China Visa RequirementsFor Israel passport holders
Israeli passport holders require a standard tourist visa (L visa) to visit China. The visa is applied for at the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv or at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Israel passport holders require a visa to enter China.
Apply for the Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) at the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv or through a Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Required documents typically include: valid Israeli passport (6 months+ validity), completed visa application form, passport photo, round-trip flight itinerary, hotel bookings for the duration of stay, and bank statements. The fee is approximately USD 140 for Israeli nationals. Processing takes approximately 4-7 business days; express processing may be available for a higher fee.
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
Required Documents
Completed Chinese Visa Application Form
Completed Form V.2013A, available online at the Chinese Embassy website or at the Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Must be printed and signed.
Valid Israeli Passport
Passport must have at least 6 months validity beyond the intended departure date from China. Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamp and entry/exit stamps.
Recent Passport Photo
One recent color passport photo (white background, 33mm x 48mm) as specified by the Chinese Embassy. Photos must be recent and meet specific technical requirements.
Round-Trip Flight Confirmation
Confirmed booking of round-trip flights showing entry and exit from China. Both inbound and outbound flights must be confirmed and dated.
Hotel Bookings or Invitation Letter
Hotel reservation confirmations for the entire duration of the stay in China, or an official invitation letter from a Chinese host (company or individual with certified documentation).
Bank Statements
Recent bank statements (typically the last 3 months) from an Israeli bank showing sufficient financial means to cover the trip.
Visa Application Fee
Approximately USD 140 for a single-entry tourist visa for Israeli nationals. Fees vary for multi-entry visas and express processing. Payable at the Visa Application Service Center.
Travel Itinerary Recommended
A detailed travel itinerary within China including planned cities, activities, and duration at each destination. Helps support the visa application.
Current Travel Situation
Israel to China: What You Need to Know
China and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992 and have built substantial bilateral trade and technological cooperation, though the relationship has experienced fluctuations tied to US-China tensions and geopolitical sensitivities around Israeli technology exports. China does not include Israel in its visa-free or visa-on-arrival programs; Israeli passport holders must apply for a traditional visa before travel. The Chinese tourist visa (L visa) allows tourism with typical validity of 30-90 days per stay.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY/RMB). China is increasingly cashless, with WeChat Pay and Alipay dominant; tourists can link foreign Visa/Mastercard to WeChat Pay. ATMs in major cities accept foreign cards. China is moderately affordable for Israeli travelers outside of premium hotels and tourist restaurants.
Practical Tips
The Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv processes tourist visa applications. Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors), and Guilin are major tourist destinations. China's Great Firewall blocks many standard apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram); download a VPN before departure. China is transitioning to mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay); tourists can now link foreign cards to WeChat Pay for payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do Israeli passport holders need for China?
Israeli passport holders require a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) issued by the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). No visa-on-arrival or electronic visa is available for Israeli nationals for mainland China.
What documents are required for a Chinese tourist visa application by Israelis?
Required documents typically include: valid Israeli passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages, completed Chinese visa application form, recent passport photo, confirmed round-trip flight itinerary, hotel bookings for the entire stay, and recent bank statements showing sufficient funds. Additional documents may be requested.
How much does a Chinese tourist visa cost for Israeli applicants?
The Chinese tourist visa (L visa) fee for Israeli nationals is approximately USD 140 for a single-entry visa. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas have higher fees. Express and rush processing incur additional surcharges.
Does Hong Kong entry allow access to mainland China?
No. Hong Kong operates separate immigration controls from mainland China. Israeli passport holders with 90-day visa-free access to Hong Kong cannot use this to enter mainland China, which requires a separate Chinese L visa.
Does China have the 144-hour transit visa-free policy for Israeli passport holders?
China offers 144-hour visa-free transit for certain nationalities transiting through designated cities (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and others). Israeli passport holders should verify current eligibility for this transit policy directly with Chinese authorities or the Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv before booking, as policy details and eligible nationalities can change.
What are the top attractions in China for Israeli tourists?
Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace), Shanghai (the Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden), Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors), Guilin and Yangshuo (karst mountain scenery), Chengdu (giant pandas), Zhangjiajie (Avatar's floating mountains), and Hong Kong (separate entry rules apply).
What practical challenges should Israeli tourists prepare for in China?
The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and many Western apps. Download and test a VPN before arriving in China. WeChat and Alipay are the dominant payment apps; tourists can link foreign cards to WeChat Pay for payments at most merchants. Mandarin is essential in smaller cities; English is limited outside major tourist areas and hotels.
Are there direct flights from Tel Aviv to China?
Direct and one-stop flights operate via various carriers. Hainan Airlines and China Southern operated or have operated direct routes from Tel Aviv to Beijing or Shanghai. Check current airline schedules as direct routes have changed based on bilateral agreements and demand.