Foreigners taking a connecting flight or train from China to a third country need a transit visa for China if they are not from a visa-free country. The Transit visa allows you to stay in China for a few days before proceeding to your final destination. But you should note that this visa is unnecessary if you don’t intend to leave the airport or train station.
What Is The Transit Visa For China?
The transit visa for China is a shirt term single or double-entry visa issued to foreigners transiting through China to another country. The visa is issued by the Chinese embassy, the diplomatic mission of the consulate. This program is implemented under the famous TWOV program, which temporarily grants many visitors waivers to stopover in China. Also called a G visa, citizens of selected countries on the Chinese transit visa-free list don’t require this visa.
Requirements For China Transit Visa
This visa has the following requirements.
Passport: An original passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and at least one blank visa page. The applicant must also present a copy of the bio-data and used visa pages.
Form: A correctly filled out visa application form called the V.2013. Citizens from 40 selected countries can fill out the form online and print it out, while others must fill out the digital version before printing it out. Forms filled by hand are not accepted.
Photograph: One recent passport-sized photograph a bit older than 6 months showing your face and head is required. The passport must be taken against a white background without glasses or a hat. The recommended dimension is 33mmx48mm.
Visa For A Third Country: The visa for the third country you’re headed must be included in the documents.
Ticket: A connecting flight, train, or air ticket with confirmed dates
Proof of legal stay: Applicants applying from a foreign country must include proof of legal stay, like a resident permit. A photocopy of this document should be included.
Previous Passport/Visa: If you had a passport or Chinese visa in the past before becoming a citizen of another country, kindly include it
First-time applicants must submit their original passports and a copy of the bio-data page. Holders of a previous Chinese visa should provide a copy of the visa.
Transit Visa Exemption
Transit passengers from some countries to mainland China can enjoy 24-144 hours visa-free exemptions. Those who are not from exempted countries should submit their transit visa applications before stopping in China. Visa on arrival application is allowed for visitors landing in Macau and Hong Kong.
China Transit Visa Fee
Single entry Visa - $140 or it is equivalent in other currencies
Double entry Visa: $140 or it is equivalent in other countries
Note: The processing fee is subject to change; consult the latest fee as of the time of applying.
China Transit Visa Processing Timeframe
So how long must you wait to get your transit visa after submitting your application? For a regular visa, it will take about four working days, but if you apply for expedited service, you should get it in less time. Expedited processing will cost you more.
Special Macau and Hong Kong Transit Visa
The island of Hong Kong and Macau offer transit visas to visitors coming for a brief stopover from selected countries. Applicants will have to mail their documents to the local immigration department or apply through a China visa application center or consulate.
With the exception of citizens from Nigeria, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, other nationals can get a visa on arrival at the airport or seaport they arrive.
Word of Caution
Transit visas are only short-term stays and cannot be used for other purposes. It is not a resident or a work visa but only grants the holder a permit to stay for not more than seven days before continuing their journey. Transit visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid work to earn income. The Chinese government, through its agencies, operates a very strict immigration policy. Those caught overstaying or working will be fined and deported.
How To Apply For A Transit Visa Online?
Those eligible for online applications can apply for this visa on VisaHQ.
Simply visit VisaHQ
Select China as your destination
Select your citizenship
Choose Transit Visa as your visa of choice
Fill out the application form
Attach the required documents
Pay the visa fee
Submit for approval
The visa will be sent to your email address if your all is successful.
A transit visa for China is not required if you don’t leave the airport or seaport of arrival for visitors who plan to leave the port require this visa.