The G Visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners who are transiting through China. This visa is intended for individuals who will be staying in China for no more than 7-10 days and is valid for 3 months. The cost and application process for obtaining a G Visa is similar to that of an L Visa, which is why many travelers opt for the L Visa instead. However, it is important to note that several cities in China offer visa exemptions for travelers in transit, so it is worth checking if you are eligible for such an exemption.

To be eligible for a G Visa, you must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least one blank page. You must also provide proof of onward travel and a visa for your final destination if required. Additionally, you may be required to provide proof of funds for your stay in China.

It is important to note that while holders of a G Visa are allowed to transit through China, they are not permitted to engage in any work-related activities during their stay. This includes any kind of paid or unpaid work. Violating this rule could result in serious consequences, including fines, deportation, and future difficulties obtaining visas for China.

If you need to stay in China for more than 7-10 days, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as an L Visa, which is intended for individuals visiting China for tourism purposes, or a business visa, which is intended for individuals conducting business in China. It is important to carefully consider the purpose of your visit and choose the appropriate type of visa to avoid any issues during your stay.

The G Visa is a transit visa intended for individuals who will be staying in China for no more than 7-10 days. The eligibility requirements and application process are similar to that of an L Visa, but travelers should be aware of restrictions on work-related activities during their stay. If you need to stay in China for a longer period or engage in work-related activities, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

What is a China (G) Transit Visa?

A China (G) Transit Visa is a type of visa issued to foreign travelers who need to pass through China on their way to a third country or region. It allows travelers to enter and stay in China for up to 72 hours without a Chinese tourist visa.

This visa is also known as the China Transit Visa or the 72-hour visa-free transit policy. It is only applicable to travelers who meet certain conditions and requirements, such as having a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and not leaving the transit city during their stay in China.

The China (G) Transit Visa is valid for a single entry and only allows travelers to stay in China for up to 72 hours. It is important to note that this visa is only available for specific cities and airports in China that participate in the 72-hour visa-free transit policy.

Who needs a China (G) Transit Visa?

Foreign nationals who plan to transit through China to reach their final destination in a third country may need a China (G) Transit Visa. This applies to travelers who are not citizens of any country that has a visa exemption agreement with China and who need to leave the airport during their transit period.

For example, if a person from India is traveling to the United States via China and has a layover in Beijing for a few hours before catching their connecting flight to the US, they will need a China (G) Transit Visa if they plan to leave the airport during their layover. However, if they do not plan to leave the airport and stay within the transit area, they may not need a transit visa.

It is important to note that the visa requirements for transit passengers can vary depending on the duration of their stay, their nationality, and the airport they will be transiting through. 

How to apply for a China (G) Transit Visa?

The application process for a China (G) Transit Visa depends on the traveler's nationality, the transit city, and the airline carrier. However, in general, the following steps outline the application process for a China (G) Transit Visa:

Check if you are eligible for a China (G) Transit Visa: The 72-hour visa-free transit policy is available to citizens of 53 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm your eligibility.

Confirm your itinerary and travel documents: You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region and have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Contact your airline carrier: Some airlines may require travelers to have a visa before boarding their flight, even if they are eligible for the 72-hour visa-free transit policy. Check with your airline carrier before booking your ticket to confirm their visa policy.

Fill out the China Transit Visa application form: The application form can be obtained from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country or downloaded online. Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately.

Prepare the required documents: The required documents may vary depending on the traveler's nationality, but generally include a valid passport, an onward ticket, and proof of accommodation in the transit city.

Submit the application: Submit the completed application form and all required documents to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country at least a few weeks before your trip. You may need to schedule an appointment.

Wait for processing: The processing time for a China (G) Transit Visa varies, but it is usually a few business days.

It is important to note that the application process for a China (G) Transit Visa can be complex, and it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified immigration lawyer or visa agency to ensure a smooth process.

Required documents for a China (G) Transit Visa application

To apply for a China G Visa, applicants must prepare the following documents:

Valid and Original Passport:

Applicants must have a passport with at least one blank visa page and validity of at least 6 months beyond the date of application.

One Completed Visa Application Form and One Passport Photo:

The application form must be completed accurately and truthfully. The photo must be a color photo with a light background, such as light blue or white. US passport holders are required to provide two photos and two application forms.

A Valid Visa of the Country of Destination and a Final Destination Airline Ticket:

Applicants must hold a valid visa for the country of destination and have a confirmed airline ticket to their final destination.

For Chinese Born Applicants with a New Foreign Passport:

Applicants born in China who apply for a Chinese visa with a new foreign passport must submit their Chinese passport or last foreign passport with a Chinese visa.

Please note that additional documents may be required by the embassy.

Processing time and fees for a China (G) Transit Visa

The China (G) Transit Visa processing time and fee vary depending on the traveler's nationality and the country of application. In general, the regular processing time for a China (G) Transit Visa is four working days. However, the processing time may be longer for some nationalities or during peak travel periods, so it is important to apply for the visa well in advance of your trip.

The fee for a China (G) Transit Visa also varies depending on the traveler's nationality and country of application. The fee ranges from 30-145 USD, with some nationalities paying more than others. It is important to check the latest visa fee schedule from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country before applying.

Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with China, which means that their citizens are exempt from visa fees or may be charged a reduced fee. For example, citizens of Singapore are exempt from visa fees for up to 15 days of transit in China.

It is essential to ensure that all visa fees are paid in full and on time, as failure to do so may result in delays or denial of the visa application. Additionally, it is important to carefully review all visa application requirements and submit all necessary documents to avoid delays or rejection of the visa application.

Validity and duration of a China (G) Transit Visa

The validity and duration of a China (G) Transit Visa depends on several factors, including the traveler's nationality and the type of transit visa issued. Generally, the validity of a China (G) Transit Visa is up to 3 months from the date of issue, allowing travelers to enter China for a period of up to 7 days. However, the maximum duration of stay may vary depending on the traveler's nationality and the specific type of transit visa issued.

It is essential to carefully review the details of the visa before applying and to ensure that the visa's validity and duration align with your travel plans. If you plan to stay in China for a longer period, you may need to apply for a different type of visa or extension of your visa.

It is also important to note that a China (G) Transit Visa does not allow for multiple entries or exits from China. Therefore, if you plan to leave China and then return during your trip, you will need to apply for a different type of visa or obtain a new transit visa before returning.

Can you leave the airport with a China (G) Transit Visa?

Yes, you can leave the airport with a China (G) Transit Visa. The purpose of the G Visa is to allow travelers to transit through China for a brief period. If you have a valid G Visa, you can leave the airport and explore the city during your layover. However, you should make sure that you have enough time to return to the airport and catch your connecting flight. Also, it is important to note that you cannot use a G Visa to enter China for any purpose other than transit. If you plan to stay in China for more than 7-10 days, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as an L Visa or F Visa.

China Visa-free Transit Countries List (for 2019)

Are you wondering which countries are eligible for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) while transiting through China? Unlike the 24-Hour Transit Visa Exemption that is valid for all foreign nationals, China's 72-Hour and 144-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy only applies to citizens from 53 specified countries. This means that individuals holding passports from India and Malaysia are not eligible, but Americans, Canadians, and Australians can apply. It is important to carefully review the list below to confirm if your nationality qualifies for China's transit visa exemption.

China 72-Hour/144-Hour Visa-free Transit Countries 

China has recently expanded its visa-free transit policy to offer more convenience to international travelers. The object of the China 72-Hour and 144-Hour Visa-free Transit has been unified to include 53 countries across four continents. This means that citizens from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore, among others, can apply for a "no-visa" transit tour for up to 6 days in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Kunming, and Wuhan, as long as they meet all the requirements. For some other cities like Xi'an, Guilin, Harbin, Chongqing, and Changsha, they can enjoy a 3-day transit visa-free layover at designated ports of entry. This is a great opportunity for travelers to explore China without having to apply for a traditional visa.

Continent	Number	Transit Visa Free Countries
Europe	39	Countries under the Schengen Visa Agreement (24): Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Other Countries (15): Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.
America	6	United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the Republic of Chile.
Oceania	2	Australia, New Zealand.
Asia	6	South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar.