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China visa for American citizens
United States 
China United States passport holders need a visa for China, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.
Yes, an e-Visa is required
- Entry requirement
- e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- Set by the visa
- Apply before travel
- Yes
- Last updated
- February 2026
What United States passport holders need to do
- Apply on the destination's official e-Visa portal.
- Upload a passport scan and a photo, then pay the fee online.
- Save or print the approved e-Visa and present it at the border.
United States is one of 3 passports in the “e-visa” group for China. See the full China visa requirements for every passport.
Easier alternatives in Asia for United States passport holders
China is one of 20 destinations in the “e-visa” group for the United States passport, which ranks #9 worldwide with a mobility score of 159. Of 50 destinations in Asia, 37 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Armenia | Visa-free | 180 days |
 Brunei | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Georgia | Visa-free | 360 days |
 Hong Kong | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Israel | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Japan | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Kazakhstan | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Kyrgyzstan | Visa-free | 60 days |
 Macau | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Malaysia | Visa-free | – |
 Mongolia | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Palestine | Visa-free | – |
Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a visa for China?
United States passport holders need a visa for China, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.
Can American citizens apply for China visa online?
Yes. United States passport holders are eligible for an e-Visa to China, so the application can be completed online without visiting an embassy.
Do China citizens need a visa for the United States?
China passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to the United States.
China visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of China before you book.