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United StatesDo China Citizens Need a Visa for United States in 2026?
Citizens of the People's Republic of China must obtain a nonimmigrant visa prior to any visit to the United States for tourism or business. The most common category for short stays is the B1/B2 visitor visa, issued by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, and Wuhan.
Museums, venues & activities in United States.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete the DS-160 Application
Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) on the official CEAC portal. Upload a recent compliant photograph and keep the confirmation page with the barcode, which will be required at your interview.
Pay the MRV Fee and Schedule the Interview
Settle the $185 machine-readable visa application fee through CGI Stanley or the designated CITIC Bank channel. Afterwards, log in to the official ustraveldocs.com portal to schedule your in-person visa interview at the consular section corresponding to your registered residence.
Attend the Interview and Provide Biometrics
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photograph, and supporting documents demonstrating ties to China. Fingerprints are collected during the interview, and approved applications are typically returned through China Post within one to two weeks.
Required Documents
- —Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended stay
- —DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- —MRV fee payment receipt ($185)
- —One recent 51x51mm color photograph on white background
- —Hukou booklet (household registration)
- —Employment verification letter and recent pay slips
- —Bank statements from the last three to six months
- —Property ownership or other proof of ties to China
- —Detailed travel itinerary and hotel bookings
Important Tips
- •Apply two to three months before travel, as appointment backlogs in Beijing can be significant.
- •If approved, a ten-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa is commonly issued and the most cost-effective option for frequent travellers.
- •Ten-year visa holders must enrol in EVUS before each trip or boarding will be denied.
- •You may answer the consul's questions in Mandarin; official interpreters are provided.
- •Be concise, truthful, and consistent with your DS-160 answers; discrepancies can trigger a 214(b) refusal.
Easiest Way to Get It
Apply online via CEAC for a B1/B2 visa, pay the $185 fee, and attend your interview at the U.S. consulate serving your hukou region.
What about United States → China?
United States→ChinaDiscover United States
The United States of America, a continental giant and a global cultural powerhouse, is a land of staggering diversity and endless possibilities. From the soaring skyscrapers of Manhattan and the historic monuments of Washington D.C. to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the USA offers every conceivable landscape. Known for its innovation, cinematic influence, and the 'American Dream,' it is a place where small-town charm meets world-class cities. Whether you are exploring the jazz clubs of New Orleans, the tech hubs of Silicon Valley, or the sun-drenched beaches of California and Florida, the United States is a destination that feels both familiar through screen and stage, yet surprisingly vast and varied in person.
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