China Visa
China Visa for United States Citizens
American passport holders need a visa for China, but may qualify for 240-hour transit or other schemes.
American passport holders need a visa for China, but may qualify for 240-hour transit or other schemes.
The US is NOT on China's visa-free list. Americans still need a visa, but can use 240-hour transit (onward to a third country), Hainan visa-free via an agency, or the 15-day cruise scheme.
Your entry options in detail
Visa required
You need to obtain a Chinese visa in advance from an embassy, consulate, or visa centre before you travel.
- Obtain a tourist (L) visa in advance from a Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa centre
- Apply with a passport valid 6+ months, photos, itinerary, and accommodation details
US nationals are commonly issued 10-year multiple-entry L visas.
240-hour visa-free transit
Up to 10 daysNo blanket visa-free entry, but you can stay up to 10 days if you're transiting onward to a third country through a designated port.
- You must be travelling onward to a third country or region, not returning to where you departed
- Hold a confirmed onward ticket departing within 240 hours (10 days)
- Stay within the permitted zone for your entry port
- Available only at designated ports of entry
Hainan visa-free (30 days)
Up to 30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days on Hainan Island only, booked through a registered Hainan travel agency.
- Hainan Province (Hainan Island) only
- Up to 30 days
- Arranged through a registered Hainan travel agency
Cruise visa-free (15 days)
Up to 15 daysVisa-free for up to 15 days when arriving with an organised cruise group at a designated coastal port.
- Arrive with an organised cruise group at a designated coastal port
- Up to 15 days, staying with the tour group
Official sources
Visa rules change. Always confirm against the official source before you book, and check with your airline at the gate.
- Chinese Embassy in the United Statesembassy
- China National Immigration Administration (NIA)nia
- PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Consular Affairsmfa