Policy as of March 2026. Always verify with your local Chinese Embassy for the latest updates.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Enter China freely for tourism, business, or family visits. No application needed — just show your passport at immigration.
📋 Requirements
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- ✓Return or onward flight ticket
- ✓Hotel booking confirmation
⚠️ Restrictions
- !Cannot exceed 30 days
- !Valid through December 31, 2026
🌍 Eligible Countries (46)
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Transit through China for up to 10 days without a visa. You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a THIRD country (not your origin country).
📋 Requirements
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- ✓Confirmed ticket to a third country (NOT your home country)
- ✓Hotel booking in China
- ✓Enter/exit at designated ports
⚠️ Restrictions
- !Must have onward ticket to a THIRD country
- !Stay within the designated transit area (usually one city/province)
- !Cannot travel freely across all of China
🌍 Eligible Countries (64)
Tourist Visa (L Visa)
If your country is not listed above, or you need to stay longer than 30 days, apply for an L Visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
📋 Requirements
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months remaining, 2+ blank pages)
- ✓Completed COVA online application form
- ✓Passport photo (48mm × 33mm, white background)
- ✓Round-trip flight booking
- ✓Hotel reservations or invitation letter
- ✓Proof of financial means
⚠️ Restrictions
- !Must apply in advance at Embassy/Consulate
- !Processing takes ~4 business days
- !Fee varies by nationality
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm American — do I need a visa?
US citizens are NOT on the 30-day visa-free list, but you qualify for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit if you have an onward ticket to a third country. For longer stays, you'll need an L Visa. Apply through the COVA system.
Q: What's the difference between 30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit?
30-day visa-free: enter anywhere, travel freely across all of China, stay up to 30 days. 240-hour transit: must have onward ticket to a third country, stay within the designated area (usually one city/province), max 10 days. The 30-day policy is much more flexible.
Q: Can I extend my visa-free stay?
It's difficult to extend visa-free stays. If you think you might need more than 30 days, apply for an L Visa instead. For 240-hour transit, extension is not possible — you must leave within 240 hours.
Q: What if I'm denied entry?
Very rare for tourists with proper documents. Common reasons for denial: passport validity less than 6 months, no return/onward ticket, no hotel booking, previous overstay in China. Always have your documents organized and accessible.
Q: Do I need to register with police?
Yes. All foreigners must register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically at check-in. If staying at a friend's home or Airbnb, you must visit the nearest police station to register — bring your passport and the host's ID.
Q: What should I prepare before my trip?
Use our Travel Checklist to make sure you have everything ready. Key items: passport, visa/visa-free eligibility confirmed, eSIM for internet, Alipay for payment, and hotel bookings.
💡 Pro Tips
- 💡
Always check the latest policy before booking — visa rules change frequently
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For 240-hour transit: your onward ticket MUST be to a third country, not back to your origin country
- 💡
Passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
- 💡
Keep a printed copy of your hotel booking — immigration may ask for it
- 💡
If visa-free, you can still be questioned at immigration — have your itinerary ready
- 💡
Register at your hotel within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this automatically)
- 💡
If staying at a friend's place, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours
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Download your visa prep documents before arriving — don't rely on airport WiFi