Visa on arrival - procedure and needed documents

Question

Hello everyone,

I hold a German passport and according to the new rules I can get a 30 day visa on arrival.

Do you know the procedure at the airport?

Do I need to show a list of all my pre booked accommodations during my trip in order to obtain the visa on arrival?

Thank you

Tobi

Answer

As a German passport holder eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA) in China, you will need to follow a standard procedure upon landing at a participating airport.

Procedure at the airport:

After disembarking, proceed to the dedicated Visa on Arrival counter before passport control.
Fill out the visa application form, which is usually provided at the counter or can be completed online in advance if available.
Submit your passport, completed application form, and any required documents (see below) to the immigration officer.
Pay the visa fee (in local currency, USD, or other accepted currencies depending on the airport).
Wait for processing; this usually takes 15–30 minutes. Your passport will be stamped with the 30-day entry visa.
Proceed to baggage claim and then through immigration with your new visa.

Documents generally required:

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
Completed visa application form (VOA form).
Passport-sized photo (usually one recent photo attached to the form).
Proof of onward travel or departure from China within 30 days (flight or train ticket). This must be to a third country, not a return to your arrival country if applicable).
Some airports may ask for hotel bookings or an address in China for your stay. Typically, a single accommodation booking is sufficient; a detailed list of all stays is usually not required.

Additional tips:

Check the participating airports ahead of time, as not all Chinese airports offer VOA for all nationalities.
Have local currency or USD ready for the visa fee to avoid delays.
Make sure your onward travel documents are printed or easily accessible to show the immigration officer.
Be aware that VOA rules can change, so verify with the Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.

Following these steps should allow you to obtain your 30-day visa on arrival smoothly without needing to show the complete list of all pre-booked accommodations.