How to Get a China Visa from UAE (2025)
China is becoming one of the most popular travel and business destinations for people living in the UAE. Whether you want to see the Great Wall, explore Shanghai, attend trade fairs, or visit family, you may need a visa before flying.
This complete 2025 guide explains everything UAE residents and citizens need to know — visa requirements, types, fees, documents, and an easy step-by-step process. You’ll also learn how Gulliver Travels can help make your China visa application fast and hassle-free.
VISA
Business,
1. Do UAE Nationals Need a Visa for China?
Good news for Emirati passport holders:
UAE citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days thanks to a bilateral agreement.
You still need a visa if:
- You plan to stay more than 30 days
- You need a work, study, or residence visa
- You want a long-term or multiple-entry visa
For expatriate residents in the UAE:
If you are a resident of the UAE but hold another nationality, you must apply for a visa before traveling to China.
Summary:
- UAE citizens: Visa-free for 30 days
- UAE residents (other nationalities): Visa required
2. Types of China Visas for UAE Travellers
Here are the most common visa types applied for in the UAE:
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
For leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends.
Stay: Usually up to 30 days per entry.
Business Visa (M Visa)
For business meetings, trade fairs, supplier visits, or commercial activities.
Requires an official invitation letter from a Chinese company.
Work Visa (Z Visa)
For employment in China. Requires a work permit and employer invitation.
Student Visa (X Visa)
For short-term or long-term study programs in China.
Family Visit Visa (Q or S Visa)
For visiting family members in China (Chinese citizens or foreign residents).
Transit Visa (G Visa)
Required only if you need to exit the airport during transit (many travelers qualify for visa-free transit).
This guide focuses mainly on Tourist (L) and Business (M) visas since they are the most common for UAE travelers.
3. Seasonal, Single & Multiple-Entry Options
Single Entry Visa
- Valid for one trip
- Usually valid for up to 3 months
Double Entry Visa
- Allows two separate trips within the visa validity period
Multiple Entry Visa
- Ideal for frequent travelers
- Validity: 6 months or 12 months
Seasonal Considerations
Apply early before the busy travel seasons:
- Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb)
- Golden Week (Oct 1–7)
- Ramadan/Eid (UAE outbound rush)
Applying early helps avoid delays and long processing times.

4. China Tourist Visa Requirements (UAE Residents)
To apply for an L Tourist Visa, prepare:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity & 2 blank pages)
- UAE residence visa copy or Emirates ID
- Online visa application form (printed & signed)
- Passport-size photo (48mm × 33mm)
- Flight booking (round-trip)
- Hotel bookings covering entire stay
- Travel itinerary
- 3–6 months bank statement (stamped)
- NOC letter from employer or sponsor
- Additional documents (if staying with family/friends)
Make sure all documents are clear and complete. Missing documents may delay approval.
5. China Business Visa Requirements (UAE Residents)
For an M Business Visa, you need:
- All basic documents required for Tourist Visa
- Official invitation letter from a Chinese company
- UAE company cover letter (recommended)
- Trade license copy (if applicable)
- Proof of business relationship (optional)
The invitation letter should clearly state your visit purpose, dates, passport number, and inviter’s details.
6. Step-by-Step China Visa Application Process (UAE)
The new China visa system (2025) has two stages:
- Online submission
- In-person submission with fingerprinting
Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application
- Visit csm.mfa.gov.cn
- Create an account
- Fill out the form accurately
- Upload all scanned documents
- Submit the application
Step 2: Receive Your Visa Application Certificate (VAC)
- The consulate reviews your online application
- If approved, you get a Visa Application Certificate (PDF)
- Print it and take it to the visa center
- No appointment needed — walk-in allowed
Step 3: Submit Documents In Person
Go to the China Visa Application Center in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Bring:
- Passport
- Printed visa form
- Visa Application Certificate
- All supporting documents
- Photos (just in case)
Fingerprinting is required unless you fall under an exempt category.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees
You’ll pay:
- Consular visa fee
- Service center fee (~AED 110–150)
- Express fee (optional, AED 90)
In Abu Dhabi: Card only
In Dubai: Cash or card
Step 5: Collect Your Passport
Processing time:
- 4 working days (standard)
- 2–3 days (express, if available)
Check the visa sticker before leaving.
7. China Visa Fees (2025 – UAE)
General Nationalities
- Single Entry: AED 102
- Double Entry: AED 153
- 6-Month Multiple Entry: AED 203
- 1-Year Multiple Entry: AED 304
UAE Nationals
- Single Entry: AED 113
- Double Entry: AED 169
- 6-Month Multiple: AED 225
- 1-Year Multiple: AED 338
US Citizens
- Flat AED 510 (any visa category)
Canadian Citizens
- Flat AED 222
Service center fee is charged separately.
8. Gulliver Travels – China Visa Assistance in UAE
Applying for a China visa can be long and confusing — but Gulliver Travels makes it easy.
Why Choose Us?
✔ Expert Advice
We explain all requirements clearly and check your documents to prevent mistakes.
✔ Complete Document Preparation
We help with:
- Online application
- NOC letter guidance
- Invitation letter validation
- Flight & hotel booking support
- Bank statement instructions
✔ Save Time
No need to research everything yourself — we handle the tough parts.
✔ Support in All Emirates
Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
✔ Trusted Service
Hundreds of successful visa applications every month.
With Gulliver Travels, your China visa becomes simple, smooth, and stress-free.
9. Ready to Apply? Contact Gulliver Travels Today!
Let us handle your China visa — you focus on planning your trip!
📍 Dubai Office: +971 4 396 3011
📍 Abu Dhabi Office: +971 2 673 8036
Start your China journey with confidence.
Gulliver Travels is here to help you every step of the way! ✈️🌏
