Asia
China visa
BeijingThe rule most people get wrong here is that China's 30-day visa-free entry is for UAE *citizens*, not UAE residents — if you hold an Emirates ID but an Indian, Pakistani, British or Filipino passport, it does not apply to you and you will need a visa. Applications are lodged in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai, because biometrics are taken there; this is not an online process. Worth knowing separately: if China is a stop on the way somewhere else, the 240-hour visa-free transit rules may cover you without any visa at all, provided you hold a confirmed onward ticket. We check the transit route first — it is often the cheaper answer.
- Starting price
- From AED 470
The price is for the simplest visa type. Embassy and visa centre fees are included.
How the process works
Free eligibility check
We confirm which visa applies to your nationality and residency.
Document preparation
Your file is reviewed and corrected before anything is submitted.
Appointment & submission
We book the appointment where one is needed and guide you through biometrics.
Tracking & collection
We track the application and hand back your passport.
Documents you'll usually need
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
- UAE residence visa copy (valid at least 3 months)
- Emirates ID copy (front and back)
- Recent passport-size photo to the required specification
- Bank statements for the last 3-6 months
- Employment contract or NOC letter from your employer
- Confirmed flight and hotel reservations
- Travel medical insurance for the trip duration
Requirements vary. China may ask for additional documents depending on your nationality and purpose of travel. Send us your details and we'll confirm the exact list before you start.
Apply for your China visa
Start in a minute. Our visa desk confirms the visa type, the documents and the price before anything is submitted or paid.
Places to see in China
The Li River at Yangshuo, near Guilin, winding between limestone karst peaks. A corner tower of the Forbidden City in Beijing, home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Pudong's towers across the Huangpu River from the Bund in Shanghai. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an, thousands of clay soldiers buried with China's first emperor. The sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province.
Common questions about China visas
What should I know before applying for a China visa from the UAE?
The rule most people get wrong here is that China's 30-day visa-free entry is for UAE *citizens*, not UAE residents — if you hold an Emirates ID but an Indian, Pakistani, British or Filipino passport, it does not apply to you and you will need a visa. Applications are lodged in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Dubai, because biometrics are taken there; this is not an online process. Worth knowing separately: if China is a stop on the way somewhere else, the 240-hour visa-free transit rules may cover you without any visa at all, provided you hold a confirmed onward ticket. We check the transit route first — it is often the cheaper answer.
What documents do I need for a China visa from the UAE?
Most China applications from the UAE need: Passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages; UAE residence visa copy (valid at least 3 months); Emirates ID copy (front and back); Recent passport-size photo to the required specification; Bank statements for the last 3-6 months; Employment contract or NOC letter from your employer; Confirmed flight and hotel reservations; Travel medical insurance for the trip duration. Requirements vary: China may ask for additional documents depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, so we confirm the exact list for your case before you start.
How much does a China visa cost from the UAE?
Our price for a China visa starts from AED 470, for the simplest visa type. Embassy and visa centre fees are included. The exact figure depends on the visa type, your nationality and the processing speed you choose, so we confirm it once we know your residency and travel dates, before anything is submitted.
Guides for China
Written by our visa desk in Dubai, and kept current.
- China visa for UAE residentsMost UAE residents apply in person at the Chinese visa centre in Wafi Mall. The six documents, the AED fees, four-day processing, and who can visit China without a visa.Read the guide
- What your UAE residence actually unlocksWhere your residence permit opens doors, and where only your passport counts.Read the guide
