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China Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Canadian citizens need a visa for China — apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC); the standard L (tourist) visa fee is CAD 175, processing 4 business days standard.

Guide last updated September 29, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed online visa application form (printed and signed)
  • One recent color passport photo (48mm x 33mm, plain white background)
  • Proof of round-trip flight bookings
  • Hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host in China
  • For business visas (M visa), an invitation letter from a Chinese company is required
  • Biometrics (fingerprints) are collected in person at the CVASC when you submit your application
  • Travel health insurance is recommended, not mandatory

Visa types

  • L visa (tourist): single or multiple entry, commonly issued to Canadians as a 10-year multiple-entry visa with each stay limited to 60–90 days, fee CAD 175
  • M visa (business): single/double/multiple entry, requires an invitation letter, similar fee structure to the L visa
  • Q visa: for visiting family who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents
  • Z visa: work visa, requires a work permit and invitation from the employer, arranged before applying
  • X visa: student visa, requires an admission letter (JW201/JW202 form) from the educational institution

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website and print the confirmation
  • Book an appointment at the CVASC location covering your region (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary)
  • Submit your passport, photo, application form, flight and hotel bookings, and any supporting letters in person; biometrics are captured at this appointment
  • Pay the visa fee plus the CVASC service fee at submission
  • Standard processing: 4 business days; express service (2–3 business days) and rush service (next business day) are available for additional fees
  • Collect your passport with the visa in person or via the CVASC's courier return option
  • A phone interview or additional document request may be triggered for some applicants, particularly for multiple-entry or business visas

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: CAD 175 for most categories for Canadian citizens (single or multiple entry L visa)
  • CVASC service fee: approximately CAD 39–55 depending on service level, added on top of the visa fee
  • Total cost estimate: roughly CAD 215–230 for standard 4-business-day processing
  • Express service (2–3 business days): additional fee, typically CAD 30–40 extra
  • Rush service (next business day): additional fee, typically CAD 50–60 extra

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel to allow for the CVASC appointment, processing, and any follow-up document requests
  • A common rejection/delay reason is inconsistent trip details (e.g., hotel dates not matching flight dates) or an invitation letter missing required details (host's ID number, relationship, itinerary)
  • The CVASC is mandatory — you cannot apply directly at a Chinese consulate as an individual walk-in applicant
  • Check whether your itinerary qualifies for the 144-hour transit visa exemption available at several major Chinese cities, which can avoid the need for a full visa on connecting trips
  • Renew or reapply well before your existing visa's validity or stay limit expires if you plan repeat visits within its 10-year multiple-entry window, since border officials strictly enforce the per-visit stay limit even on long-validity visas

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.