China
United States
United States visa for Chinese citizens
Entry requirement
Chinese citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
- Where to apply
- 8 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at china.usembassy-china.org.cn
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in China
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- Consulate General of the United States in Shanghai
淮海中路 1469, Shanghai
- Consulate General of the United States in Guangzhou
华就路 43号, 510623 广州市
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All missions of the United States in China
The United States has 8 missions in China, with its embassy in Beijing. Consulates: Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Xiamen.
US visas issued to citizens of China
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 649,728 | 942,541 |
| Student (F, M) | 84,681 | 60,318 |
| Exchange (J) | 17,142 | 15,809 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 51,021 | 49,255 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 12,931 | 11,295 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 3,130 | 2,318 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 657 | 572 |
| Other | 17 | 14 |
| Total | 819,307 | 1,082,122 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 25.4% | 20.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 1,082,122 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of China, the 3rd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 87%, student visas 6% and work and treaty visas 5%. That is 32% more than in fiscal year 2024 (819,307).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of China received 376,982, 14% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 20.2% for citizens of China in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 25.4%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of China anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in China.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to China
United StatesChina Visa required China visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Before travelling from China to the United States, it helps to know the official travel advice: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Chinese citizens can stay in the United States
How long Chinese citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Chinese citizens apply
In China, applications go to the US embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and 1 more, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Chinese citizens
Cuba admits Chinese citizens visa-free. Canada and Mexico require Chinese citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to China
US citizens need a visa for China, obtained before travel. The rule is the same in both directions between China and the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for the United States?
Chinese citizens need a visa for the United States, obtained before travel.
Where is the US embassy in China?
The US embassy in China is in Beijing; there are also consulates in Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for China?
US citizens need a visa for China, obtained before travel.
Can Chinese citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Chinese citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.