US citizens do not qualify for China’s 30-day visa-free program, but the visa alternative is better than most people realize. A 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa costs $68, takes 4 business days to process, and no longer requires you to book any hotels or flights upfront. For frequent travelers to China, it is the most efficient entry option available.
This guide walks through the entire 2026 application process step by step, from filling out the online COVA form to picking up your passport.
Key Takeaways
- Cost: $68 for US citizens — reduced fee valid through December 31, 2026.
- 10 years validity, unlimited entries, each stay up to 60 days.
- No flight or hotel bookings required since January 2024 — simpler than before.
- Processing time: 4 business days for standard service.
- Apply through COVA online or walk in to a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
- Visa survives passport expiry — carry both old and new passports when renewing.
Who Can Get the 10-Year China Visa?
The 10-year multiple-entry L visa (tourist visa) is available to US citizens by default under the reciprocal agreement between the US and China. Most applicants receive a 10-year validity automatically for tourist applications. Some specific cases get different terms:
| Passport | 10-Year Available? | Notes |
| US citizens | Yes — standard | $68 through Dec 2026 |
| UK citizens | Yes | Must have held a prior 5-year multi-entry visa first |
| Canadian citizens | Yes, but limited by passport expiry | Visa cannot outlast the passport |
| Australian citizens | Check current consulate guidance | Australia added to 30-day visa-free list — visa may not be needed |
[Insert Image 1 Here: US passport and Chinese visa page close-up on wooden desk, soft natural window light, travel documents neatly arranged, no other personal information visible]
What You Need Before You Apply
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry and with at least 2 blank visa pages.
- Passport-style photo: Recent color photo, white background, full face visible, neutral expression. 2×2 inches (51x51mm). Most CVASC locations have photo services on site.
- Completed visa application form: Fill out online via the COVA system at visaforchina.cn before your appointment.
- Previous Chinese visas: Not required, but bring copies if you have them — it helps show travel history.
- For former Chinese nationals: Additional documents required (naturalization certificate, previous Chinese passport). Check with the consulate directly.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Complete the Online Application (COVA)
Go to visaforchina.cn and select your local application center. Create an account and complete the online Form V.2013. Fill in your travel purpose (Tourism/L visa), intended entry date, and personal details. The system will generate a confirmation number — print the completed form.
As of 2024, you are not required to enter confirmed flight or hotel details. Leave those fields blank or enter approximate plans if asked.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Printed and signed application form (from COVA)
- Original passport + photocopy of the data page
- One passport photo (white background, 2×2 inches)
- Copy of US permanent resident card or current US visa if you are not a US citizen
- For former Chinese nationals: additional documents as required by the consulate
[Insert Image 2 Here: Organized travel document checklist on clean desk — passport, application form, passport photo, pen, all neatly arranged on white surface]
Step 3: Submit at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
Chinese visas for US residents are processed at authorized CVASC locations — not at Chinese consulates directly (except in certain cases). Major centers are in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston. Walk-in service is available at most locations without a prior appointment.
At the counter, hand over your documents. The officer will review them and issue a receipt with your collection date, typically 4 business days later.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
The current reduced fee for US citizens is $68 for a 10-year multiple-entry visa. Payment is collected at pick-up, not at submission. Accepted payment methods vary by location — most accept credit cards and money orders. Personal checks and cash are generally not accepted. Confirm payment methods with your specific CVASC before visiting.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Passport
Return on the date shown on your receipt. Bring the receipt slip. Check the visa page immediately: confirm your name is spelled correctly, the visa type is L (tourist), and the validity is 10 years. If anything looks wrong, raise it at the counter before leaving.
[Insert Image 3 Here: Open passport showing a Chinese visa page with red and gold design, clear validity dates and multiple-entry stamp, clean macro photography, no personal details readable]
After You Get the Visa
At the Chinese Border
On arrival in China, you will still need to show your passport and complete the Digital Arrival Card QR code at immigration. Border officers may ask to see proof of accommodation or onward travel — have a rough itinerary or hotel booking available just in case, even though it was not required for the application.
When Your Passport Expires
Good news for US citizens: your China visa remains valid even after your passport expires. Renew your passport and then travel with both passports — the old one containing the visa and the new one for entry. As long as your name and other personal details match between both documents, Chinese immigration will honor the visa in the expired passport.
Extensions Inside China
If you need more than 60 days on a single visit, go to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration Office at least 7 days before your allowed stay expires. Extensions of up to 30 days are typically granted once with valid reason. Bring your passport, visa, accommodation proof, and a photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your trip is coming up soon and you do not have time for the visa process, check whether the 240-hour visa-free transit works for your routing. US citizens qualify for the transit exemption, which allows up to 10 days in Chinese cities with no visa required. See the complete China visa policy guide for all your options.
I actually have a question: once I exit China after 30 or 60 days, how soon can i return?
Hi Jim! Technically, there is no official waiting period. You can exit (to somewhere close like Hong Kong or Macau) and return the exact same day to start a new 60-day stay. Just keep in mind that doing too many back-to-back “visa runs” might get you some questions at border control, but legally you can return immediately.
Hello,
I’m a U.S. citizen, living in Hawaii and would like to know if I can apply for a 10-year Chinse Visa online and mail in my U.S. passport and 1 photo. Once approved, will this Chinese Visa Application Service Center mail back to me my passport and the Chinese Visa? Also, how much will it cost (totally) to apply for this visa? Thank you for your feedback.
Alan
Hi Alan!
Unfortunately, you cannot mail your application directly to the Chinese Visa Center. They strictly do not accept mail-in applications. Because you are in Hawaii and your assigned center is in Los Angeles, you must use a third-party visa courier service to handle the in-person drop-off on your behalf.
Here are the required steps:
Apply online: Complete the COVA application form online and print it. Visit China Visa Center
Mail to an agency: Mail your physical passport, printed form, and photo to a registered visa courier service (not the government).
They do the rest: The agency will physically walk your application into the Los Angeles center, wait for processing, and FedEx your passport back to you in Hawaii.
What it will cost:
Consulate Fee: $68
Agency Service & Shipping: Typically $150 to $300 (especially with secure shipping to/from Hawaii).
Total Expected Cost: Roughly $220 to $370.
Using an agency adds an extra fee, but it’s definitely cheaper and easier than flying to LA twice to do it yourself!”