China Visa for Canadian Citizens 2026: Complete Application Guide

Canadian passport holders need a visa to visit mainland China — and like US citizens, Canadians are eligible for a long-term multiple-entry visa valid up to the passport’s expiration date (maximum 10 years). This guide covers everything you need to know.

Use our free Visa Checker tool above to check requirements for your nationality.

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for China?
The Long-Term Multiple-Entry Visa
Visa Types for Canadian Citizens
Required Documents Checklist
Visa Fees for Canadian Citizens
Processing Times
Where to Apply in Canada
Step-by-Step Application Process
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit for Canadians
Canadian Citizens Born in China
Tips and Common Mistakes
FAQ

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for China?

Yes. Canadian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to mainland China. There is no visa-on-arrival for Canadian passport holders.

However, Canadians can take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit when passing through select Chinese cities, and do not need a visa for short visits to Hong Kong (up to 90 days) or Macau (up to 30 days).

Transiting through China? Check our 144-Hour Visa-Free Guide to see if you can skip the visa.

The Long-Term Multiple-Entry Visa

Canadian citizens, like US citizens, are eligible for a long-term multiple-entry tourist visa valid for up to 10 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).

Key Features

Validity: Up to 10 years (or until passport expiration)
Entries: Multiple (unlimited entries during validity period)
Duration of stay per entry: Up to 60 days
Cost: ¥1,500 (~CAD $270) for a visa valid up to the passport’s expiry date

How to Request the Long-Term Visa

The long-term visa is not a separate visa type — it is a standard L Visa with maximum validity. When filling out the application form:

Select “multiple entries” and “valid until passport expiration” (or “up to 10 years”).
Include a copy of your previous Chinese visa(s) if you have been to China before.
The consular officer has the final say on the validity granted.

Important: The visa validity cannot exceed your passport’s validity. If your passport expires in 4 years, your visa will be valid for 4 years. You can continue using the visa by carrying both your expired passport (with the visa) and your new passport.

Visa Types for Canadian Citizens

Visa Type	Letter	Purpose	Duration per Entry
Tourist	L	Tourism, sightseeing	30–60 days
Business	M	Commercial activities	30–60 days
Work	Z	Employment	30 days to enter, then residence permit
Student	X1/X2	Study	X1: >180 days; X2: ≤180 days
Family Visit	Q1/Q2	Visiting relatives	Q1: 180+ days; Q2: ≤180 days

Required Documents Checklist

Standard Documents

Canadian Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with at least two blank visa pages.
Visa Application Form (Form V.2013): Completed online and printed. Must be signed.
Passport Photo: One recent color photo, 48mm × 33mm, white background, no glasses. See our Photo Requirements Guide.
Round-Trip Flight Itinerary: Booking confirmation showing entry and exit dates.
Hotel Reservations: Confirmed bookings for your entire stay, or an invitation letter.
Travel Itinerary: Day-by-day plan listing cities, dates, and attractions.
Previous Chinese Visa Copy: If applicable, a photocopy of your most recent Chinese visa.

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

Bank statements (last 3–6 months) — especially for first-time applicants
Invitation letter — if visiting friends or relatives
Proof of legal residence — if applying outside Canada
Former Chinese passport/renunciation documents — if you were born in China

For the full document breakdown, see our Required Documents Guide.

Visa Fees for Canadian Citizens

Visa fees for Canadian citizens vary by number of entries and validity:

Visa Type	Validity	Visa Fee	Total (with service fee)
Single Entry	3 months	¥500 (~CAD $90)	~CAD $115 –$ 115–125
Double Entry	3–6 months	¥750 (~CAD $135)	~CAD $160 –$ 160–170
Multiple Entry	6 months	¥1,000 (~CAD $180)	~CAD $205 –$ 205–215
Multiple Entry	Up to passport expiry (max 10 years)	¥1,500 (~CAD $270)	~CAD $295 –$ 295–310

Additional Fees

CVASC Service Fee: ~CAD $25 –$ 25–35 per application
Express Service: Additional ¥200–¥300 (~CAD $36 –$ 36–54)
Rush Service: Additional ¥300–¥500 (~CAD $54 –$ 54–90)
Postage (mail-back): ~CAD $20 –$ 20–30

Tip: The long-term multiple-entry visa is the best value for Canadians who plan to visit China more than once. For just ~CAD $170 more than a single-entry visa, you get up to 10 years of visa-free entry.

Processing Times

Service	Processing Time	Extra Cost
Standard	4 business days	—
Express	3 business days	+¥200–¥300 (~CAD $36 –$ 36–54)
Rush	2 business days	+¥300–¥500 (~CAD $54 –$ 54–90)

Mail-In Timeline

If you apply by mail, add 5–7 business days for mailing in each direction:

Total mail-in timeline: 2–3 weeks (standard service)

Apply 4–6 weeks before your departure date. See our Processing Time Guide for detailed timelines.

Where to Apply in Canada

Visa applications are handled by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) — operated by VisaForChina — on behalf of the Chinese embassy and consulates.

CVASC Locations and Jurisdictions

CVASC Location	Address	Jurisdiction
Ottawa	240 Catherine St, Suite 205, Ottawa, ON K2P 2X8	National Capital Region, Eastern Ontario
Toronto	200 Consumers Rd, Suite 118, North York, ON M2J 4R4	Ontario (except Ottawa region), Manitoba
Vancouver	8838 Odlin Crescent, Richmond, BC V6X 3Z7	British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories
Calgary	1212 31st Ave NE, Suite 200, Calgary, AB T2A 7X2	Alberta, Saskatchewan
Montreal	1425 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Suite 1500, Montreal, QC H3G 1T7	Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

Important: You must apply at the CVASC that has jurisdiction over your province or territory. Applying at the wrong location will result in your application being returned.

How to Submit

In person: Visit the CVASC during business hours (typically 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday–Friday).
By mail: Submit your application by registered mail to the appropriate CVASC. Include a prepaid self-addressed Xpresspost envelope for return.
Through a visa agent: Use a service like [VisaHQ affiliate link] or [iVisa affiliate link].

Fingerprinting: Some applicants may be required to provide fingerprints in person. Check current requirements when applying.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Go to the VisaForChina website (visaforchina.cn) for your jurisdiction. Create an account, fill out Form V.2013, upload your photo, and print the completed form. Sign it.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Use the checklist above to collect all required documents. Ensure your passport photo meets specifications — see our Photo Requirements Guide.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit in person at the CVASC, by mail, or through a visa agent. Pay the visa fee and service fee at submission.

Step 4: Track Your Application

Use the reference number to track your application status online at the CVASC website.

Step 5: Collect Your Passport

Pick up your passport in person, or receive it by mail if you included a prepaid return envelope.

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit for Canadians

Canadian citizens are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy when transiting through select Chinese cities.

Requirements

A confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not Canada if you arrived from Canada)
A valid Canadian passport
Arrival and departure from the same visa-free transit zone

Eligible Cities

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Kunming, Dalian, Shenyang, Harbin, Qingdao, Wuhan, and more. See our 144-Hour Visa-Free Guide.

Example: You fly from Toronto to Seoul with a layover in Beijing. You can leave the airport and explore Beijing for up to 144 hours without a visa.

Canadian Citizens Born in China

If you were born in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan and later acquired Canadian citizenship:

If Born in Mainland China

Your last Chinese passport (original)
Declaration of renunciation of Chinese nationality (if applicable)
Your Canadian citizenship certificate

If Born in Hong Kong or Macau

Your Hong Kong/Macau identity card or passport (if applicable)
Your Canadian passport

Important: The Chinese government may consider individuals of Chinese descent to be Chinese citizens. This can affect your visa application. Consult with the CVASC if this applies to you.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Do

Apply 4–6 weeks before your trip: Allow time for processing and delays.
Request the long-term visa: Always request maximum validity — it’s the best value.
Check jurisdiction: Apply at the correct CVASC for your province/territory.
Use a visa service if needed: [VisaHQ affiliate link] or [iVisa affiliate link] can simplify the process.
Book refundable travel: Don’t book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Buy travel insurance: Consider [World Nomads affiliate link] or [SafetyWing affiliate link].

Don’t

Don’t apply at the wrong CVASC: Your application will be returned.
Don’t forget to sign your form: Unsigned applications are rejected.
Don’t submit a non-compliant photo: See our Photo Requirements Guide.
Don’t overstay: Overstaying results in fines of ¥500/day, detention, and deportation.

FAQ

Can Canadian citizens get a 10-year China visa?

Yes. Canadian citizens are eligible for a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first). Request “valid until passport expiration” on your application form.

How is the Canadian visa different from the US visa?

The fees differ: US citizens pay a flat fee of ¥980 (~$140 USD) for any visa validity, while Canadians pay a tiered fee structure: ¥500 for single entry, ¥1,000 for 6-month multiple, and ¥1,500 for up to 10-year multiple entry.

Can I visit Hong Kong and Macau with my Chinese visa?

Your Chinese visa is for mainland China only. Canadian citizens can visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days and Macau for up to 30 days. If you plan to re-enter mainland China from Hong Kong or Macau, you need a double-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Can I apply by mail?

Yes. Most CVASCs in Canada accept mail-in applications. Include a prepaid self-addressed Xpresspost envelope for return. Mail-in processing adds 5–7 business days in each direction.

Do I need an appointment?

Most CVASCs in Canada do not require appointments. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. Check current policy before visiting.

Can I use the 144-hour visa-free transit if I arrive from Hong Kong?

No. You must arrive from a third country (not mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau) and depart to a different third country.

Is travel insurance required?

Not a visa requirement, but strongly recommended. Consider [World Nomads affiliate link] or [SafetyWing affiliate link].

Can I extend my visa while in China?

Yes. Apply at the local PSB Exit-Entry Administration. See our Visa Extension Guide.

Can I work on a tourist visa?

No. Working on an L Visa is illegal. You must obtain a Z (Work) Visa.

What if my long-term visa is in an expired passport?

You can continue to use the visa by carrying both your expired passport (with the visa) and your new valid passport. You do not need to transfer the visa to your new passport.

How much money do I need to show?

A general guideline is at least ¥10,000–¥20,000 (~CAD $1, 900 –$ 1,900–3,800) per month of stay. First-time applicants are more likely to be asked for bank statements.

Related Guides

Last updated: July 2026

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