China eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Introduction

China is the world's most populous country and a global superpower with a civilization spanning thousands of years. Major attractions include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, karst mountains of Guilin and the ultra-modern skylines of Shanghai and Shenzhen. Main international airports include Beijing Capital (PEK), Beijing Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN) and Chengdu (CTU).

China has significantly expanded its visa-free access since late 2023: citizens of many European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and others can visit without a visa for 15 days (sometimes 30 days on mutual agreements). China also launched a simple online eVisa system for most other nationalities. The entry card system has been digitised.

Tourist Visa (L) & Visa-Free Entry

Check whether your nationality is covered by China's expanding visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements (updated frequently since 2023). If visa-free for 15 days: carry a valid passport (6 months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. For stays longer than 15 days or for nationalities not on the exempt list, apply for a Tourist Visa (L) at the Chinese embassy or consulate, or submit an eVisa application online.

China's eVisa is accepted at designated ports of entry and does not require a sticker in your passport. The eVisa is free and typically processed in 4 business days. Apply at evisa.mfa.gov.cn.

Business Visa (M)

The Business Visa (M) is for commercial and trade activities. Required: an invitation letter from a Chinese company (on company letterhead with business seal), your company's registration documents, and proof of business relationship. For extended business activities or employment, a work visa (Z visa) and Work Permit are required, processed through the employer.

Work & Long-Stay

• Z Visa (Work Visa) — for foreigners employed in China. Your Chinese employer obtains a Work Permit for Foreign Nationals approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MHRSS) before you can apply for the Z Visa at the Chinese consulate.
• Talent Visa (R Visa) — for high-level foreign talents urgently needed in China; streamlined processing.
• Work/Residence Permit — issued after arrival in China; replaces the previous Foreigner Employment Certificate.

Student Visa (X1/X2)

International students need an X Visa: X1 for studies of 180+ days; X2 for shorter study programs. Required: JW201/JW202 admission notice from a Chinese institution (issued by the Ministry of Education), a health certificate (completed at a designated facility), proof of financial means, and accommodation. After arrival, register with the local police within 24 hours and apply for a Residence Permit for Studies (X1 only).

Transit Without Visa (TWOV)

China offers 144-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) at major airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and others) for citizens of 53 countries transiting to a third country. Apply at the port of entry with a connecting flight ticket. The 72-hour TWOV also exists at fewer designated cities.

Required Documents (Tourist Visa)

• Completed visa application form (online or paper)
• Valid passport (6+ months validity, 1+ blank page)
• One recent passport photo (48×33 mm, white background)
• Return or onward flight tickets
• Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds
• Visa fee payment

Visa Fees (approximate)

Fees vary significantly by nationality due to reciprocity. Check with the Chinese consulate in your country.

How to Apply

1. Check if you qualify for visa-free entry at mfa.gov.cn
2. For eVisa: apply at evisa.mfa.gov.cn
3. For consular visa: submit application form, photo, passport and documents to the Chinese embassy or China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
4. Pay fee and await processing (4 working days standard)
5. Collect passport with visa sticker

Official Links

• China eVisa Official Application Portal
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

Visa-Free Policy (2025)

China has expanded visa-free access to include many European nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and more), Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and others for 15–30 days. Policies are updated frequently — always verify before travel at mfa.gov.cn.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.