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🇺🇸→🇨🇳

Do American citizens need a visa for China?

e-Visa required

Yes, an e-Visa (apply online).

American citizens need a visa for China, but can apply online (e-Visa). Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before travel and only through the official government portal, not third-party sites.

🔒 Official government websites only. Beware of look-alike "visa agency" sites that charge extra fees.

Before you go

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, with blank pages
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds
  • Apply online only on the official government website
  • Check vaccination and health entry rules

Last checked 2026-09-30. Rules can change without notice; confirm with the China embassy or official immigration website. Report an error

🧭 Plan your trip to China

Currency converter →
⚠️ Heads-up: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and many Western sites are blocked in mainland China. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (both accept foreign cards) and get a roaming eSIM or plan before you arrive. Airbnb no longer operates in mainland China.
💱 Local currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)1 USD ≈ 6.718 CNY
USD=…CNY

🛂 Visa & entry (official)

China online visa application (COVA)Official info · Ministry of Foreign Affairs

✈️ Flights

Google FlightsUnited States → ChinaSkyscannerCompare airlines & datesKayakFlight price alerts

🛏️ Stays

Booking.comHotels & apartments in ChinaTrip.com hotelsHotels that accept foreign guestsAgodaHotels, strong in AsiaHostelworldHostels & budget stays

🚆 Trains

China Railway 12306Official Chinese rail bookingTrip.com trainsChinese train tickets in English

🚕 Getting around

DiDiRide-hailing (also inside Alipay)AlipayMobile payments, works with foreign cards

🗺️ Compare all routes

Rome2rioEvery way to get there: plane, train, bus, ferry

🧳 Travel essentials

Airalo eSIMMobile data for ChinaSafetyWingTravel & nomad health insuranceWiseSpend & send money abroad at real rates

Links open official sites and trusted booking platforms. Prices and availability are set by each provider.

Living in China

🇨🇳
ShanghaiChina
$2,290/month
📶 250 Mbps
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BeijingChina
$1,910/month
📶 250 Mbps
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ShenzhenChina
$1,535/month
📶 250 Mbps
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ChengduChina
$1,055/month
📶 250 Mbps

Check another destination

→

Other visa-free trips for United States passport holders

🇹🇭 Thailand🇽🇰 Kosovo🇭🇷 Croatia🇦🇲 Armenia🇰🇳 St. Kitts & Nevis🇺🇾 Uruguay🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan🇧🇬 Bulgaria🇸🇬 Singapore🇷🇸 Serbia🇪🇸 Spain🇵🇼 Palau

Travelling the other way? Do Chinese citizens need a visa for United States? →

China visa rules for every nationality →

China visa for American citizens: FAQ

Do American citizens need a visa for China?

Yes, an e-Visa (apply online). American citizens need a visa for China, but can apply online (e-Visa). Apply at least 1 to 2 weeks before travel and only through the official government portal, not third-party sites.

How do American citizens apply for a China e-Visa?

Apply online on the official China government website, ideally 1 to 2 weeks before travel. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.

What documents do American citizens need to travel to China?

A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and funds, and your approved e-Visa. Check vaccination and health rules too.

What currency is used in China?

China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Convert USD to CNY.

🔔 Get alerted when visa rules change

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