No visa needed
Visa-Free Countries
Countries with visa-free access to China
Through a combination of mutual agreements and China's unilateral visa-free policy, citizens of 59 countries can visit China without applying for a visa in advance. Most get 30 days. Policy extended through December 31, 2026.
Citizens of eligible countries can enter China for tourism, business, visiting relatives, cultural exchange, or transit — without any visa application. The policy does not cover work, study, or journalism activities.
New in 2025–2026: UK, Canada, Russia, and Sweden were all added to the visa-free list. If you last checked eligibility a year ago, check again — the list has grown significantly.
Showing all 59 countries
Last updated: April 2026 — verify at nia.gov.cn
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This list is accurate as of early 2026. Visa policies can change — always verify with the China National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy before travel.
Passing through China
144-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Even if your country isn't on the visa-free list, you may be able to spend up to 6 days in China without a visa if you're transiting between two other countries. This is one of the most useful — and underused — policies for travellers.
Who qualifies
You must be travelling between two different countries (not returning to your origin country), have a confirmed onward ticket, and enter through one of the 65 eligible ports.
How long you can stay
Up to 144 hours (6 days) from the time of entry. You must stay within the designated area — usually the city or province of your port of entry.
Where it's available
65 ports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Kunming, and many more. Also now includes Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge crossing.
72-hour version also available at a wider range of ports for shorter transits. If you only need a day or two in China, the 72-hour policy applies at more entry points.
Transit visa-free tips
- Print or screenshot your onward ticket — immigration will ask to see it
- You don't need to stay at the airport, but you must leave by the deadline
- The clock starts from midnight on the day after you enter, not from the exact arrival time
- If your layover is under 24 hours, you may be able to stay airside without using the policy
Apply online
e-Visa
China introduced an online visa application system (e-Visa) for citizens of many countries. If you need a visa but your country is eligible for the e-Visa, this is far simpler than the traditional process — no embassy visit required.
Apply online
Submit your application entirely online at the official China e-Visa portal. No embassy appointment, no physical documents to post. Takes 4–7 business days typically.
What you'll need
A valid passport (6+ months validity), a digital passport photo, your travel itinerary, and accommodation details. Some applicants may need to provide financial documents.
How long it's valid
Most tourist e-Visas (L category) allow a single entry, 30-day stay, valid for 3 months from issue date. Business visas (M category) may allow multiple entries.
Apply at the official portal: visaforchina.cn — be cautious of third-party sites that charge extra fees for the same service. The official site is free (visa fee still applies).
Embassy application
Traditional Visa
If you're not eligible for visa-free entry or the e-Visa, you'll need to apply in person at a Chinese embassy or consulate. The process is straightforward but requires planning — allow at least 2–4 weeks before your trip.
Application process
Determine the right visa category
Tourist visas are category L. Business is M. Study is X. Work is Z. Family visits are Q or S. Most travellers need an L visa.
Gather your documents
Required: passport (valid 6+ months, with at least 2 blank pages), completed application form, passport photo, flight itinerary (round-trip or onward), hotel bookings for your stay, and bank statements showing sufficient funds.
Book an appointment
Most Chinese embassies and consulates require a pre-booked appointment. Check your nearest Chinese embassy website. Visa Application Centres (VACs) in major cities often process applications on behalf of the embassy.
Submit and pay
Visa fees vary by nationality and number of entries requested. Single-entry tourist visas typically cost $50–$140 USD equivalent. Processing takes 4–7 business days for standard; express service (1–3 days) costs more.
Collect your passport
Your passport is returned with the visa sticker. Check the dates, number of entries, and duration of stay carefully before leaving the counter.
Single vs. multiple entry
Single entry means once you leave China, the visa is used. Multiple entry allows re-entry within the validity period — useful for trips to Hong Kong, Macau, or neighbouring countries.
Validity vs. duration of stay
A "3-month validity, 30-day stay" visa means you must enter within 3 months of issue, and can stay up to 30 days per entry — these are two separate concepts that confuse many travellers.
Don't overstay. Overstaying a Chinese visa carries fines of ¥500 per day (up to ¥10,000), potential detention, and a ban on future entry. Always leave before your permitted stay expires.
Arriving in China
At the Border
The entry process at Chinese airports is efficient once you know what to expect. Here's what happens from the moment you land to when you clear customs.
Health and quarantine check
You may pass through a health screening area. This is quick and standard. No health forms or vaccines are currently required for most nationalities entering China for tourism.
Immigration (passport control)
Foreign nationals queue at immigration counters. Have your passport open to the photo page, and your completed Arrival Card ready (distributed on the plane or available at the counter). Fingerprints are taken for first-time visitors.
Collect your luggage
Standard baggage collection. Flight information boards show which carousel your flight's bags are on.
Customs declaration
Most travellers take the green "Nothing to Declare" channel. Use the red channel if you're carrying more than ¥20,000 RMB in cash, more than $5,000 USD (or equivalent) in foreign currency, restricted goods, or commercial goods. Declaring honestly is always the right choice — penalties for undisclosed items are serious.
Register at your hotel
By law, foreigners must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically when you check in with your passport — it's standard procedure. If staying with friends or in a private rental, you must register at the nearest police station yourself.
What to have ready at immigration
- Passport (with visa if required, or ensure you're from a visa-free country)
- Completed Arrival Card (name, passport number, flight number, accommodation address in China)
- Your hotel address in Chinese — immigration may ask, and having it written in Chinese avoids confusion
- Return or onward flight booking — immigration can ask for proof
Arrival Card tip: Fill this in on the plane before landing. You'll need your Chinese accommodation address — if you don't know it yet, write the name of a major hotel in the city as a placeholder, then note your actual address is confirmed later.
Common questions
FAQ
Visa sorted? Now prepare for arrival.
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