Visa Policy of China
Update 1: From November 30, 2024, a 30-day visa-free policy has been implemented for most European countries and Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, Singapore, UAE ... At present, citizens from 65 countries can enter China visa-free. Update 2: China has upgraded the original 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit to 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit for 54 countries including the UK, the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil … Also, the travel scope has been widen to 24 provinces of China and crossing provincial boundaries is allowed. Update 3: China and the Independent State of Samoa have signed the agreement on mutual visa exemption, which enables citizens of the Independent State of Samoa to stay in China for 30 days visa-free from April 2, 2025 on.The visa policy of China is becoming more and more open with visa free policy taking effect in more countries, visa-free transit policies being adopted in more and more Chinese provinces and the introduction of a 10-year China visa to US, UK, Canadian, Argentina, Brazil and Israeli citizens.
Do I Need a Visa for China?
Over 65 countries are granted 30-90 days' visa free policy in China and nationals of many other countries, benefiting from the 240h Visa-free Transit, are able to enter China and explore 24 provinces, autonomous, regions and municipalities for 10 days visa-free. Group visas are also a choice. Holders of a valid Chinese Temporary Residence Permit or Permanent Residence Permit can also enter China without a visa.
For citizens from certain countries enjoying visa-free travel to China:
See the full list on China Visa Free Policy
For individual passengers making an international transfer in China:
2. 240-hour visa-free transit
For tour groups:
2. 6-day visa exemption for tourist Groups in HK & Macau to Pearl River Delta or Hainan
3. 6-day visa exemption for ASEAN tour groups visiting Guilin, Guangxi and Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
See also: How to Travel to China without a Visa
Can I get a China visa upon landing?
Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen issue visa on arrival for all countries and Hainan issues Hainan 30-day visa-free access for 59 countries. In addition to the cities mentioned above, other port cities also issue VOA but only in urgent situations.
1. Prepare your documents: passport, visa application form, travel itinerary, invitation letter, etc.
2. Submit your application to the Chinese embassy / consulate / CVASC.
3. Collect your passport and visa on the date indicated on the pick-up receipt and pay the fee. One may need to pay the fee when submitting the application in some countries.
See more details:
Visa Application Requirements
China Visa Mail Service
China Visa Fees
Possible Factors for China Visa Approval and Refusal
It is common sense that consular officers won't tell you the reasons for approving or rejecting a visa application. However, certain factors may cause your application to be rejected, such as your nationality, previous overstay records, and your country's relation with China.
The rules are not normally applied to their fullest extent but at any time the government may apply the regulations more strictly against an individual, to applicants from certain nations, or when special events are taking place such as the Olympic Games.
Hong Kong & Macau Adopt Different Visa Policies from Mainland China
Hong Kong and Macau have different immigration systems from mainland China. In comparison, their visa policies are much looser than that of mainland China. Many countries enjoy visa-free entry to Hong Kong and Macau, with a granted stay duration raging from 7 days to 180 days, depending on the visitor's nationality. Because of the differences in border control policies, a Chinese visa cannot be used to enter Hong Kong or Macau. A separate visa should be obtained if your country is not on the visa-free list.
Further Reading:
Do I Need A Visa for Guangzhou If Traveling from Hong Kong?
How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong