries (for 12 Months & above)	USD 90	USD 115	USD 127

China 5-Year and 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visa

● 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: GBP 267
British Citizens	China Visa Application Service Center	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.

More FAQs about Number of Entry of China Visa

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.

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.

World Architecture Expo along the Bund, Shanghai

Travel with WeTrip

WeTrip 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026?

It depends on your nationality. China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 38+ countries, 240-hour visa-free transit for 55 countries, and 30-day visa exemptions for many European and Asian nations. Check our full visa guide for details specific to your passport.

How long does it take to get a Chinese visa?

Standard processing takes 4-5 business days at most Chinese embassies. Express service (2-3 days) and rush service (1 day) are available at higher fees. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your trip.

What documents do I need for a China tourist visa?

You need a valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), completed application form, passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of financial means. U.S. nationals don't need to show hotel bookings or flight itineraries.

Can WeTrip help with my China visa application?

Yes! WeTrip provides invitation letters, itinerary documents, and step-by-step visa guidance as part of our tour packages. Our team has helped 210,000+ travelers navigate the visa process successfully.