Visa and Entry

Citizens of 54 countries can now stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third country. Here is exactly how the 240-hour policy works, which ports qualify, and the mistakes that get travellers turned away.

Beyond the nationwide visa-free arrangements, China runs six regional visa-free entry schemes — from 30 days in Hainan for 61 countries, to cruise-ship group tours and ASEAN tour groups into Yunnan and Guangxi. Here is how each one works, who qualifies, and which ports to use.

China now offers four realistic entry routes for medical travelers — 30-day visa-free entry for 86 nationalities, the 240-hour transit exemption, S2 medical visas, and pilot-zone arrangements. Picking the right one depends on treatment length; this guide compares them.

A practical walkthrough of the L-visa process: where to apply, what the consulate wants to see, realistic timelines, and how to fill the 2026 online form without rejection.

Every document you need for the visa application, the flight check-in and the immigration desk — compiled from 1,000+ traveller arrivals we have handled at Chengdu Tianfu airport.

Tibet is the one region of China where foreign travellers can't simply book a train ticket and go. This guide explains the Tibet Travel Permit in plain terms — what it is, who qualifies, why guided travel is mandatory, and how far in advance to plan. The rules here are factual and enforced, so accuracy matters.

Good news for Southeast Asian travellers: Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand passport holders can now enter China completely visa-free for up to 30 days - and several more ASEAN passports qualify through Hainan or group-entry policies. Here is exactly what your passport gets you in 2026.