Visa Information
Last updated: May 2026 · China Study Tour Global
Section 01
Our Visa Support Policy
China Study Tour Global is not a visa agency and does not provide visa services as a standalone product. However, for all clients who have booked a programme with us, we provide visa support as part of our full-service commitment. This includes:
- Official invitation letters for your Chinese visa application
- Guidance on the correct visa type required for your programme
- Advice on required documents and supporting materials
- Assistance with group visa applications for school and corporate delegations
- Point of contact for any questions during the application process
Visa support is provided exclusively to clients with a confirmed booking. We cannot provide visa assistance, invitation letters or documentation to individuals who have not booked a programme with us.
Section 02
Important: Limitations of Our Visa Support
While we provide visa guidance and invitation letters for most of our clients, there are situations where we are unable to fully assist with the visa process. Clients from countries where China applies stricter entry requirements may need to manage part or all of their visa application independently.
Countries where we may have limited ability to assist include those with:
- Complex diplomatic relationships with China
- Special security screening requirements imposed by Chinese authorities
- Passport types not recognised for standard tourist or business visas
- Active travel advisories or entry restrictions affecting their nationals
We will always be honest with you about what we can and cannot help with. If your visa situation is complex, contact us before booking and we will advise you on the best approach.
Section 03
Visa-Free Entry: 50 Countries (Updated February 2026)
As of February 17, 2026, citizens of 50 countries can enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for purposes including tourism, business, family visits and cultural exchange. This policy is valid until 31 December 2026. If your country is on this list, you do not need a visa for our standard study tour programmes of 30 days or less.
⭐ UK and Canada added 17 February 2026 · * Russia: valid until 14 September 2026 · * Brunei: permanent mutual agreement · Policy valid until 31 December 2026 for all others. Always verify your current status at en.nia.gov.cn before travel.
Section 04
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (10 Days)
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows travellers from 54 eligible nationalities — including the United States — to stop in China for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they are travelling to a third country different from their origin. This applies at 65 ports of entry across China including all major international airports.
- You must enter China from Country A and depart to Country C (different from A)
- Maximum stay: 240 hours (10 days) from the time of entry
- You must have confirmed onward tickets to a third country
- You must register at your hotel within 24 hours of arrival
- Eligible nationalities include: USA, all EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and many more
For our standard 7–10 day executive study tour programmes, the 240-hour transit policy may be sufficient for US and other eligible passport holders. Contact us to discuss whether this applies to your group.
Section 05
Standard Chinese Visa (L / M / F Visa)
If your country is not on the visa-free list and the transit policy does not apply, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa before departure. The most common visa types for our programmes are:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| L Visa (Tourist) | Tourism and sightseeing | School groups and cultural tours |
| M Visa (Business) | Commercial activities and trade | Executive and corporate delegations |
| F Visa (Exchange) | Non-commercial visits and exchanges | Academic and educational groups |
We will advise you on the most appropriate visa type for your programme at the time of booking. For corporate delegations visiting companies, an M Visa is typically most appropriate.
Section 06
Visa Application: Step-by-Step Guide
For clients who require a visa, here is the general process. We will guide you through each step after booking.
Confirm your booking with us
Pay your deposit and receive your booking confirmation. We will then assess your visa requirements and advise accordingly.
Receive your invitation letter
We issue an official invitation letter from China Study Tour Global confirming your programme dates, itinerary and host organisation. This is required by most Chinese embassies.
Gather your supporting documents
Typically required: valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, passport photo, flight bookings, hotel confirmations and our invitation letter.
Submit to your local Chinese Embassy or Visa Centre
Apply in person or through an authorised visa application centre in your country. Processing typically takes 4–7 business days. Express service is available at some locations.
Receive your visa and confirm with us
Once your visa is approved, please send us a copy for our records. We recommend applying at least 4–6 weeks before your departure date.
Section 07
Important Entry Requirements for All Travellers
Regardless of your visa status, all travellers entering China must meet the following requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond your programme end date
- Confirmed return or onward flight tickets (immigration may ask to see these)
- Hotel booking confirmation or programme itinerary showing accommodation
- Digital Arrival Card — required since November 2025, can be completed online before departure or at airport kiosks on arrival
- Register your temporary residence at your hotel within 24 hours of arrival (hotels handle this automatically for registered guests)
- Tibet requires a separate Tibet Travel Permit even for visa-free travellers — must be arranged in advance through a registered agency
Section 08
Countries Requiring Self-Managed Visa Applications
For clients from certain countries, China's entry requirements are more complex and we may have limited capacity to assist beyond providing standard documentation. In these cases, we strongly recommend:
- Contacting the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country directly as early as possible
- Engaging a local visa agency who specialises in Chinese visa applications for your nationality
- Beginning the visa process at least 8–12 weeks before your planned departure
- Checking the latest entry requirements on the official National Immigration Administration website: en.nia.gov.cn
Section 09
Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend that all participants obtain comprehensive travel insurance before departure. A good policy for China travel should include:
- Medical cover — minimum USD $200,000 recommended
- Medical evacuation and repatriation cover
- Trip cancellation and interruption cover
- Visa refusal cover (if applicable)
- Personal liability cover
- Baggage and personal belongings cover
Travel insurance is not included in programme pricing and is the sole responsibility of each participant. Please visit our Business Insurance page for further guidance on suitable policies for China travel.
Section 10
Visa Questions? Contact Us
If you are unsure about your visa requirements or eligibility, contact our team before booking. We will give you an honest assessment of what we can help with and what you may need to handle independently.
info@business-trip-to-china.com
+86 137 9854 4204
Official China Visa Info
en.nia.gov.cn
Response Time
Within 24 hours