Do American citizens need a visa for China?
The official link goes to consular.mfa.gov.cn. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
China entry rules for American citizens.
| Verdict | Visa needed before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Chinese visa (L tourist / M business) |
| Fee | USD 140 (US-citizen rate under the visa-fee reduction, extended to 31 Dec 2026; visa-centre service fees extra) |
| Stay | As granted on the visa |
| Validity | As issued |
| When to apply | About 1 month; online form on COVA, then submit at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or consulate (fingerprints taken) |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for an American passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: China entry requirements.
The details for an American passport.
No 30-day visa-free entry for US citizens. Eligible for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit: ordinary passport, confirmed onward ticket to a THIRD country or region (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan count; a round trip back to the departure country does not), entry via one of 65 open ports, stay inside the 24 permitted provincial regions. Also eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan Province only (enter through a Hainan port). Most US citizens can get a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa. The 12-page US emergency passport is not accepted for visa-free entry. The fee (USD 140) was not confirmed on an official page in the independent check; the status was.
How long it must be valid.
At least 6 months beyond arrival. For 240-hour visa-free transit, at least 3 months.
Recent changes in China.
- 2025-06-01 — Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay added to 30-day visa-free entry.
- 2025-06-09 — Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain added to 30-day visa-free entry.
- 2025-06-12 — Indonesia added to 240-hour visa-free transit (55 countries).
The short answers.
Do American citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. American citizens need a visa from an embassy or visa centre before travelling to China.
How much does it cost for American citizens?
USD 140 (US-citizen rate under the visa-fee reduction, extended to 31 Dec 2026; visa-centre service fees extra). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can American citizens stay in China?
As granted on the visa. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should American citizens apply?
About 1 month; online form on COVA, then submit at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or consulate (fingerprints taken).
Where do American citizens apply?
On the official site, consular.mfa.gov.cn. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue China visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.