What is the 10-Year Visa for China?

China (中国, pinyin: Zhōngguó), or as it’s officially known, the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国, pinyin: Zhōnghuá rénmín gònghéguó), is the land of ancient wonders and modern marvels. It attracts millions of visitors each year, many of whom decide to return more than once in a decade. For frequent travellers, a 10-year visa offers ideal convenience.

It is important to note that this visa doesn’t allow visitors to stay in Mainland China for 10 consecutive years; it grants access to crossing the border multiple times a year for a maximum of 30 days. This useful and long-term permit is available to nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Why Get a 10-Year Visa for China?

A 10-year travel visa to China can offer several advantages for travellers, business professionals, and expatriates in terms of convenience, flexibility, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Whether you want to explore the country of your dreams, spend more time with friends and family who live in China, or seek more business opportunities, it transforms the usual bureaucratic process into a simple and time-efficient procedure.

Here's why it's an excellent option:

• Long-term validity – no need to reapply for a visa every time you visit.
• Multiple entries – Enter and exit as you wish within a 10-year period, as long as you meet the visa’s conditions.
• Convenience – Since you don't need to renew for a decade, it is ideal if you plan on travelling to China frequently.
• Cost-effective – Collecting necessary documents and applying for a visa means paying various fees every time you need a renewal. A 10-year China visa saves you all that inconvenience.
• Business opportunities – Facilitates regular visits to China for meetings, conferences, or negotiations, enhancing business relationships, networking, and opportunities.
• Cultural Immersion – Tourists can explore China more thoroughly, visiting various regions and attractions without the pressure of a short-term visa. Longer stays enable deeper cultural experiences and understanding of the local lifestyle.
• Family Visits – If you have family or friends in China, a 10-year visa allows for more frequent visits, strengthening personal connections.

How Do I Apply for a 10-Year Visa for China?

The application process for the 10-year visa for China is straightforward but requires careful preparation. If you qualify for the requirements, the consulate will issue it accordingly. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

• Check Your Eligibility

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you must ensure your passport has a minimum of 12 more months' validity remaining.

For Canadian citizens, it is important that the visa validity is contingent upon the validity of the passport and can extend up to 10 years. When the passport expires, the visa will also automatically expire.

UK citizens must have previously held one 5-year multiple-entry visa to qualify.

British spouses and children of Chinese citizens, as well as British citizens of Chinese descent and their spouses and children, who intend to visit China for short-term family visits at the invitation of a family member residing in China (including spouses, parents, parents-in-law, children, children-in-law, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren) who have received two or more 2-year multiple-entry visas are eligible to apply for a 10-year multiple-entry Q2 visa.

Furthermore, if the applicants have travelled to China at least three times per year over the past two years, they may apply for a 10-year multiple-entry Q2 visa.

You will need to provide the same documents as in the standard case:

An original passport, valid for at least six months and with two blank visa pages.

A copy of the passport’s data page.

A completed visa application form (Form V.2013) with a recently taken passport photo.

A copy of the applicant’s proof of residency or legal stay, if applicable.

A photocopy of previous Chinese passports or visas (applicable for individuals who have once held a Chinese nationality) – First-time applicants need to present their last Chinese passport and a photocopy of its biodata page. Additionally, a permanent residency and a naturalisation paper are required.

If the applicant has legally changed their personal identifier, for instance, their name, and it is their first time applying for a visa after the fact, they must submit a copy of the relevant document.

Supporting documents – for instance, an invitation letter from your family or friends for a tourist visa and your business partner for a business visa. Additionally, if you’re applying for a Q-type visitor visa, you will need an invitation letter and proof of family relations, such as a birth certificate or a marriage certificate.

• Submit Your Application and Pay the Fees

After you have gathered all the necessary documents, your next steps are applying at your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) or online through China Online Visa Application (COVA) and paying the fees.

Note: Application appointments might be needed for some locations. Additionally, fees vary by country, so please check with the general consulate or embassy of your residency for an exact quote.

• Visa Processing and Collection

Visa processing usually takes 4 to 5 business days. Though national holidays can affect this timeframe. Expedited services are also available at an additional price.

You can collect your visa on the date that is shown on your pickup receipt. You might be asked to submit additional materials or to take an interview.

For more details, you can go over our China Visa Application Requirements guide.

What happens if My Passport Expires in Less Than 10 Years?

If you’ve ever wondered what happens to your 10-year visa when it’s time to renew your passport in four years, the short answer is that it remains valid and usable (apart from Canada).

There are two options available:

1. When entering China, you should carry both your old passport containing the 10-year China visa and your new, valid passport.
2. Apply to have your visa reissued in your new passport.

In both cases, provided that your personal information (name, gender, nationality, date of birth) is identical in both passports, the visa stays valid until the 10-year period is up.

As mentioned, Canada has a slightly different approach to this rule. The visa validity is based on the current passport expiration date. Thus, if your passport is valid for another 6 years, your visa will expire on that same day.

How Long Can I Stay in China Per Entry?

Each stay in China is limited, depending on the specific case. You are not limited in the number of visits, as long as you stay within the scope of the legally allowed maximum days. For example, U.S. citizens can stay in China for anywhere between 60 and 180 days per entry, depending on the purpose of their visit and the category of their visa. Tourist visa (L) and business visa (M) holders are permitted to stays for up to 60 days, with the possibility to extend it for an additional 30 days. For family visit visas (Q2 and S2), the duration can extend up to 180 days per entry.

It is necessary to enquire with the authorities that issued your visa to ascertain the permitted lengths of stay based on your personal circumstances.

Can I Work on a 10-Year China Visa?

No. The 10-year visa is for tourism (L), business (M), family reunion (Q2), and private visit (S2) only, and you are not permitted to take up paid employment with it in China. If you plan to work here, you will need a work (Z) visa, which has different requirements.

How Much Does a 10-Year Visa for China Cost?

Visa fees vary by country and processing speed. In many cases, the 10-year China visa is even priced the same as shorter-term multiple-entry visas – making it an excellent value for money.

Note: The citizens of Brazil, Canada, the UK, and the USA are benefiting from visa fee reductions until December 31st, 2025. Therefore, prices are subject to change, so it is necessary to confirm the cost with the general consulate or embassy in your country.

Are There Any Other Requirements Each Time I Enter China With the 10-Year Visa?

The requirements at the Chinese border follow the standard procedures all over the world:

• Your visa and passport must be valid.
• Theoretically, you do not need to provide evidence when entering China with a 10-year visa, except for your initial entry. However, customs officials may request proof of onward travel or accommodation, so it is advisable to have your hotel bookings or invitation letters, as well as airline tickets, printed and readily available.
• You might also be asked questions about the purpose of your visit.
• Even if you have all the necessary documents, entry is still subject to immigration inspection and approval at the border.

Comparing a 10-Year Visa to Short-Term Tourist and Business Visas

If you’re still unsure about whether the 10-year China visa is advantageous, here’s a simple overview comparing its benefits to those of short-term visas:

Note: Conditions may vary by country. Check with your local embassy or consulate for more information.