1
Check If You Can Enter VISA-Free
2
Choose The Right Visa
3
Check Validity&Entries
4
Prepare For Arrival
VISA FREE ENTRY TO CHINA
Many travelers can now visit China without applying for a visa in advance.The right policy depends on nationality, passport type, route,destination and travel purpose.
30-Day Unilateral
Visa-Free Entry
- Up to 30 days
- Tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit
- Available to ordinary passport holders from designated countries
Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements
- Depends on agreement
- Short-term visits by eligible passport holders
- Based on a bilateral agreement between China and the traveler’s country
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- Up to 10 days
- Travelers transiting China to a third country or region
- Requires an onward ticket to a third country or region within 240 hours
Hainan Visa-Free Entry
- Up to 30 days
- Short-term visits to Hainan
- Travel scope is limited to Hainan Province
What Is a Chinese Visa?
A Chinese visa is an official permit issued by the Chinese government that allows foreign nationals to enter, leave or transit through China.
Under Chinese law, the government has the authority to approve, refuse or cancel visa applications and determine the visa type, number of entries, validity period and permitted length of stay.
Where Can I Apply?
Chinese visas are generally issued by:
- Chinese embassies
- Chinese consulates
- Other overseas visa authorities authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Types of Chinese Visas
China offers four main categories of visas:
C visa
International crew members (airlines, trains, ships, road transport)
D visa
Permanent residence in China
F visa
Exchanges, visits, inspections, and non-commercial activities
G visa
Transit through China
J1 visa
Short-term journalists (stay up to 180 days)
J2 visa
Resident foreign journalists (stay over 180 days)
L visa
Tourism
M visa
Business and trade activities
Q1 visa
Long-term family reunion with Chinese citizens or foreign permanent residents (over 180 days)
Q2 visa
Short-term family visits (up to 180 days)
R visa
High-level foreign talent and urgently needed specialists
S1 visa
Long-term private visits to foreign family members living in China (over 180 days)
S2 visa
Short-term private visits (up to 180 days)
X1 visa
Long-term study (over 180 days)
X2 visa
Short-term study (up to 180 days)
Z visa
Employment in China
VISA VALIDITY, ENTRIES AND DURATION OF STAY
Hong kong and Macau operate separate immigration systems from Mainland China
Visa Validity
The visa validity period, often shown as “Enter Before,” indicates the latest date by which you may enter China.
- Unless otherwise specified, a visa becomes valid on the date of issue and expires at 24:00 Beijing Time on the expiration date.
- If your visa still has unused entries before it expires, you may enter China on or before the expiration date.
Number of Entries
The number of entries indicates how many times you may enter China during the visa validity period.
- Single entry
- Double entry
- Multiple entry
Once all entries have been used, or the visa has expired, the visa becomes invalid. Travelers must apply for a new visa before entering China again.
Duration of Stay
The duration of each stay specifies the maximum number of days you may remain in China after each entry. The permitted stay usually begins on the day after arrival.
Residence Permit Requirements
Travelers holding D, J1, Q1, S1 or X1 visas must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival at the local Exit and Entry Administration Bureau where they intend to reside.
Holders of diplomatic, courtesy or service visas must complete residence registration through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the designated local foreign affairs office.
VISA STICKER EXAMPLE(FOR REFERENCE)
① CATEGORY
Visa type code
L= tourist Visa
② ENTRIES
Number of entries.
“01”=single entry only
③ ENTER BEFORE
Entry deadline. Must enter China before this date
④ DURATION OF EACH STAY
Max stay per entry.
“030”=30days
HONG KONG AND MACAU ENTRY
Hong Kong and Macau operate separate immigration systems from Mainland China.
Hong Kong
- Citizens of many countries enjoy visa-free entry.
- Travelers who are not visa-exempt must obtain a Hong Kong visa before arrival.
Macau
- Many nationalities may enter visa-free.
- Most travelers who are not visa-exempt may apply for a visa on arrival, subject to Macau immigration regulations.
If you plan to visit Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau during the same trip, you must meet the entry requirements for each destination separately.