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Before planning your trip to China, make sure to check your passport. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Passport Types and Visa Policies
Different types of passports come with varying visa policies:
- Diplomatic Passport
- Official Passport
- Regular Passport
Ensure your passport has a validity of more than six months.
2. Do You Need a Visa?
Whether you need a visa depends on the type of passport you hold and China’s visa policies:
Figure out appropriate visa category for your trip
What is the main purpose of your visit to China and which is the most appropriate visa category for your application?
Countries with Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements with China (Note: Not all passport types are exempt)
Below are the lists of countries with mutual visa exemption agreements, available in both Chinese and English PDF files. This information is sourced from the "List of Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements between China and Foreign Countries." To ensure the accuracy and reliability of this information, please consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your passport-issuing country for confirmation.)
List of Countries Offering Visa-Free Entry to China (Total 15 Countries)(Updated as of June 25, 2024)
China allows ordinary passport holders from the following countries to enter visa-free for tourism, business, and other activities for a specified period without needing to apply for a visa in advance:
| Country | Start Date | End Date | Visa-Free Stay Duration |
| Brunei | 2023.7.26 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| France | 2023.12.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Italy | 2023.12.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Germany | 2023.12.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Netherlands | 2023.12.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Spain | 2023.12.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Switzerland | 2024.3.14 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Ireland | 2024.3.14 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Greece | 2024.3.14 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Austria | 2024.3.14 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Belgium | 2024.3.14 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Luxembourg | 2024.3.14 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| New Zealand | 2024.7.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Australia | 2024.7.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
| Poland | 2024.7.1 | 2025.12.31 | 15 days |
Countries Eligible for Transit Visa Exemptions (54 countries as of July 2024)
杨鹤
This article is bilingual in Chinese and English. Please be patient and turn to page 7 to read the English version.
If You Need a Visa
Select your country and city to apply for the appropriate visa.
3. Understanding the Visa-Free Transit Policy
What is Visa-Free Transit Policy?
When entering China, you must present a ticket for onward travel within the visa-free period (plane, ship, or train). The destination cannot be the same as your point of origin. In addition, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are considered valid onward destinations.
Examples
- for UK Citizens:
If you are a UK citizen wanting to use the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy to visit Shanghai, you must show a ticket to a third country within 144 hours upon entry, such as a flight to Tokyo, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. Showing a return ticket to the UK is invalid for this policy.
- for US Citizens:
If you are an American citizen using the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy to visit Shenzhen, you can show a train or ship ticket to Hong Kong within 144 hours upon entry. Showing a return ticket to the US is invalid for this policy.
Duration
The visa-free period starts at 00:00 on the day following your entry date.
Visa-Free Cities and Corresponding Ports and Activity Limits (as of July 2024)
Here is a detailed list of cities, their corresponding ports of entry, and the specific areas where activities are permitted under the Visa-Free Transit Policy.
4.Entry Requirements
Arrival Procedures
Follow the signage at the port of entry. Most airports offer free WiFi. It is highly recommended to download WeChat or Alipay in advance to save time and hassle. Refer to our guides on [App Usage] and [Payment Methods].
Pre-Flight Check
Airports and airlines will verify your passport and visa before boarding. Given the recent implementation and complexity of the 144/72-hour visa-free transit policy, airline staff might not be entirely familiar with it. Be ready to explain and discuss the policy if needed.
Visa-Free Transit Duration
The 144-hour period starts at midnight the day after your entry. For example, if you enter on the 10th at 18:00, the 144-hour period starts at 00:00 on the 11th, allowing you to stay within the permitted area for 144 hours.
Documentation
You will need to fill out some forms, and the staff here would provide English services. If you are using the visa-free transit , you need to fill out a temporary entry card and present your booked onward ticket (plane, ship, or train). Customs will then place a temporary entry permit in your passport.
5.Post-Customs:
Once through customs, your exploration of China begins. It's advisable to get a Chinese SIM card at the airport and prepare a VPN in advance. For more information, refer to our [Internet Guide].
