China's entry rules changed a lot recently — many travelers no longer need a visa at all. Check which case applies to you.
Case 1: Visa-free entry (30 days)
Citizens of 40+ countries — including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most of Southeast Asia — can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or visiting family. You just need a valid passport and an onward ticket. This policy currently runs through the end of 2026 and may be extended.
Case 2: 240-hour visa-free transit
If your country is not on the visa-free list (e.g. the US, UK, Canada), you can still visit without a visa for up to 10 days (240 hours) when transiting to a third country or region. Key rules:
- You must fly A → China → B, where A and B are different countries/regions (Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as B)
- Entry is through 60 designated ports including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an
- You can travel within 24 provinces — far more flexible than the old 144-hour scheme
Case 3: Tourist visa (L visa)
Everyone else applies at a Chinese embassy or visa center (CVASC). Typical requirements:
- Passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
- Completed online application form (COVA) plus appointment
- Round-trip flights and hotel bookings, or an invitation letter
- Fee roughly $30–$185 depending on nationality (US citizens pay the most)
Pro tip: Processing takes about 4 working days; express takes 2–3. Apply 3–4 weeks before departure — not months early, since single-entry visas are only valid for 3 months from issue.
On arrival
Fill in the arrival card (paper on the plane, or online in advance through the NIA app/website), have your fingerprints taken, and answer basic questions about where you're staying. Keep your hotel's Chinese address handy.