---
title: China visa for citizens of Iran
description: "Citizens of Iran need a visa for China and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $140. Processing: 4–10 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/china/iran
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# China visa for citizens of Iran

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

- **Passport (valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages)** (Identity): Original and copy of bio page.
- **Visa application form (completed and signed)** (Identity): Download from embassy website or visa centre.
- **Passport-size photo (recent, white background, 33mm x 48mm)** (Identity): Must meet Chinese visa photo specifications.
- **Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket)** (Travel): Confirmed reservation showing entry and exit dates.
- **Hotel booking (or invitation letter if staying with host)** (Travel): Proof of accommodation for entire stay.
- **Travel insurance** (Travel, optional): Not always mandatory but strongly recommended.
- **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds to cover trip expenses.
- **Employment letter (or proof of student status / pension)** (Employment): Stating position, salary, and approved leave dates.
- **Copy of previous Chinese visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): May speed up processing.
- **Invitation letter from Chinese host (if applicable)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [China visa for every passport](/visa/china)
- [Every destination for Iran passport holders](/visa/passport/iran)