China entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. Apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Pakistani citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter China. Apply at the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country of residence. Processing takes 4–7 working days for standard applications. Do not book flights until your visa is issued.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. It must have at least two blank visa pages. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave China within your visa's validity period. Immigration officers at major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong routinely ask to see this. A flight itinerary is not enough — it must be a paid booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in China. Immigration may ask for the address where you will stay. If staying with friends, the invitation letter must be notarized by the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least $500 USD equivalent per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your expenses. Credit cards are not accepted as proof — bring printed statements. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
You cannot enter China without a visa. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned travel to account for processing time and any delays. The embassy in Islamabad and consulate in Karachi handle applications.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in China, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate
Submit your application in person or through an authorized agent at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad or the consulate in Karachi. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, a recent photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and sometimes an invitation letter. Processing takes 4–7 working days. Fees vary by visa type — expect around PKR 10,000–15,000 for a single-entry tourist visa.
2
Prepare your documents for immigration
When you land at a Chinese airport (e.g., Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun), join the foreigner queue. Have your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket (screenshot or print), and your hotel booking confirmation ready. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Complete the arrival declaration
You'll receive a paper arrival card on the plane or at immigration. Fill it out with your flight number, passport details, and accommodation address. Keep the departure stub — you'll need it when leaving China.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostCNY 1,200 (~$165 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
CostCNY 1,800 (~$248 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostCNY 1,200 (~$165 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
CNY 1,200 (~$165 USD) plus processing fees
For those with a job offer in China. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
CNY 1,200 (~$165 USD) plus tuition fees
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
CNY 1,800 (~$248 USD) plus investment minimum
For investors with significant capital (minimum ~$500,000 USD) in Chinese businesses. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | CNY 1,200 (~$165 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | CNY 1,800 (~$248 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa duration. | CNY 500 (~$69 USD) per day, max CNY 10,000 (~$1,380 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Pakistan passport holders generally need a transit visa (G visa) to change flights in China, unless they qualify for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy at certain airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visas may qualify for 144-hour visa-free transit at major airports.
- 24-hour visa-free transit is available at most international airports if staying airside and not leaving 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 Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
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 from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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
2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Huaihai Middle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa-related services.
Practical information for PK 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. China does not offer visa-on-arrival for Pakistani citizens. You must get a visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. You can pay extra for expedited service (1–3 days) at the embassy or consulate, but it costs more — expect around PKR 20,000 for rush processing.
A single-entry tourist visa costs approximately PKR 10,000–15,000. Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost more. Fees are subject to change — check the Chinese embassy website before applying.
Yes. You need to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing your departure from China. This is a standard requirement for the visa application.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office before your visa expires. Extensions are usually granted for 30 days. You'll need a valid reason (e.g., medical, family emergency). Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You cannot travel or extend your stay with an expired passport. Contact the Pakistani embassy in Beijing or consulate in Shanghai immediately to get an emergency travel document. You'll also need to sort out your visa situation with the Chinese authorities.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in China are high — a simple hospital visit can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that and also trip cancellations or lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.