Getting into China has become significantly easier for many nationalities in 2024–2025, thanks to expanded visa-free agreements and a well-established transit exemption scheme. This guide breaks down every option so you can choose the right entry route for your trip.
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The Tourist Visa (L Visa)
For most travellers, the standard L visa (tourist visa) remains the most reliable way to visit China.
How to apply
- Submit your application at a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an authorised visa agency.
- Required documents typically include:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months of remaining validity, two blank pages)
- Completed visa application form (downloadable from the embassy website)
- One recent passport-size photo
- Round-trip flight itinerary
- Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in China
- Bank statement showing sufficient funds
- Processing time: standard 4–7 business days; express services available at many consulates.
- Validity & duration: a single-entry L visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 or 60 days; double- and multiple-entry options exist.
Tip: Check the specific requirements of your nearest Chinese consulate — they can vary by country.
The 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy
If you are transiting through certain Chinese cities on your way to a third country, you may be able to enter visa-free for up to 144 hours (6 days) without any visa.
Eligible ports of entry (as of 2025)
The 144-hour policy is available at a growing list of cities, including:
- Beijing (Capital International Airport & Daxing Airport)
- Shanghai (Pudong & Hongqiao Airports)
- Guangzhou (Baiyun Airport)
- Chengdu (Tianfu Airport)
- Xi’an (Xianyang Airport)
- Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Kunming, Harbin, Qingdao, Dalian, Shenyang and more
Always verify the current list on the official National Immigration Administration website before travelling.
Key conditions
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Most countries with diplomatic relations with China are eligible |
| Third-country requirement | You must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not the country you just flew from) |
| Movement | You must stay within the designated visa-free zone of the city (usually the entire municipality) |
| Re-entry | You cannot re-enter on the same exemption immediately after exiting |
How to use it
- Arrive in China on an international flight.
- At immigration, go to the transit lane and present your onward ticket and passport.
- Receive a stamp valid for up to 144 hours from midnight of the day of entry.
- Depart to your third destination before the stamp expires.
The 15-Day Visa-Free Bilateral Agreements
Since late 2023, China has signed 15-day (or longer) mutual visa-free agreements with a rapidly growing list of countries. As of mid-2025, nationals of the following countries can enter China visa-free for leisure or business stays of up to 15 days:
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg (EU)
- Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei (South-East Asia)
- Australia (pilot programme)
- …and more being added regularly
Check the latest list: The National Immigration Administration of China publishes updated information at www.nia.gov.cn (Chinese; use a translation app).
Conditions
- Passport must be valid for the duration of stay.
- Entry is for tourism, family visits, or short-term business — not for paid work or study.
- The 15-day clock starts from the date of entry, not the date of first landing.
Port of Entry: What to Expect
Arrival card
As of 2024, paper arrival cards have been phased out at most major airports. Immigration is handled electronically — you will be photographed and fingerprinted at the border.
E-Gates
Many international airports now have e-gates for faster processing, though foreign passport holders are not always eligible. Follow signs to the correct queue.
Customs
China’s customs rules are similar to other countries:
- Up to USD 5,000 in cash (or equivalent) can be brought in without declaration.
- Declare items that exceed personal use quantities (electronics, expensive jewellery, medications).
Practical Tips
- Book your outbound ticket before you arrive if using the transit exemption — immigration officers may ask to see it.
- Register your accommodation within 24 hours of arrival if staying outside a hotel (hotels do this automatically; Airbnb/private hosts may require you to register at a local police station).
- Keep a photocopy of your passport — or a photo on your phone — in case it is temporarily held by hotel staff.
- Apply early. Embassy appointment slots fill up months in advance in some countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on a tourist or transit visa? No. Working on an L visa or under the transit exemption is illegal and can result in deportation and a future entry ban.
My country is not on the 15-day visa-free list yet. When will it be added? The Chinese government has stated an intention to expand the programme. Check the NIA website or your country’s embassy for the latest.
Can I extend my stay once I am in China? Tourist visas can sometimes be extended at a local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration. Transit exemptions cannot be extended.
Last updated: May 2026 · Always verify current requirements with official sources before travel.