Useful and Updated Guide to China Single, Double and Multiple Entry Visa

Introduction of Number of Entries of China Visa

When applying for a China Visa, applicants must indicate the number of entries they plan to make into mainland China based on their travel itinerary. Options include a single entry (valid for up to 3 months), double entry (valid for 3 to 6 months), or multiple entries (valid for 6 months, 1 year, or longer). It is important to provide detailed information and special notes on the China Visa Application Form to assist the embassy visa officer in determining the appropriate number of entries for your visa. The final decision will be made based on your application materials and the purpose of your visit to mainland China.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samples of China Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visa

Once a China Visa is successfully issued, the “Entries” section is clearly stamped in Arabic numerals with the appropriate visa type, validity, issuance date, and personal information on the visa page. In order to understand all the information on a China Visa, refer to the following explanations: “01 (壹)” indicates a single entry, “02 (贰)” signifies double entries, and “M (多)” denotes multiple entries. Essentially, this means that you are permitted to enter China once, twice, or multiple times as long as the visa remains valid.

It is important to note that a China Visa will no longer be valid once the specified number of entries has been used, or if the entry date has expired, even if there are remaining entry times. Therefore, a new trip to China will require obtaining a new China Visa with valid entries.

China Single Entry Visa – Travel to China Once Only

☞ What is Single Entry Visa in China?

The China Single-entry Visa allows for one entry and one exit out of China. This type of visa is typically issued to short-term visitors who are traveling to a single destination in one trip, such as the Chinese Tourist Group Visa for stays of up to 30 days or the Shenzhen 5-Day Special Economic Zone Tourist Visa. There are also special long-term visas available, like the China Z/X1/J1/Q1/S1/D Visa, which allow for stays of over 180 days.

Depending on the individual case, some foreigners may be granted a China Single-entry Tourist Visa or Non-commercial Visit (F) Visa with a validity of 3 months. These visas are ideal for those looking to explore China for a short period of time or for non-commercial purposes.

International tourists who wish to visit iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, the famous Bund view in Shanghai, the incredible Terracotta Warriors Army in Xian, or the picturesque countryside scenery in Guilin can now apply for a single entry visa by submitting their application overseas. This streamlined process allows travelers to experience the diverse beauty and culture of China in one seamless trip.

☞ What to Notice about China Single Entry Visa?

Short-term tourists, business visitors, and travelers with other purposes must leave before their permitted stay period expires. Re-entry without a valid China Visa is strictly prohibited. Holders of long-term Single Entry Visas, such as the Z Visa, must apply for a China Residence Permit from the Exit & Entry Administrative Department of the local Public Security Bureau where they will be staying within 30 days of entry.

☞ China Single Entry Visa Fee

The cost of a Single-entry China Visa varies depending on several factors, such as your citizenship, the location where you submit your application (embassy, consulate, or China Visa Application Service Center), and the type of service you choose.

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

Please note that the China Visa Application fees for single entry, double entry, and multiple entries are the same for US and Canadian passport holders. This applies to all types of visas, including 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and even 10 years. However, third countries may have different fees for each type of entry.

When submitting your application directly to the embassy, you will only need to pay the visa application fee. If you choose to apply through a service center, you will be required to pay additional service fees.

China Double Entry Visa – Make A Second Trip to China

☞ What is Double Entry Visa for China?

The China Double Entry Visa allows aliens to enter China’s mainland twice. With this visa, you can enter, exit, and re-enter before the expiration date without needing to apply for a visa for the second visit. This convenience saves time and makes it easier to plan another trip to China.

☞ Single Entry or Double Entry?

When considering which type of entry visa to apply for, it is important to plan your travel route in advance. Hong Kong and Macau are considered separate regions from mainland China. Therefore, if you plan to attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou and then travel to Hong Kong or Macau, it is recommended that you obtain a China Double-entry Visa if you will be returning to mainland China later. Similarly, a Double-entry Visa is necessary if you will be returning to mainland China and then departing for an international destination. For example, if your travel itinerary includes flights such as US –> Beijing –> Singapore –> Beijing –> US or a cruise route like 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

Please be advised that for passport holders from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, the cost of a double-entry short-term visa is generally equivalent to that of 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 allows holders to enter mainland China multiple times during its validity period. This type of visa can be issued for short-term stays (3 months, 6 months) or long-term stays (1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years). There is no limit to the number of entries as long as the visa remains valid.

For frequent travelers to China, the Multiple-Entry Visa is highly recommended as it allows for multiple visits to mainland China on different trips. This flexibility makes it the best choice for those who plan to visit China more than twice.

☞ How Do I Get A Multiple Entry Visa for China?

The application requirements and materials for a China Multiple-entry Visa, such as a Tourist L Visa or Business M Visa, are the same as those for a normal short-term visa application. To enhance your chances of obtaining a multiple-entry visa, it is recommended that you clearly state your intentions on the application form and provide documentation of previous visits to China, such as visas and photos. This evidence can help demonstrate your desire to visit China frequently. It is advisable to gather as much proof of previous visits as possible to strengthen your application.

☞ 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			USD 80	USD 105	USD 117
Other Citizens		Multiple Entries (for 6 Months)	USD 60	USD 85	USD 97
		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

Ethnic Chinese individuals living abroad, who are of Chinese origin, have the option to apply for a 5-Year China Q1/Q2 Visa through their local overseas Chinese Embassy. Alternatively, they can apply for a 5-Year Residence Permit upon entering China.

British citizens are also eligible to apply for a 5-Year China Visa for various purposes such as tourism (L Visa), business (M Visa), short-term family reunions (Q2 Visa), and private affairs (S2 Visa). This is applicable if the individual has been granted a Chinese 2-Year Multiple Visa on two occasions or more, or has obtained a China 2-Year or longer Visa once and visited China more than three times within the past two years.

American students studying in China have the option to apply for a 5-Year China Student (X1) Visa.

Foreign experts and scholars who have been officially invited, as well as recognized high-level talents, can obtain a China Visa upon arrival at border ports. They can then apply for a 5-Year China Visa or Residence Permit, or even the longest option of a 10-Year China Talent (R) Visa through the local Public Security Bureau.

● China 10-Year Multiple-entry Visa

At present, individuals holding passports from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Argentina are the only ones eligible to apply for a 10-year multiple-entry China Visa. This includes various types of visas such as the Tourist L Visa, Business M Visa, Family Reunion Q2 Visa, and Private Visit S2 Visa.

Each country has specific requirements for applying for these visas. For instance, American applicants must have a valid passport with at least 1 year of validity remaining. British applicants must have previously obtained a 2-year or 5-year multiple-entry China visa. Canadians will only be issued a visa that is valid for the same duration as their passport validity.

It is important to carefully review and meet all the requirements for the specific visa you are applying for to ensure a smooth application process.

Tips: Argentine citizens are eligible to apply for a 10-year Tourist & Business Visa, allowing for a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

How Much is A 10 Year Visa to China?

Americans and Argentineans are required to submit their visa applications directly to the Chinese Embassy in the United States or Argentina, respectively. Only visa application fees will be incurred in this process. On the other hand, British and Canadian citizens must submit their applications through the China Visa Application Center, where 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: GBP267
		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