Visa & Entry
China has rapidly opened up. Many nationalities can now enter visa-free for short stays, and transit travelers get generous windows to explore. Know which lane you fall into before you book.
Visa-free stay
Up to 30 days*
Transit visa-free
240 hours (10 days)
Passport validity
6+ months
Arrival card
Filed on landing
Entry by nationalityBy passport
Select your passport / nationality to see visa type, stay length, and how to apply.
Choose a nationality above to see the visa type and stay length that apply to you.
Visa data updated 2026-02-17. Rules change — always confirm with the official embassy or consulate.
Visa policy changes frequently. Always confirm the rules for your specific passport with an official Chinese embassy or consulate before booking.
30-day visa-free entry
As of 2025 China offers unilateral visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from dozens of countries — including much of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. You can stay up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit. Check the current list for your passport, as it keeps expanding.
240-hour transit
If your country is not on the visa-free list, you can still enter without a visa when transiting to a third country, for up to 240 hours. You must fly in and out through eligible ports and stay within the approved regions.
- Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region
- Enter and exit through an approved port of entry
- Declare transit at the dedicated immigration counter
If you need a visa
For longer stays or non-eligible passports, apply for an L (tourist) visa at a Chinese visa center before you travel. Expect to provide flight and hotel bookings, and sometimes an invitation letter. Apply two to four weeks ahead.
The arrival card
Everyone fills out an arrival card. You can now complete it digitally before landing, which is far faster than the paper queue. Keep your hotel address handy — you will need it.
Useful phrases Phrases
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