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United States visa for Chinese citizens
China 
United States China passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to the United States.
Yes, a visa is required
- Entry requirement
- Visa required
- Maximum stay
- Set by the visa
- Apply before travel
- Yes
- Last updated
- February 2026
How to apply
Checked November 2026⚠️ CBP directs travellers to apply only through the official ESTA site, esta.cbp.dhs.gov; look-alike sites charge extra service fees. Use only the official links below.
B-2 (tourism) / B-1/B-2 visitor visa
- Fee
- USD 185 application fee; some nationalities also pay a reciprocity-based issuance fee
- Processing
- In-person interview generally required; appointment wait times vary by embassy and may be long
At the border
- Passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay, unless your country has an exemption agreement with the US.
- Visa Waiver Program travellers must hold an electronic passport (e-Passport) and an approved ESTA before boarding.
- Visa applicants should be ready to show the trip purpose, ties to home, and the means to pay for the visit.
- Visitors may not work; admission and length of stay are decided by the CBP officer at the port of entry and recorded on the electronic I-94.
- Overstaying automatically voids the visa and can affect future eligibility.
Recent changes
- September 2025: ESTA fee rose from USD 21 to USD 40 (collected from 30 September 2025); the official ESTA site now lists USD 40.62.
- October 2025: interview waivers were sharply narrowed (State Department notice of 18 September 2025, effective 1 October 2025); most visa applicants now need an in-person interview.
- 2025-2026: the ESTA application now asks for a selfie photo of the traveller.
Official source: U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · Not yet confirmed officially: eta.processing: exact ESTA processing time (commonly cited as up to 72 hours) could not be read on the official FAQ, Date when the ESTA fee moved from USD 40 to USD 40.62, Visa Integrity Fee (USD 250, set by the 2025 HR-1 law): not shown on the official State Department fee page, so collection status is unconfirmed and it is left out, Selfie requirement start date
What China passport holders need to do
- Find the embassy, consulate or visa application centre that covers where you live.
- Complete the application form and gather your documents: passport, photos, itinerary, proof of funds and accommodation.
- Book an appointment, pay the fee and give biometrics if they are required.
- Wait for the decision before you book non-refundable travel.
China is one of 152 passports in the “visa required” group for the United States. See the full United States visa requirements for every passport.
Easier alternatives in North America for China passport holders
The United States is one of 85 destinations in the “visa required” group for the China passport, which ranks #48 worldwide with a mobility score of 85. Of 23 destinations in North America, 10 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.
| Destination | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|---|---|
 Antigua and Barbuda | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Bahamas | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Barbados | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Cuba | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Dominica | Visa-free | 180 days |
 Grenada | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Haiti | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Jamaica | Visa-free | 30 days |
 Saint Kitts and Nevis | Visa-free | 90 days |
 Saint Lucia | Visa-free | 42 days |
| United States | Visa required | – |
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for the United States?
China passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to the United States.
Can Chinese citizens get a visa on arrival in the United States?
No. China passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Do United States citizens need a visa for China?
United States passport holders need a visa for China, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.
United States visa requirements for other passports
Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of the United States before you book.