Entry Requirements
China Visa-Free Entry — 2026 Guide
China is opening up fast. 38+ countries now get visa-free entry. Here's exactly what you need to know before you book.
Visa-Free Countries (15 Days)
Citizens of these countries can enter China without a visa for up to 15 days for tourism, business, or transit. This policy has been extended through December 2026.
Important: Policy Extended to 2026
The visa-free policy was extended in late 2025. Always verify with your local Chinese embassy before travel, as country lists can change.
144-Hour (6-Day) Transit Visa-Free
If your country isn't on the visa-free list, you may still qualify for the 144-hour transit policy. This lets you stay in specific regions for up to 6 days without a visa.
How It Works
- 1.You must be transiting through China to a third country (A → China → B, not A → China → A).
- 2.You enter through an eligible port: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and 20+ other cities.
- 3.You stay within the approved region for that port. For example, entering through Beijing lets you visit Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province.
- 4.You must exit to a third country within 144 hours. Have your onward ticket ready at immigration.
Standard Tourist Visa (L Visa)
If you don't qualify for visa-free entry, you need a tourist L visa. The most common is a 30-day single-entry visa.
Required Documents
- • Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- • Completed visa application form
- • Passport photo (33×48mm)
- • Flight itinerary (round trip)
- • Hotel bookings for entire stay
- • Bank statements (last 3 months)
Costs & Processing
- • US citizens: $185 (10-year multiple entry)
- • UK citizens: £151 (2-year multiple entry)
- • EU citizens: ~€126 (varies by country)
- • Processing: 4–10 business days
- • Express service: 2–3 days (extra fee)
- • Apply at your local Chinese Visa Application Service Center
Pro Tips
Apply early
Visa applications spike 2-3 months before peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week). Apply at least 6 weeks ahead.
Use an agency for complex cases
If you're a freelancer, between jobs, or have a non-standard itinerary, a visa agency can smooth things out for ~$50–100 extra.
Keep a copy of your visa
Take a photo of your visa and passport ID page. Hotels and train stations will ask for your passport — having a backup helps.
Register with police within 24 hours
Hotels automatically register you. If staying at an Airbnb or private residence, you must register at the local police station.