Iran passport → China

China visa for citizens of Iran

Embassy / VFSVisa (L - Tourist visa, 30 days max stay)

Citizens of Iran need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visa (L - Tourist visa, 30 days max stay)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Single entry
Processing time	4–10 days
Government fee	$140
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements covering last 3 months, showing sufficient balance

How to apply

1
Determine visa type
Tourist (L) is the typical visa for tourism.
2
Download and fill visa application form
Complete the form from the Chinese embassy website.
3
Prepare required documents
Gather passport, photo, flight itinerary, hotel, bank statements, and employment letter.
4
Book appointment at visa centre or embassy
Schedule via the embassy/visa centre website.
5
Attend appointment in person
Submit documents and enroll biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
6
Pay visa fee
Usually paid at time of submission; fee varies by nationality.
7
Wait for processing
Processing takes 4 to 10 working days.
8
Collect passport with visa
Return to the centre/embassy to collect or arrange courier if available.
9
Review visa details
Check validity dates, entry type, and max stay on the visa sticker.
10
Travel to China
Carry visa, passport, and all supporting documents for entry checks.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages)
Original and copy of bio page.
Visa application form (completed and signed)
Download from embassy website or visa centre.
Passport-size photo (recent, white background, 33mm x 48mm)
Must meet Chinese visa photo specifications.

Travel

Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket)
Confirmed reservation showing entry and exit dates.
Hotel booking (or invitation letter if staying with host)
Proof of accommodation for entire stay.
Travel insurance
Optional
Not always mandatory but strongly recommended.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Must show sufficient funds to cover trip expenses.

Employment

Employment letter (or proof of student status / pension)
Stating position, salary, and approved leave dates.

Supporting

Copy of previous Chinese visas (if any)
Optional
May speed up processing.
Invitation letter from Chinese host (if applicable)
Optional
For visits to relatives or friends in China.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient for trip expenses

Bank statements
Sponsor letter if applicable

Typically require balance covering accommodation, meals, and transport.

Good to know

Iranian citizens should apply well in advance as processing may take longer.
The 24-hour visa-free transit rule mentioned in the note does not apply to this in-person visa; do not confuse it with the transit policy.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use English or Chinese language.

Insufficient financial proof

Passport not valid for at least 6 months

Renew passport before applying.

Previous visa violations or overstays in China

Be transparent and provide explanation letter if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Iran need a visa for China?

Citizens of Iran need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa (L - Tourist visa, 30 days max stay).

How long can citizens of Iran stay in China?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the China visa cost for citizens of Iran?

Government fee: $140.

How long does China visa processing take?

Typically 4–10 days.

What documents do citizens of Iran need for China?

Passport (valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages); Visa application form (completed and signed); Passport-size photo (recent, white background, 33mm x 48mm); Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket); Hotel booking (or invitation letter if staying with host); Bank statements (last 3 months); and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for China?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to China

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