China visas

Who needs a visa to visit China?

Visa is required for a foreign citizen to visit China

Foreign citizens must obtain a Visa for China(Mainland Only) before entry into China, with the exception of visa-free entry based on relevant agreements or regulations.

Please check the validity of your visa before traveling to China. If the visa has expired or the number of entries is not enough, you must apply for a new visa.

Entry into China

Foreign nationals are still unable to enter the People's Republic of China. This measure has no end date at this time. This means that Irish citizens are unable to enter China from outside the country, save under certain conditions approved by Chinese immigration authorities.

The Chinese Immigration Authorities need a variety of tests, including negative COVID-19 test results within a short time frame prior to boarding aircraft to China and a pre-approval 'Health Code' process, for anyone who is permitted to travel to China. Consult the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your area for information on the specific requirements.

The duration of the mandated central hotel quarantine for all individuals entering China varies by location. Individuals travelling in groups should be informed that adults entering China undergo separate central quarantine. Families should be informed that children older than 14 are considered medical adults and are separated for central quarantine.

During quarantine, each individual who tests positive for COVID-19 is placed under medical monitoring at a specialised facility. We are aware of situations in which young children were placed under medical observation alone after arriving in China with positive COVID-19 tests.

The authorities also apply special regulations to anyone entering China who has been previously infected with COVID-19, even if they have since recovered. Anyone who has been previously infected with COVID-19 and is contemplating a trip to China should read all relevant notices on the website of their local Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Additionally, any Irish citizen contemplating a trip to China should be aware that restrictions extend beyond admission requirements. China continues to pursue a zero-Covid policy and fight occasional COVID-19 breakouts around the nation. This may result in the immediate adoption of tight movement limits, mandatory testing, mass testing, and further periods of quarantine, including central quarantine, within China.

Eligibility to apply for a Chinese visa

The criteria for a Chinese visa is straight forward. In order to successfully obtain a Chinese visa, you must follow their criteria of requirements correctly. The criteria is listed below.

• Original passport with at least six months of validity left, visa pages that are blank, and a copy of the bio data page are required.
• One completed Visa Application Form with a recent passport photo in colour against a light background.
• Please refer to "Photo Requirements for the Application of a Chinese Visa."

Processing time for Chinese visas

The processing time for Chinese visas can differ. This will depend on what kind of visa you are applying for, which is also determined by the reason for your visit to China. The processing time for a regular service visa usually takes around 4 working days. If you choose to go for the express 1 service, processing times for this kind of visa are around 3 days. Finally the Express 2 service usually takes around 2 working days.

Appointment waiting times

The waiting period for a visitor visa is 134 days for Indian applicants and 145 days for Pakistani applicants. However, those in China would just have to wait 51 days for a tourist visa. It is recommended that you apply for your visa six to eight weeks prior to departure.

Who can visit China without a visa?

A Singaporean, Bruneian, or Japanese national with an ordinary passport is excused from obtaining a visa if he or she visits China's mainland for tourist, business, or social purposes, enters through ports open to foreigners, and stays for no more than 15 days. If you are a citizen of any country other than those listed above, you will need a visa to enter China.