If you’re planning to visit China but don’t have the time to apply for a visa, don’t worry, because China offers a visa on arrival (VOA) option for certain nationalities. This article will guide you through the process of applying for a China VOA, as well as provide you with the necessary information to make your trip to China as smooth as possible.
What is a China Visa On Arrival?
A China Visa On Arrival is a type of visa that allows certain nationalities to apply for a visa upon arrival in China. This means that travelers don’t have to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before they travel to China.
However, not all nationalities are eligible for a China VOA, and there are certain requirements that travelers must meet to be eligible. We’ll cover these requirements in more detail later in the article.
If you’re eligible for a China VOA, it can be a convenient option if you don’t have the time to apply for a visa before your trip. However, it’s important to note that the process of applying for a China VOA can take some time, so it’s best to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight.
Who is Eligible for a China Visa On Arrival?
As mentioned earlier, not all nationalities are eligible for a China VOA. At the time of writing, the following nationalities are eligible for a China VOA:
- Albania
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
If your nationality is not on this list, you will need to apply for a China visa before you travel to China.
Requirements for a China Visa On Arrival
In order to be eligible for a China VOA, travelers must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Having a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in China
- Having a confirmed return ticket or onward travel ticket
- Having a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a Chinese host
- Having enough money to cover the cost of the stay in China (the amount required may vary depending on the length of stay and the city you are visiting)
- Not being on China’s list of inadmissible persons
If you meet these requirements, you should be eligible to apply for a China VOA. However, it’s important to note that the final decision on whether to grant a China VOA is at the discretion of the Chinese immigration officials at the port of entry.
How to Apply for a China Visa On Arrival
The process of applying for a China VOA is relatively straightforward, but it can take some time, so it’s best to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill out the Arrival/Departure Card that is provided on the airplane or at the port of entry
- Proceed to the VOA counter and submit the following documents:
- Your passport (with at least six months validity remaining)
- A completed China VOA application form (which can be obtained at the airport)
- A passport-sized photo
- A confirmed return ticket or onward travel ticket
- A hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a Chinese host
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the stay in China
- Pay the visa fee (which varies depending on your nationality and the length of your stay in China)
- Wait for your visa to be processed (this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how busy the airport is)
- Once your visa has been processed, proceed to the immigration counter and have your passport stamped
Where Can You Get a China Visa On Arrival?
As of the time of writing, a China VOA is available at the following ports of entry:
- Beijing Capital International Airport
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
- Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- Hainan Haikou Meilan International Airport
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
- Kunming Changshui International Airport
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport
- Qingdao Liuting International Airport
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
It’s important to note that the availability of China VOAs can change at any time, so it’s best to check with your airline or the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel to China.
Conclusion
A China Visa On Arrival can be a convenient option for travelers who don’t have the time to apply for a visa before their trip to China. However, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have all the necessary documents before you arrive at the airport.
If you’re planning to visit China soon, be sure to check whether you’re eligible for a China VOA and make the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
