United States entry requirements for Chinese citizens

The Manhattan skyline at sunset
Photo: c1ri / Pixabay

Short answerChinese citizens need a visa to visit the United States. Your visa sets how long you can stay.

How long you can stay
Your visa sets how long you can stay.
What you need
  • Valid passport
  • DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application confirmation page
  • Visa application fee payment receipt
  • Passport-style photo
  • Consular interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang or Wuhan)
Good to know
China is not a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, so there is no ESTA option for Chinese passport holders. Chinese citizens travelling for tourism or short business visits must obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant visa in the 'Tourism & Visit' category (commonly the B-1/B-2 visitor visa) in advance, via the DS-160 online application and an in-person consular interview.

Source U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China — VisasChecked against the source on 2026-09-03

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United States for other passports

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Other destinations for Chinese citizens

Informational only — not legal advice. Entry rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history