Start with your passport, not a headline
China has several entry routes, including ordinary visas, visa exemptions for certain passport holders and visa-free transit. Eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, purpose, dates and itinerary. A friend’s experience may not apply to you.
Check the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence before booking non-refundable travel. Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry rules.
Three routes to look into
Visa exemption
Check whether your passport qualifies, the permitted purpose and length of stay, and whether the policy is valid on your arrival date.
Visa-free transit
The 240-hour scheme is conditional: eligible travellers transit to a third country or region through approved ports and remain within permitted areas. A simple return trip is not the same as transit. Check your exact route against the National Immigration Administration’s current guidance.
A visa in advance
If an exemption does not cover your trip, follow your consulate’s application instructions. Prepare the required documents and allow time for processing.
Nationality and passport type
Tourism, length of stay, policy dates
Arrival, departure and any transit
Consulate + immigration guidance
Follow the rules for your own trip. This is not an eligibility decision.
Keep these within reach
- Your original passport and any visa or entry documents.
- Onward travel details and accommodation confirmations.
- Your first hotel’s name, address and phone number in Chinese.
- Offline copies of important reservations.
Use the official links below to confirm your own eligibility. This guide is a starting point, not an entry approval.
A few common questions
Can this website tell me for certain that I can enter?
No. Check the rules for your passport and itinerary with the relevant Chinese embassy or consulate, and confirm boarding requirements with your airline.
Sources & editorial notes
Use the official sources below for current requirements. Travel plans and individual circumstances vary.