🇨🇳 China visa requirements for American citizens
American citizens need an e-visa for China, which can be applied for online before traveling.
Entry rules for United States passport holders
Before traveling to China, American citizens must apply for an electronic visa through the official China government portal. Processing usually takes from a few hours to a few business days, so apply well before your flight. Print a copy of the approval to show at check-in and on arrival.
Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the official China immigration authority or your nearest embassy before booking.
How this compares
The American passport ranks #32 worldwide, opening 159 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (116 visa-free, 36 with a visa on arrival and 7 with an eTA). China is not among them — it is one of the 19 destinations that still require an embassy visa or an application before departure.
In the other direction, Chinese citizens traveling to United States face a different rule: visa required.
Across Eastern Asia as a whole, 6 of 8 destinations are open to American travelers without arranging a visa in advance.
About China
- Capital
- Beijing
- Region
- Eastern Asia
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (¥)
- Languages
- Chinese
Planning a trip to China?
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Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a visa for China?
American citizens need an e-visa for China, which can be applied for online before traveling.
Can American citizens apply online for entry to China?
Yes. China offers an online e-visa for United States passport holders. Apply through the official government portal before your trip.
What currency is used in China?
The currency in China is the Chinese yuan (¥). The capital city is Beijing.
Is this information up to date?
Current status: e-Visa for American citizens traveling to China. This page is built from the open Passport Index dataset, which was last updated on 2025-01-12. Visa rules can change between dataset updates, so always confirm with the China embassy or immigration authority before booking.
More of Asia for American passport holders
Popular destinations for American travelers
Going the other way? United States visa requirements for Chinese citizens →
Source data last updated 2025-01-12.