Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a visa to visit China's mainland?

Generally foreign citizens need a visa to visit China's mainland with the exception of visa-free entry (Please refer to http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/) according to relevant agreements and regulations. The PNG ordinary passport holder should apply for a visa before visiting China's mainland.

2. What type of visa should I apply for?

It depends on the main purpose of your visit. Please refer to Introduction to Chinese visa for more information on the visa types. The type of visa will be determined by the consular officer finally.

3. Where should I fill the online visa application form?

Each applicants should log on to China Online Visa Application (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn/), fill out and submit the online visa application form to the Consular Office of Chinese Embassy.

4. When should I apply for a visa?

It is strongly suggested that you submit visa application ONE month before your planned trip to China. You may not have enough time to get the visa if you apply for the visa too late.

5. How long does it take to get a visa after I submit my application?

If you have submitted all documents required, it normally takes 4 working days. With the approval of the consuls, you may request urgent service (3 working days) or extra urgent service(2 woking days) for an additional fee. Please notice that the processing time varies case by case, it is suggested that you fully prepare your application documents and apply for your visa early.

6. Must I appear in person to apply for or pick up my visa?

After the implementation of the biometric visa, applicants should come to the Chinese Embassy in PNG in person for fingerprints collection(except those exempted). According to new policy,from September 2nd, 2024 to December 31st, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in PNG will exempt applicants who apply for one or double entries short-term visas(duration-of-stay within 180 days) from collecting fingerprints. Applicants exempted from fingerprints collection should appear in person for an interview if required by the Chinese Embassy in PNG.

7. Can I change my trip itinerary after getting a visa?

Unless otherwise specified, you can change your itinerary, but you must enter China before your visa expires. The applicant is solely responsible for any invalidation of the visa due to changes in the itinerary.

8. Can the validity, duration of each stay and number of entries be changed after the visa is issued?

No, they cannot be changed. If you want to change your visa, you need to submit a new visa application and pay the fee again.

9. Can I enter China after I get the visa?

A visa does not mean you will definitely be permitted to enter China. Chinese immigration authorities will make the final decision on your entry in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

10. I get a new passport, but I have a valid Chinese visa in my old passport. Can I travel with both passports to China without applying for a new visa?

Yes, on the condition that your bio-data such as your name, gender, date of birth, citizenship on your new passport remain exactly the same as your previous passport and the purpose of your next trip to China remains the same as permitted in your previous visa, you may use the two passports together to enter China.

If not, you must apply and pay for a new visa with your new passport and your previous visa will be canceled without refund.

11. If visa expires during my stay in China, can I continue my stay?

As long as the duration of each stay allows, you may still stay in China although your visa expires.

12. What should I do if I lose my passport during my stay in China?

You should report the loss to local public security authorities as soon as possible and go to your country's Embassy or Consulate-General in China to apply for a new passport or other travel document. After that, you should go to the local public security authorities to apply for a new visa.

13. Visa exemption of Bilateral Agreement and Residence Permit

If you meet the requirements of visa free agreement between China and your country, you may not need a visa. Please check the list of agreements on visa exemption from the the China Consular Service Website(http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/bgzl/201202/t20120207_961630.shtml). If you need more details of the agreement, please check with relevant authorities of your country.

Chinese Residence Permit holders may enter or exit from China multiple times without the need of a visa during the validity of the permit.

14. Visa free transit

In line with global norms, China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from all other countries around the world at all its accessible exit-entry ports. Foreign nationals holding valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed seats, who intend to transit via China by international flights, ships, or trains to third countries or regions, are exempt from visa applications, provided that their stay periods in China will not exceed 24 hours and that they will remain within the corresponding ports. Those who plan to leave the ports must apply for temporary entry permits at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of the corresponding ports. 

For more policy interpretation, please please refer to the website of China National Immigration Administration(https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c156086/content.html) or consult the local immigration authorities where you plan to visit or transit.

15. How do foreign citizens go to HKSAR and Macao SAR?

According to the Basic Law of HKSAR and the Basic Law of Macao SAR, HKSAR and Macao SAR implement immigration control on their own. Foreign citizens who would visit HKSAR and Macao SAR, please refer to the websites of Immigration of HKSAR and Macao SAR for more information.

Website of Immigration Department of HKSAR: www.immd.gov.hk  

TEl: 00852-2824 6111

FAX: 00852-2877 7711

Email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk  

Website of Public Security Police Force of Macao SAR: https://www.fsm.gov.mo/psp/eng/main.html 

Tel: 00853-2857 3333

Fax: 00853-2878 0826;

Email: psp-info@fsm.gov.mo 

16. I am planning to visit HKSAR and Macao SAR and other cities in China's mainland. Do I need different visas?

Foreign citizens who would travel to China's mainland, HKSAR and Macao SAR at the same time must apply for a visa for China's mainland, a visa for HKSAR and a visa for Macao SAR if they do not meet the requirements of visa exemption.

17. What does a foreign citizen need to know during his/her stay in China?

A Foreign citizen in China should comply with Chinese laws and regulations, and should not engage in activities unrelated to the purpose of trip specified on your visa application form or not approved by relevant Chinese government authorities. Violators of relevant laws and regulations will be punished.