Introduction
China is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. If you’re planning a trip to China, it’s important to know about the visa requirements and procedures. One of the options available for tourists is the visa on arrival (VoA) scheme. In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about getting a visa on arrival in China.
What is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa on arrival is a type of short-term tourist visa that allows visitors to enter a country without obtaining a visa in advance. This means that you can apply for a visa when you arrive at your destination airport. The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.
Eligibility for Visa on Arrival in China
Not all visitors are eligible for the VoA scheme in China. The following conditions must be met:
- Your stay in China should not exceed 30 days
- You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries
- You must have a valid passport with at least six months validity
- You should have a confirmed return ticket
- You should have enough funds to cover your stay in China
Eligible Countries for Visa on Arrival in China
Currently, citizens of the following countries are eligible for the VoA scheme in China:
- Albania
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea (South)
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
Application Procedure for Visa on Arrival in China
The application procedure for a visa on arrival in China is as follows:
- Fill out the Arrival Card, which will be given to you on the flight to China
- Proceed to the VoA counter at the immigration checkpoint
- Submit your passport, Arrival Card, and other required documents (such as your return ticket and proof of funds)
- Pay the visa fee in cash (US dollars, Euros or Chinese Yuan) and receive your VoA sticker in your passport
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival in China
You will need the following documents for your visa on arrival application:
- A valid passport with at least six months validity
- A completed Arrival Card
- A return ticket or onward ticket to a third country
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in China (such as cash or credit card)
- A passport-sized photo
Visa on Arrival Fees
The visa on arrival fee in China varies depending on your country of origin. The fee for most countries is US$30, while for a few countries such as the United States, it is US$140. The fee must be paid in cash (US dollars, Euros or Chinese Yuan) at the VoA counter.
Advantages of Visa on Arrival in China
Some advantages of getting a visa on arrival in China are:
- It’s a convenient option for those who don’t have time to apply for a visa in advance
- You don’t need to send your passport away for processing
- The process is relatively quick and easy
Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival in China
Some disadvantages of getting a visa on arrival in China are:
- The VoA scheme is not available to all countries
- It’s more expensive than applying for a visa in advance
- You may face long queues at the immigration checkpoint
- There is a risk of being denied entry at the immigration checkpoint
Conclusion
Getting a visa on arrival in China is a convenient option for those who don’t have time to apply for a visa in advance. However, it’s important to note that not all visitors are eligible for the VoA scheme, and there are certain conditions that must be met. Make sure you have all the required documents and funds before you arrive in China. With proper planning and preparation, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip to China.
