Travel visa · Asia · 2026
China visa from the UAE (2026)
China and the UAE run a mutual short-stay visa exemption, so Emirati passport holders enter visa-free for up to 30 days per visit. Most other UAE residents — Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and other passports — need a tourist (L) or business (M) visa from the China Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai. The waiver covers tourism, business negotiations, family visits and transit.
- UAE citizens
- Visa-free 30 days mutual exemption, per entry; covers tourism, business, family visits and transit
- Other UAE residents
- Visa required L / M / Q categories via the China Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai
- Application form
- COVA online form completed on the official China Online Visa Application system before the appointment
- Processing
- About 4 working days standard express and rush services are available for surcharges
Visas
Who needs this visa
- UAE citizens enter visa-free for up to 30 days per entry under the bilateral exemption.
- Other residents (Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and most South Asian and African passports) apply for a tourist (L), business (M) or family (Q) visa.
- No other major visa-free group exists here: the waiver applies to Emirati ordinary passports specifically, and UAE residence does not exempt anyone else.
- Applications are filed at the China Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai after an online appointment; the form is completed on the official COVA system.
Document checklist
Document checklist
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank visa pages
- COVA online application form confirmation with a signature
- One recent photo (33 x 48 mm, white background)
- Copy of the passport bio page and of the UAE residence visa
- Round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations for the whole stay
- Invitation letter from a Chinese company or trade-fair organiser for business (M) visas
- Invitation and copies of the host's documents for family visit (Q) visas
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- NOC from the UAE employer — commonly requested for employed applicants
Process
How it works
-
Pick the visa category
day 0L for tourism, M for business, Q2 for family visits; UAE citizens staying under 30 days can skip the visa entirely.
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Complete the COVA form
day 1Fill the China Online Visa Application, upload the photo and print the confirmation.
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Book and attend the centre
day 2-3Reserve an appointment at the China Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai and submit the passport with originals.
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Pay and track
day 3Fees are set by nationality (reciprocity) and paid at the centre; keep the pickup slip.
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Collect the passport
day 7-9Standard processing is about 4 working days; check the entries, dates and duration of stay on the vignette.
-
Register in China
arrivalHotels register guests automatically; private stays must be registered with the local police within 24 hours.
Fees and rules checked September 2026 — confirm with the application center before booking.
Visa fees
Visa fees
| Fee item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | Set by nationality (reciprocity); paid at the centre |
| Express / rush processing | Surcharge set by the mission |
| Centre service fee | Paid in AED at the Dubai centre |
| Visa-free entry (UAE passports) | No fee |
Government fees are set in local currency; service fees are set by the application center. Checked Sep 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How long can UAE citizens stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry under the mutual exemption, which covers tourism, business negotiations, family visits and transit. The period is fixed at entry, and extensions are at the discretion of the local exit-entry administration.
I hold an Indian passport and live in Dubai — what do I need?
A visa. Apply for a tourist (L) or business (M) visa through the China Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai with bookings, an invitation if applicable and proof of funds.
Does China still run transit visa-free travel?
Yes — a 240-hour transit visa-free policy applies to a list of nationalities at designated entry points. The rules have been updated several times, so check the current list before relying on it.
Do I need an invitation letter?
For tourist (L) visas, flight and hotel bookings are usually enough. Business (M) and family (Q) applications require an invitation from the Chinese side with details of the inviting party.
Can I extend my visa inside China?
Extensions are handled by local exit-entry administration offices and are not automatic. Apply well before the visa expires with a documented reason.
A tourist visa does not solve it? Make it a residence visa
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