Skip to main content

United States Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a US B1/B2 visitor visa, applied for via the DS-160 form with an in-person interview at the embassy or consulate; the MRV application fee is $185, and interview wait times in China can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the post.

Guide last updated October 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
  • Completed DS-160 online application form, with the confirmation page printed for the interview
  • One recent photo (2x2 inches, white background) uploaded with the DS-160 and brought to the interview
  • Biometrics (10-fingerprint scan and photo) collected in person at the interview at the embassy (Beijing) or a consulate (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, Wuhan)
  • Evidence of ties to China: employment letter, property documents, family ties, and financial statements
  • A travel itinerary is helpful but not mandatory before approval, since the visa is not tied to specific travel dates
  • Travel/medical insurance is recommended but not required

Visa types

  • B1 Business Visitor visa, for conferences, negotiations, and business meetings
  • B2 Tourist Visitor visa, for tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment
  • B1/B2 combined visa, the most common issuance, typically valid up to 10 years for multiple entries, with each individual stay limited by the immigration officer at the port of entry (commonly up to 6 months)
  • Fee for all B1/B2 categories: $185 MRV application fee, regardless of approval outcome

How to apply

  • Complete the DS-160 form online at the US Department of State's CEAC website
  • Pay the $185 MRV fee at a designated bank or online, per instructions for applicants in China
  • Schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy in Beijing or a consulate in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, or Wuhan
  • Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, and supporting documents; biometrics are captured during the visit
  • If approved, the visa is affixed as a sticker in your passport and returned, typically within a few business days of the interview

Fees & processing time

  • MRV application fee: $185 (non-refundable, applies even if the visa is denied)
  • No separate expedited visa fee exists, but emergency appointment requests can sometimes be made for urgent medical or family reasons
  • Interview wait times vary significantly by post and season — historically ranging from a few weeks during quieter periods to several months during peak demand
  • Once approved, visa printing and return typically takes a few business days after the interview

Tips for China travelers

  • Book your interview appointment as early as possible, since wait times fluctuate and can be long during peak travel seasons (summer, before Lunar New Year)
  • Be ready to clearly and concisely explain your travel purpose and ties to China — vague or inconsistent answers are a common reason for refusal under Section 214(b)
  • A long visa validity (often up to 10 years) does not guarantee a long stay per visit — the US immigration officer at the port of entry sets the actual permitted stay, usually up to 6 months
  • If denied, you can reapply, but should address the specific concerns raised rather than resubmitting an identical application

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for China passport holders

JapanSouth KoreaThailandSingaporeAustraliaUnited KingdomView all →

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.