We’ve planned China trips for international travelers since 2006, and visas are the first thing almost every client asks about. This page is our hub for all of it: who can visit without a visa, which visa you need if you can’t, how to apply, and what to sort out before you fly.

Latest update (October 2026): Ordinary passport holders from 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most of Europe, can now visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. For most of them this policy runs until December 31, 2026. US citizens still need a visa for a full trip, but can use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit, which covers 57 countries since August 20, 2026. Check your passport in our visa checker →

We check this guide against China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Immigration Administration and official embassy websites, but rules can change at short notice. Everything here applies to ordinary passports; diplomatic and service passport holders should check with their employer. If you’re unsure about your situation, contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you book.

Do You Need a Visa for China?

It depends on your passport and your route. Most travelers fall into one of three groups:

UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most of Europe: 30 days visa-free.
US, Mexico and other transit-eligible countries: visa needed, or up to 10 days visa-free if you fly on to a third country.
Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, UAE and other mutual-exemption countries: visa-free under bilateral agreements, usually 30 days.

Our visa checker gives you the answer for your passport in seconds.

Visa-Free Ways to Enter China

30-day visa-free entry: 50 countries, anywhere in mainland China, for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit. No onward ticket to a third country needed. Expires December 31, 2026 for most countries.
240-hour visa-free transit: 57 countries, up to 10 days across 24 provinces via 65 ports. You must fly on to a third country or region.
Hainan 30-day visa-free entry: 61 countries, Hainan Province only.
Shanghai 15-day cruise visa-free: for foreign tour groups arriving by cruise ship.
Mutual visa exemption: bilateral agreements with countries such as Singapore, Thailand and the UAE.
Port visas: issued only in limited cases. There is no standard visa on arrival for independent travelers, so don’t plan a trip around getting one.

None of these cover work, study or journalism. Those always need a visa issued before you travel.

China Visa Types

Tourist (L): for tourism. Not needed if your passport qualifies for visa-free entry.
Business (M) / Exchange (F): M is for commercial and trade activities; F is for non-commercial exchanges, visits and study tours.
Student (X): X1 for study longer than 180 days, X2 for shorter courses.
Work (Z): for employment in China.
Talent (R): for high-level professionals and talent China urgently needs.
Family Reunion (Q): for relatives of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with permanent residence in China.
Private Visit (S): for family members of foreigners working or studying in China.
Transit (G): for transiting through China to a third country.
Crew (C): for crew members on international trains, flights and ships.
Permanent Residence (D): for those approved to live in China permanently.
Journalist (J1, J2): J1 for resident correspondents, J2 for short reporting trips.

How to Apply for a China Visa

Since September 30, 2025, every China visa application starts online through the COVA system. Fill in the form online, wait for preliminary review, then submit your passport in person once your status shows “Passport to be submitted.” Standard processing takes about 4 business days. Only use forms from COVA or your local embassy’s website; older downloadable PDF forms are no longer accepted.

Before You Travel

China Arrival Card: required for all foreign arrivals since November 20, 2025, including visa-free travelers. Fill it in online before you fly.
Tibet Travel Permit: needed on top of a visa or visa-free entry, and arranged only through licensed agencies like us.
Airline rules: airlines check your visa or visa-free eligibility before boarding.

Hong Kong and Macau

Hong Kong and Macau run their own immigration systems, separate from mainland China. Entering the mainland from either one counts as a new entry under mainland rules, so sort out your mainland visa or visa-free eligibility before you arrive.

Residence Permits

Work, student and resident journalist visas only get you into the country. Within 30 days of arrival you’ll need to apply for a residence permit to stay.

Does a Visa Guarantee Entry?

No. A visa (or visa-free eligibility) only tells border officers that you’ve met the basic conditions. The officer at the port still decides whether to let you in, and can refuse entry over passport or visa problems, insufficient funds, an intention to work without the right visa, or other concerns. If that happens, there’s usually no appeal on the spot. Airlines check eligibility before boarding for the same reason. See our guide to visa cancellation and airline rules.

China Visa Guide 2026

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