Do I need a visa for China?

Four ways in

• 30-day visa-free list (50 countries). China's own, one-sided policy. Tourism, business, family, exchange visits and transit, 30 days per entry. Runs until 31 December 2026 (Russia until 31 December 2027).
• Mutual visa exemption (27 countries). Agreements between governments, with no end date. Usually 30 days per stay.
• 240-hour visa-free transit (57 countries). Up to 10 days if you fly on to a third country or region, in 24 provinces.
• Everyone else needs a visa, apart from 24-hour airside transit and some group-tour schemes.

240-hour transit, explained →

30 days visa-free: 50 countries

Mutual visa exemption: 27 countries

Ecuador and Tonga also have mutual agreements, but we could not confirm their current terms for ordinary passports. Ask the Chinese embassy.

Visa needed, but 240-hour transit works: 8 countries

Visa required

Not listed above? You need a visa. Common passports:

Other visa-free schemes

• Hainan: 61 nationalities can visit Hainan island only, visa-free for 30 days.
• Cruise groups: foreign tour groups arriving by cruise ship at 13 port cities can stay up to 15 days, as long as they leave on the same ship.
• ASEAN tour groups: up to 6 days in Guilin or Xishuangbanna.
• Tour groups from Hong Kong or Macau: any nationality, up to 144 hours in the Pearl River Delta cities and Shantou.
• 24-hour transit: any nationality, staying in the airport or port area.

Cards for the border