China entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. You must apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for tourism. Plan ahead: processing can take 2-4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | Colombian passport holders need a visa for China. Submit your application through the China Visa Application Service Center at visaforchina.cn. Processing takes 4–7 business days for standard applications.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. It must also have at least two blank visa pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Chinese airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or an official invitation letter from a Chinese host. Officers may ask for it at the visa application stage or upon arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Have recent bank statements showing sufficient funds for your trip. There is no fixed minimum, but around $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Chinese visas are not issued on arrival. Start your application at least 4 weeks before your trip to account for processing time and any delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in China, not the day you apply. Double-check before you submit.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport photo, return flight booking, and first night accommodation confirmation. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Visit the Chinese embassy in Bogotá or the nearest consulate. Submit your application in person or via an authorized agent. Pay the visa fee (around $30-60 USD depending on type and processing speed).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 4-7 business days. Expedited service (2-3 days) may be available for an extra fee. Check the embassy's current timelines.
4
Collect your passport with visa
Return to the embassy or consulate to pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Verify the visa details (dates, number of entries) are correct before leaving.
5
Arrive in China
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket (if asked), and your accommodation booking. Fingerprints and a photo will be taken. The officer will stamp your entry.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$140 USD (approx. 1,000 CNY)
Must apply at Chinese embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay60 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY)
Ideal for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30–60 days per entry, extendable
Validity3–12 months
Cost~$160 USD (approx. 1,100 CNY)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
Student visa (X1/X2)
Max stayUp to 1 year (X1) or 180 days (X2)
ValidityVaries with study program
Cost~$140 USD (approx. 1,000 CNY)
Requires admission letter from Chinese institution.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$160 USD (approx. 1,100 CNY) plus processing
For those with a job offer in China. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X1 Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~$140 USD (approx. 1,000 CNY)
For full-time students enrolled in Chinese institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY) plus investment
For investors with significant capital in China. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Colombian passport holders; varies by embassy. | ~$140 USD (approx. 1,000 CNY) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 CNY) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ~$700 USD (5,000 CNY). | ~$70 USD (500 CNY) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through China
Transit visa required
Colombian passport holders generally need a transit visa (G visa) to change planes in China, unless they qualify for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy at certain airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Schengen countries may qualify for 144-hour visa-free transit at select airports.
- 24-hour visa-free transit is available at most international airports if staying airside and not leaving the transit area.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai can have high PM2.5 levels; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Avian influenza (H7N9, H5N1)Low risk
Rare but present in poultry; avoid live animal markets and contact with sick birds.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2, Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits; expect long queues.
Practical information for CO travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.79 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Colombian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling.
Standard processing takes 4-7 business days. Expedited service (2-3 days) may be available for an extra fee. Plan for at least 2 weeks total to be safe.
The visa fee varies by type and processing speed. Typically $30-60 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the Chinese embassy in Bogotá for current fees.
You must renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into China, not your application date.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. It's not always checked, but have a printed or digital copy ready to avoid delays.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days, but you must apply before your current visa expires. There is a fee (around $20-40 USD).
Not for the visa application itself, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be very high, and some travel insurance policies are required for certain visa types (e.g., work or study).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.