To travel to China, Ukrainians need to obtain a visa, the type of which will depend on the duration and purpose of the trip. Learn more about the rules for entering China and the necessary documents for obtaining a visa in 2024

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Ukrainians who plan to visit China in 2024 are interested in the procedure for obtaining a visa to enter the country, especially due to the uncertainty surrounding military events. A visa is required to enter China, and its type depends on the purpose of the trip and the length of stay in the country.

You can apply for a visa at a consulate or visa center. However, due to the temporary closure of consulates, Ukrainians have to apply to Chinese diplomatic missions in neighboring countries to obtain the necessary documents.

The documents that may be required to obtain a visa include completed application forms, passport, photographs, confirmation of the purpose of the visit, etc.

Earlier, we mentioned that China will issue all types of visas to foreign tourists for the first time in three years since the start of the pandemic.

Do Ukrainians need a visa to enter China in 2024?

Entry to China for Ukrainians in 2024 is governed by general rules. Currently, there is a visa regime between Ukraine and China, so a visa is required to cross the border.

The following types of visas are available to enter the territory of the People's Republic of China:

1. Tourist visa of category L with a single entry: maximum stay of 30 days, valid for 3 months;

2. Tourist visa of category L with double entry: each stay is up to 15 days, valid for 6 months;

3. Business visa of category M with a single entry: maximum stay of 30 days, valid for 3 months;

4. Business visa category M with double entry: each stay is up to 15 days, valid for 6 months;

5. Business multi-entry visa category M: maximum validity is one year, the period of stay is from one month to two months;

6. Transit visa of category Z.

In order to obtain a tourist visa, it is enough to simply provide a ticket for any type of transport in both directions. For other types of visas, in addition to tickets, you also need to provide a hotel reservation, a program of your stay in China, a certificate of sufficient funds in your account, etc.

The maximum period of stay in China with a tourist visa is 90 days. A double-entry visa is valid for 6 months, and a multiple-entry visa is valid for a year.

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Where can I get a visa to China in 2024?

During the martial law, Chinese consulates stopped working in Ukraine. Therefore, Ukrainians should apply to Chinese diplomatic missions in neighboring countries to obtain a visa. Documents can be submitted at any Chinese visa center around the world. This process requires the applicant to be present in person, as the documents are photographed and fingerprints are scanned.

Documents required to obtain a visa to China

Depending on the purpose of your trip, the list of documents may vary. However, the following basic package of documents for obtaining a visa to China can be distinguished:

1. A passport with a validity period of more than 6 months;

2. A copy of the first and second pages of the passport;

3. Filled out Chinese visa application form without errors indicating the purpose of the trip;

4. A full-face photo;

5. A certificate confirming the official stay in the country (from February 2022, this item is not required for Ukrainian citizens);

6. A photocopy of the previous permit or previous passport in case of repeated travel to China;

7. Additional documents to confirm the purpose of the trip, depending on the desired category of entry permit.

If you are planning to travel with minor children, make sure that they are included in your passport. Also, a separate photo must be attached to the application form. The service fee for a child is paid in full to the Chinese consulate in any case, regardless of whether the child is inscribed in the passport or has his or her own travel card. 

The approximate time for issuing a visa is 7 business days. The cost depends on the type of permit and length of stay, with the average cost starting at $130.

In our previous article, we talked about the fact that many refugees from Ukraine have recently experienced difficulties in crossing the border and living in the EU. This is especially true for those who hold a “dočasne útočisko” document.

Customs regulations for entering China in 2024

Persons crossing the border of the People's Republic of China by air are allowed to carry the following categories of goods in the following quantities:

1. Cigarettes - up to 400 pieces;

2. Household electrical appliances and other household items, provided they are exported;

3. Jewelry for personal use;

4. 1.5 liters of any alcoholic beverage;

Import of foreign currency is unlimited. But the amount of foreign currency in the equivalent of 5,000 USD is subject to declaration.

The following categories of goods are prohibited to be exported from China:

1. Chinese currency;

2. Any valuable items or antiques in the absence of a sales receipt to confirm the purchase. 

Remember that one of the prerequisites for staying abroad is to have health insurance. Thanks to insurance, you will be able to receive high-quality medical care without having to pay for it.

You can buy insurance online in a few clicks here. A ready-made insurance policy will be sent to your email in a few minutes.

Visa-free transit through Beijing or Shanghai for Ukrainians

Citizens of Ukraine have the opportunity to use visa-free transit through Beijing and Shanghai.

In Beijing, since 2013, Ukrainian tourists have been able to enjoy 72-hour visa-free transit through the international airport. To do this, you need to have a visa to the final destination country and a confirmed air ticket. Importantly, entry and departure must be made through the same airport in Beijing.

In Shanghai, since 2016, Ukrainians have been able to enjoy 144-hour visa-free transit. To do this, you need to have tickets to enter the next country, boarding passes from the flight, a passport with free pages to get a stamp, and, if necessary, a visa to the next country. Tourists can visit nearby cities, but must depart from China through the same airport through which they arrived. The stamp will indicate the date of arrival and the time of the authorized stay in China.

We remind you! Italy and Turkey provide new opportunities for tourists by introducing special visas for people who love to travel and can afford to work remotely. Read more about the specifics of such visas and how to obtain them.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.