Do I need a visa for China?
Check in ten seconds. Pick your passport country, purpose and length of stay, and get a clear, up-to-date answer based on official Chinese immigration policy.
Visa questions, answered
Do I need a visa to visit China?
It depends on your passport country, how long you stay and where you enter. Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, while others can use the 240-hour visa-free transit. Use the checker above for a specific answer.
What is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
Travellers from eligible countries transiting China to a third country can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free, within the permitted areas. You need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
What is the 30-day visa-free entry policy?
China unilaterally grants 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for tourism, business, family visits and other short stays. Most of these arrangements currently run to 31 December 2026 and are subject to extension.
Can I extend my stay if I entered visa-free?
No. Visa-free and visa-free transit entry cannot be extended or converted to another visa while in China. If you plan to stay longer, apply for the right visa before you travel.
Want the full picture on Chinese visa types and requirements? Read our complete China visa guide.
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