Image from Lijiang Border Inspection
Want to know how foreign tourists enter China? Here's a comprehensive overview of the entry requirements and procedures to help you plan your visit smoothly. Now follow my steps and get started!
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China Visa-Free Countries 2025
1. Mutual Visa Exemption (25 countries)
Stay Duration: 15–90 days (varies by country)
Countries: Albania, UAE, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Maldives, Mauritius, Serbia, Seychelles, San Marino, Suriname, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Singapore, Armenia.
2. 15/30-Day Visa-Free (38 countries)
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Countries: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Brunei, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan.
3. 24/240 Hours Visa-Free Transit (54 countries)
Stay Duration: Up to 10 days (240 hours)
Countries:
Europe (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
Americas (6): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand.
Asia (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar.
4. Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free (59 countries)
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Countries:
Europe (33): Russia, UK, France, Germany, Norway, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia.
Americas (6): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand.
Asia (16): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania.
Documents Required for Entry into China
Required Documents
- Passport (valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages)
- Valid Chinese visa (unless visa-exempt)
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking/invitation letter)
- Health Declaration QR code (Search "Customs Pocket Declaration" Mini Programs on WeChat "海关旅客指尖服务" 小程序) and save the screenshot
- Round-trip flight itinerary
By Travel Purpose
- Tourism: Detailed travel itinerary
- Business: Invitation letter from Chinese company (with official seal)
- Work: Work permit + employment contract
- Family visit: Invitation letter + proof of relationship
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China Entry Options for Foreigners (2025)
Entry Method | Duration | Key Requirements | Eligibility | Notes |
24/240 Hours Visa-Free Transit | 1-10 days | - Onward ticket - Eligible port entry | 54 countries | Tourism/business in permitted zones |
Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free | 30 days | - Direct flight to Hainan - No visa required | 59 countries | Hainan province only |
Unilateral Visa Waiver | 15/30 days | - Passport from eligible countries | 38 countries | Short stays only |
Port Visa (VOA) | 30 days | - Invitation letter - Port application | Case-by-case | Single-entry only |
Standard Visas | Varies | All nationalities | Includes: | |
- Tourist (L) | 30-90 days | Hotel bookings, itinerary | Single/Multiple entry | |
- Business (M) | 30-180 days | Chinese company invitation | Multiple entry available | |
- Work (Z) | 90d-5 years | Work permit, employment contract | Converts to residence permit | |
- Family Visit (Q/S) | 30-180 days | Invitation from Chinese relative | Q1/Q2/S1/S2 categories | |
Permanent Residence | Long-term | PR ID card | Approved PR holders | E-channel access |
*This information is updated based on 2025. Please check the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center for the latest news before travelling.
Step-by-Step Guide for Entering China
Step 1: Complete Health Declaration
• Download WeChat and search for "海关旅客指尖服务" (Customs Pocket Declaration)
• Fill out the health form and save the QR code screenshot
• Valid for 24 hours (complete before or during flight)
Step 2: Fill Out Arrival Card
Option A: Paper form (available on plane/at immigration)
Option B: Digital form (at select airports):
- Fill out the Arrival Card online (2025): https://www.singlewindow.sh.cn/hj/👉Only available in Shanghai
- The 24/240-hour visa-free transit application is currently only available at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport!
- Complete online arrival card
- Save QR code
- Scan at self-service kiosk to print
Airports that can currently use online card filling:
- 📍 Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- 📍 Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- 📍 Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
- 📍 Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) (the reporting address is the same as Shanghai)
- 📍 Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Newly added:
- 📍 Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB)
- 📍 Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)
- 📍 Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (TNA)
- 📍 Wuxi Shuofang Airport (WUX)
- 📍 Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport (DLC)
Step 3: Fingerprint Registration (if required)
Who needs it:
- First-time visitors to China
Who's exempt:
- Children under 14/seniors over 70
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Those physically unable to provide fingerprints
Step 4: Passport Control
- Join "Foreigner" queue
- Present: Passport, Visa (if required), Arrival card, Health QR code
- Answer brief questions about visit purpose
Step 5: Baggage Claim & Customs
- Check screens for your flight's baggage carousel
- Green Channel: Nothing to declare
- Red Channel: Items to declare (cash >¥20,000, etc.)
In China, you can buy SIM cards/eSIM cards at the airport and will also provide guidance on mobile payment (some airports). Check out the China SIM card/eSIM deals and payment app usage guide below.
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China Entry Requirements FAQs
Which countries can visit China without visa?
54 countries qualify for 24-240hr transit visa-free; 59 countries can visit Hainan visa-free; 38 countries get 15-30 day visa waivers (e.g. France, Germany, Italy).
Do UK citizens need a visa for China?
Yes, except for 240-hour transit via major cities or 30-day Hainan visits.
How long for a China visa from UK?
Normal processing takes 4 days. Fast service takes 2-3 days.
Can I get a China visa on arrival?
Yes, but only at select ports with pre-approval. Most travellers must apply beforehand.
Is China safe for travel now?
Yes, China is safe for travel. Please check the travel guide before you go.