Germany to China tourist visa
Complete China tourist visa guide for German citizens: visa-free entry for up to 30 days or L visa requirements, fees, processing times, and application tips. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- China Visa-Free Entry
- Fee
- Free
- Processing time
- None required
- Length of stay
- Up to 30 days
Required documents
- Visa-Free Entry Option — German citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days until December 31, 2025
- Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application with at least two blank visa pages
- Completed Visa Application Form — Online application form completed through the official CVASC portal
- Passport-Size Photograph — Recent colored photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
- Travel Itinerary — Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation for your China visit
- Proof of Residence in Germany — Documentation proving your residence in Germany
- Fingerprint Biometrics — Ten fingerprints collected at the CVASC during your appointment
How to apply
- Passport with at least 6 — Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- Printed application form with confirmation — Printed application form with confirmation page, signed by hand
- One passport photo (33mm × — One passport photo (33mm × 48mm, white background)
- Round-trip flight booking confirmation — Round-trip flight booking confirmation
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter — Hotel reservation or invitation letter from host in China
- Proof of residence in Germany — Proof of residence in Germany
Common questions
- Do German citizens need a visa to visit China in 2025?
- For stays up to 30 days, no visa is required. Germany is among 38 countries eligible for China’s unilateral visa-free entry policy, valid until December 31, 2025 (and likely extended). This covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an L visa (tourist visa).
- How long can I stay in China visa-free as a German citizen?
- German passport holders can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an L visa before traveling or request an extension at a local Public Security Bureau office in China.
- What documents do I need for visa-free entry to China?
- For visa-free entry, you need: a valid German passport (ordinary passport, not diplomatic or service), proof of onward travel (return flight), and accommodation details. Immigration officers may ask for invitation letters, flight tickets, or hotel bookings as supporting documents, so it is best to have these ready.
- How much does a China tourist visa cost for German citizens?
- The L visa fee is €60, reduced to €45 for Schengen country citizens under a promotional policy. Additionally, the CVASC service fee is approximately €66 for regular processing. Express processing costs an additional €20. Payment can be made by cash, debit card, or company cheque at the visa center.
- How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from Germany?
- Standard processing takes 4–5 working days. Express processing is available in 2–3 working days for an additional fee of €20. Processing times exclude weekends and holidays. Apply at least two weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any delays.
- Where can I apply for a China visa in Germany?
- You can apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC) in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, or Düsseldorf. No appointment is required since November 2023. Submit your application in person during working hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for submissions).