Loading…
中
🇨🇳

ChinaAsia · East Asia

101 visa-free · Data updated 2026-09-09

Entry overview

Visa required

Lodge an application with the embassy, consulate or visa centre before you travel.

Permitted stay

At the discretion of the border officer

Policy note：Apply at a Chinese embassy in advance; 240-hour transit exemption for 54 nationalities

Entry overview

China operates unilateral visa-free policies for many countries plus mutual exemptions with dozens more, alongside a 240-hour (10-day) transit exemption. Confirm whether your nationality is on the latest list before travelling.

Advertisement

Visa categories available

  • Tourist visa

    The most common short-stay category, used for sightseeing and visiting family or friends. Typically requires a passport, photo, itinerary, hotel bookings and proof of funds; some countries also require an interview and biometrics.

    When your destination offers no visa-free, VOA or e-Visa route for your passport.

  • Business visa

    For meetings, negotiations, contract signing, after-sales service and short training. Usually requires an invitation letter from the host company plus a dispatch letter. It does not permit long-term employment.

    Short business trips that do not amount to taking up local employment.

  • Transit visa / transit without visa

    Needed when connecting through a third country. Some places offer 24–240 hours of transit without visa (China 240 hours, Singapore 96-hour VFTF, Japan shore pass), usually requiring onward tickets and staying within a designated area.

    Long layovers, airport changes, or a short stopover en route.

  • Work, study and residence permits

    For long-term work, study or residence. Usually requires sponsorship from an employer or school, qualifications, a police clearance certificate and a medical exam, plus residence registration after arrival.

    When staying longer than a visa-free or short-stay entry allows.

Standard documents

  • 1Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival with two blank pages
  • 2Recent passport photo on a white background (35×45mm or as required)
  • 3Return or onward flight booking
  • 4Proof of accommodation for the whole stay
  • 5Proof of funds covering the trip (3–6 months of bank statements, deposit certificate or payslips)
  • 6Travel medical insurance for the whole trip (Schengen requires €30,000 minimum cover)
  • 7Employment or enrolment letter with approved leave (stamped)
  • 8Company registration or school certificate
  • 9Household register / ID copies and property documents as supporting evidence

Application process

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Identify the consulate with jurisdiction and book an appointment.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Prepare documents to the checklist, translating and legalising where needed.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Attend to lodge documents and biometrics, and interview if required.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Pay the fee, track progress and check the visa details when you collect your passport.

Advertisement

FAQ

Do United States passport holders need a visa for China?+

According to our policy database, United States passport holders enter China under “Visa required”, normally for at the discretion of the border officer. Rules change — always confirm with official sources before you fly.

Are visa validity and permitted stay the same thing for China?+

No. Validity is the window in which you may use the visa; permitted stay is how long you may remain per entry. Multi-entry visas may also cap total days (for example 90 days in any 180).

Can I extend my stay or change my status in China?+

Some places allow in-country extensions or a change of status, usually with a valid reason, proof of funds and an application before your current stay expires. Check with the local immigration authority before travelling.

Do I need a transit visa to connect through China?+

If you stay airside and do not change terminals, most countries do not require one. If you need to enter the country, collect baggage or change airports, a transit visa or transit exemption may apply.

Can I work or study long term in China on this basis?+

Visa-free, VOA and tourist entries normally exclude paid work and long-term study — you need a dedicated work, study or residence permit.

Entry rules by passport

China · 233

(233)

Visa category guide

  • Visa-free entry

    Visa free · Suited to short tourism, family visits, transit and informal business meetings — paid work is not allowed.

  • Electronic travel authorisation (eTA / ESTA)

    eTA · Mandatory for visa-exempt travellers heading to countries that pre-screen arrivals electronically — without it you will be denied boarding.

  • Visa on arrival

    Visa on arrival · A fallback for late bookings — expect queues at peak times.