How to Get Transit Visa for China | China G Visa Application Guide

Do I Need a Visa for a Stopover in China?

International transit passengers can transit through mainland China without a visa if they are eligible for China’s 24/240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption Policy. If not, they must apply for and hold a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before arriving in stopover cities in China. Additionally, most foreigners are permitted to apply for a Transit Visa for Hong Kong or Macau upon arrival.Indian and Pakistani passport holders who meet the related regulations can apply for a 24-Hour Visa Free Transit in China, but they do not qualify for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit.Canada, the US, and Australia are among the 54 countries on the list for the 240-Hour TWOV.

Introduction to China Transit Visa Rules

The China Transit Visa, also known as the G Visa, is a short-term visa issued to foreign applicants who will be transiting through China. This visa can be issued for single or double entry and is obtained through overseas Chinese Embassies, Consulates, or other Chinese Diplomatic Missions.In recent years, the implementation of the 24/240 TWOV Program has allowed many visitors to receive a transit visa waiver for a stopover in China. As a result, the need for the Transit Visa (G Visa) has decreased significantly.

What are the Requirements of China Transit Visa Application?

● Passport

In order to apply for a visa, you will need to provide your original passport with a validity of at least 6 months and one or more blank visa pages. Additionally, please include one copy of the passport’s data page and any used visa pages. Thank you for your attention to these requirements.

● China Visa Application Form

Visa applicants are required to fill out the visa application form on COVA – the China Online Visa Application platform . Following this, they must schedule an appointment for in-person submission at the Visa Office of Chinese embassies or consulates through the AVAS website – Appointment for Visa Application Submission.Citizens from 46 designated countries have the option to complete the form online and secure an appointment for document submission via the China Visa Application Service Center website.

● Photo

Please include at least one recent front passport-size color photo taken within the last six months. The photo should be taken against a white or light solid background, with no hat, and a frontal view presenting the full face. The paper photo size should be 33mm x 48mm. Please adhere one photo to the application form as per the China Visa Photo Requirements & Size.

● Valid Visa of the Onward Country or Region (if requires)

● Ticket

“Ensure seamless travel arrangements by linking your air, train, or ship ticket with a confirmed date and seat for your onward journey to other countries or regions.”

● Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

Please submit both the original and a photocopy of your valid certificate or visa if you are not applying for a China Visa in the state or region of your citizenship or nationality.

● Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

When applying for a Chinese Visa for the first time, you must submit your original passport along with a copy of the passport’s date page.If you have previously obtained a Chinese Visa and are now applying for a new one with a new passport, you will need to provide a photocopy of the date page of your previous passport and a copy of the old Chinese Visa. If the name on your current passport is different from the name on your old passport, you will also need to provide an official certificate of name change.For those applying for a China Transit Visa, the required documents include the China Transit Visa Application Form and a paper photo of the specified size.Please note that depending on individual circumstances, the Chinese Embassy or Consulate may request additional documents or require an in-person interview.

How to Get Transit Visa for China?

Aliens holding an ordinary passport must prepare the aforementioned documents and obtain a China Transit Visa before departure. To apply, individuals can submit their application to the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) or directly to the Visa Office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate that has consular jurisdiction over the state where they reside.To begin the application process, applicants should fill out the Application Form online on the websites of COVA – “China Online Visa Application or the China Visa Application Service Center . After completing the form, applicants should make an appointment, print out the completed form and appointment slip, and then visit the embassy/consulate or Visa Service Center to submit the required materials and pay the visa fees. Applicants will then need to wait for a notice to pick up their visa and passport.If applicants are unable to submit their application in person, they can authorize a friend, family member, another individual, or a travel agent to apply on their behalf.

China Transit Visa Cost and Fees

How much does a China Transit Visa cost? The exact fees vary depending on your nationality and where you choose to submit your application.

If you apply at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, you will only be required to pay the visa processing fee and any additional fees for expedited services such as Express or Urgent Application.On the other hand, if you choose to submit your application at the China Visa Application Service Center, you will be charged extra service fees in the local currency by the center. For moreinformation on detailed visa fees, please visit www.visaforchina.org and navigate to Homepage-General Information-Visa Knowledge-Payment Methods & Schedules of Fees.

China Transit Visa Fees

China Transit Visa Processing Time

Regular Application: about 4 working days.

Express Service: about 2~3 working days.

Rush Service: about 1 working day.

Attention: 1.)Express and Rush Services are available in select countries for specific emergencies. When utilizing expedited services, additional visa application fees and service fees will apply. Please note that postal applications in Australia require longer processing times, usually exceeding 10 working days. Express and Rush Services are not applicable for these types of applications.

Hong Kong and Macau Transit Visa

Both Hong Kong and Macau offer visa-free entry and transit for visitors from selected countries for a specified period. However, if you do not qualify for the visa-free policy of Hong Kong or Macau when transiting through, you will need to obtain a Transit Visa.

Transit in Hong Kong: You have the option to submit your application materials to the local Immigration Department, apply at the visa section of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or utilize the services of a China Visa Application Center.How to Apply HK Transit Visa >>

Transit in Macau: With the exception of travelers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, individuals from all other countries are eligible to obtain a Macau Transit Visa upon arrival at entry ports.

Transit in China without Visa – China Transit Visa Exemption

The TWOV Program in China has been implemented to provide convenience for international transit passengers. Upon arrival, eligible applicants can apply for Transit Visa exemption and even enjoy a short-term tour in the transit cities. Travelers who are directly transiting through China within 24 hours may be eligible for a 24-Hour Transit Visa exemption in most Chinese cities. Citizens from 54 specific foreign countries who meet the related requirements can also apply for a 240-Hour Transit Visa Free in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Kunming, Xiamen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guilin, Xian, Chongqing, Harbin, Changsha, and more.

Useful Links:

China 240 Hour Visa Free Transit | China 240 Hour Visa Free Transit

China Transit Without Visa | Visa Free Travel to China