United States Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders require a B1/B2 visitor visa to visit the United States. The visa costs USD 185 (non-refundable application fee) and allows stays of up to 180 days. The USA is a major destination for Chinese tourists, students, and business travelers, home to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and Niagara Falls.
China passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at travel.state.gov. Complete the DS-160 online application form, pay the USD 185 MRV fee at a designated bank, create an account and schedule an interview appointment at the US Embassy in Beijing or a Consulate. Required at the interview: DS-160 confirmation, passport, MRV fee receipt, visa photo, and supporting documents showing ties to China (property deeds, bank statements, employment letters, family ties, previous travel history). Approval is at the consular officer's discretion. Visa-approved applicants receive a multiple-entry B1/B2 visa typically valid for 10 years.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to United States: What You Need to Know
The US B1/B2 visa application is one of the most rigorous tourist visa processes in the world for Chinese applicants. It requires an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. US consular posts in China are located in Beijing (Embassy), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang. Wait times for interview appointments have been very long in recent years, sometimes exceeding 12 months at certain posts. The US-China bilateral relationship significantly affects visa processing and approval rates; stay updated on the latest developments.
Practical Tips
Book your US visa interview appointment as early as possible due to long wait times, especially at Beijing and Shanghai. Check wait time estimates regularly at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html. Popular Chinese tourist itineraries include the East Coast (New York, Washington DC, Niagara Falls), West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon), or cross-country. The US uses USD. UnionPay is accepted at major US retailers and ATMs (Discover network). Download a VPN before leaving China to access Chinese apps. US electrical outlets are 110V/60Hz Type A/B.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a US B1/B2 visa for Chinese citizens?
US B1/B2 visa wait times for Chinese citizens have been very long in recent years, with interview appointment waits at some consular posts exceeding 12 months. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html. Apply as early as possible and consider applying at a US consulate with shorter waits (Chengdu or Shenyang vs. Beijing or Shanghai).
What documents strengthen a US visa application for Chinese citizens?
Strong supporting documents include: property ownership in China, employment letter with salary details, business registration (if self-employed), 3 to 6 months of bank statements showing stable funds, previous international travel history (especially previous US visas), family ties in China, and specific itinerary with hotel and flight bookings. The consular officer will assess your ties to China and likelihood of return.
What are the most popular US destinations for Chinese tourists?
New York City (Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, shopping), Los Angeles (Hollywood, Disneyland, Beverly Hills), San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Chinatown), Las Vegas (casinos, Grand Canyon day trips), Orlando (Disney World, Universal Studios), and Washington DC (Smithsonian museums, free entry) are the top Chinese tourist destinations. Chicago, Hawaii, and Niagara Falls are also popular.
Can I use Chinese apps in the USA?
WeChat, Douyin (Chinese version), and Weibo work in the USA. However, Douyin's US operations have faced significant legal and political challenges. A VPN may be needed to access some Chinese-only content. In the USA, local apps like Uber, Google Maps, and Apple Pay are essential for daily navigation and transport. Chinese payment apps (Alipay, WeChat Pay) have limited retail acceptance in the USA compared to East and Southeast Asia.