China Visa RequirementsFor Armenia passport holders
Armenian citizens need a visa to visit China, applied for at the Chinese Embassy in Yerevan. The Chinese tourist visa (L visa) costs approximately $140 USD and allows stays of up to 30 days. China has offered visa-free access to many countries since 2023, but Armenia is not currently among them. China is Asia's most vast destination, offering extraordinary historical and natural diversity.
Armenia passport holders require a visa to enter China.
Apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) at the Chinese Embassy in Yerevan (Antarayin Street 12, Yerevan 0054). Required: valid Armenian passport (minimum 6 months validity), completed online visa application form (visaforchina.org/AMAYE), passport photos, return flight booking, prepaid hotel reservations for all nights, bank statements, and visa fee ($140 USD or AMD equivalent). Processing takes 4-5 business days. Prepaid hotel reservations are typically required for the application. A single-entry 30-day visa is the standard tourist visa.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Armenian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed Chinese visa application (visaforchina.org)
Passport photos
Return flight booking
Prepaid hotel reservations for all nights
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Visa fee: $140 USD
Current Travel Situation
Armenia to China: What You Need to Know
Armenia and China have maintained diplomatic relations since Armenia's independence in 1991, with growing trade relations and China's Belt and Road Initiative extending through the South Caucasus. Chinese investment in Armenia has grown, and Armenia is interested in the China connection as part of its economic diversification. The Chinese Embassy in Yerevan processes tourist visa applications from Armenian citizens. China launched a significant visa liberalization program in 2023-2024, extending visa-free access to many European and other countries, but Armenia has not been included.
How to Get There
No direct Yerevan-China flights exist. Connect from Yerevan (EVN) to Beijing (PEK) or Shanghai (PVG) via Moscow (Aeroflot, when available; note Russian airspace restrictions), Dubai (flydubai then Air China), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Flight time from Yerevan to Beijing with one connection is approximately 10-14 hours.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese yuan (RMB/CNY). China is moderately affordable: budget CNY 300-600 ($40-85 USD) per day for mid-range travel. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; link an international card or bring CNY cash. Street food is outstanding and cheap. Major tourist sites charge CNY 60-120 ($8-17 USD) entry.
Practical Tips
Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu section), Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven. Shanghai: the Bund and Pudong skyline, French Concession, Yu Garden. Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter food street. Guilin/Yangshuo: karst river landscape. Zhangjiajie: Avatar mountains. Chengdu: giant panda research center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Armenian citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. Armenians need a Chinese tourist visa (L visa), applied at the Chinese Embassy in Yerevan. The fee is $140 USD and processing takes 4-5 business days. Prepaid hotel bookings are required.
How do I fly from Armenia to China?
No direct flights exist. Connect from Yerevan (EVN) via Dubai (flydubai then Air China), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Doha (Qatar Airways). Flight time to Beijing with one connection is approximately 10-14 hours.
Does China offer visa-free access to any countries?
Yes. China significantly expanded visa-free access in 2023-2024, including many European countries, and some Latin American, Middle Eastern, and African nations. Armenia is not currently on the visa-free list. Check the Chinese Embassy website for the most current list of visa-free countries.