Visa

China Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about China visa types, application process, exemptions, and the 30-day visa-free policy for eligible countries.

8 min read

Visa-Free Entry Policy

China has expanded its visa-free transit policy significantly. Citizens of 54 countries can enjoy 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit in major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi'an. Additionally, China now offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of several countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and others. This policy makes spontaneous trips to China easier than ever.

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

The L Visa is the most common visa for tourists. It allows single, double, or multiple entries with stays of 30-60 days per entry. Requirements include a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent photo, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and sometimes an invitation letter. Processing time is typically 4 working days.

Application Process

Submit your application to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or use the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Many countries now support online application submission. You'll need to provide biometric fingerprints at the application center. The standard processing time is 4 working days, with express service (2-3 days) available for an additional fee.

Required Documents

1. Passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. 2. Completed visa application form with recent color photo. 3. Round-trip flight tickets. 4. Hotel reservation or invitation letter. 5. Bank statement showing sufficient funds (typically $100/day). 6. Travel insurance (recommended). 7. Previous China visa copies if applicable.

Visa Fees by Country

Visa fees vary by nationality and number of entries. For US citizens: $140 for all entry types. For UK citizens: £151 for all types. For EU citizens: €60-90 depending on entry type. For Australian citizens: AUD 109. Fees are subject to change, so verify with your local embassy.

240-Hour Transit Visa-Free

China offers 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit for citizens of 53 countries at designated ports. You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not the country you arrived from). This is perfect for travelers wanting to explore multiple Chinese cities on a layover. Eligible ports include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and more.

China 30-Day Visa-Free Countries (2026)

Citizens of 50 countries holding an ordinary passport can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchange visits, or transit, and stay up to 30 days. The validity of stay is counted from 00:00 the day after entry.

China 30-Day Visa-Free Countries (2026) — 50 countries
Region	Countries	Visa-free countries
Europe	35	France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom
Oceania	2	Australia, New Zealand
Asia	7	Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
Americas	6	Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada

Currently valid until 31 December 2026 for 48 of the 50 countries. Russia is valid until 31 December 2027. Brunei has no expiry date. Visa-free entry applies at all land, sea and air ports open to foreigners.

China 240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa-Free Countries (2026)

Citizens of 57 countries holding an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region may enter China visa-free through any of 65 open ports across 24 provinces, and stay in the permitted area for up to 240 hours (10 days).

China 240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa-Free Countries (2026) — 57 countries
Region	Countries	Visa-free countries
Europe	40	Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway
Americas	6	United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile
Oceania	2	Australia, New Zealand
Asia	9	South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan

Permitted activities: tourism, business, visiting family, exchange visits. Work, study and news reporting still require a visa. All 24-hour transit visa-free entries are also available at every open port for all nationalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries have 30-day visa-free entry to China in 2026?

Citizens of 50 countries holding an ordinary passport can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits or transit. The list covers 35 European countries, 2 in Oceania, 7 in Asia and 6 in the Americas. The policy runs until 31 December 2026 for 48 of the 50 countries, until 31 December 2027 for Russia, and has no expiry date for Brunei.

What is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy in China?

Citizens of 57 countries with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country may enter China visa-free at any of 65 open ports across 24 provinces and stay up to 240 hours (10 days) for tourism, business or family visits. Work, study and news reporting still require a visa.

Can I extend my visa while in China?

Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration at least 7 days before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted at their discretion.

Do I need a visa for Hong Kong, China or Macao, China?

Hong Kong, China and Macao, China are Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China. They operate their own immigration regimes, so a mainland China visa does not cover them and vice versa. Many nationalities may visit Hong Kong, China visa-free for 7–180 days and Macao, China visa-free for 30–90 days. Check the Immigration Department of Hong Kong, China for your specific country.

Can I work on a tourist visa?

No, working on a tourist (L) visa is illegal. You need a work (Z) visa with a proper work permit. Violations can result in deportation and bans from re-entering China.