Who needs a visa to visit China?
China now offers visa-free entry to passport holders of many countries for stays of 15-30 days, and a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy for travelers passing through major ports of entry. Rules change often and depend on your nationality, so always confirm with the Chinese embassy or an official source before booking.
Three common ways to enter China
- Visa-free entry — check if your country is on the current visa-free list and what the length of stay is.
- 240-hour transit — if you are transiting to a third country, you may qualify for up to 10 days in designated areas.
- Tourist (L) visa — apply at your local Chinese embassy/consulate or through a visa service; typical processing is 4-7 working days.
We update this guide as policies change. For travelers joining our tours, we also help review your documents before you apply.