Entering China: Entry Requirements and Visas
Information on visa-free entry, visa requirements, and transit policies for the China (mainland).
Guide Content
Entry Requirements Overview
Entry requirements for China's mainland depend on your passport and the purpose of your visit. Some travelers may enter visa-free for short stays, while others must obtain a tourist visa prior to arrival.
All travelers must meet basic entry requirements, including valid travel documents and compliance with permitted stay conditions.
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of several countries can currently enter China visa-free for short stays, including travelers from the United Kingdom, Canada, and many European countries. Visa-free entry policies are periodically expanded or adjusted, so travelers should confirm the latest eligibility before departure.
Visa-free entry is generally permitted for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchange, and transit. Travelers may stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa but must still meet standard entry requirements, including passport validity and onward or return travel documentation.
Travelers Who Require a Visa
Travelers who are not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a tourist visa prior to arrival.
Applications begin by completing the official online form: China Online Visa Application (COVA) system
After completing the form, applicants typically schedule an appointment and submit required documents through a Chinese Visa Application Service Center in their country.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy
China also offers a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible travelers transiting through designated cities. This allows stays of up to 10 days within specific regions of the country without obtaining a visa, provided that confirmed onward travel outside mainland China is arranged. Although Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are legally part of China, they exist outside the Chinese mainland, therefore travel to these destinations qualifies as onward travel for the purposes of this policy.
It is important to note, however, that the transit policy applies only within approved geographic areas. It does not permit travel to certain regions, including Xinjiang and Tibet, and not all ports of entry and exit (such as airports, seaports, or land crossings) are covered by the program. As a result, eligibility depends on the specific details of your travel itinerary.
If you are considering joining one of our tours using the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, please consult our team in advance. Eligibility must be reviewed and confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Passport Requirements
All travelers entering the Chinese mainland must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry;
- Have available blank visa pages where required; and
- Comply with the permitted duration and purpose of stay.
Travelers should review their documentation carefully prior to departure to avoid entry issues.
Travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan
Guests traveling on Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan travel documents must hold a valid Mainland Travel Permit before entering the Chinese mainland. These permits are commonly known as the Home Return Permit (回鄉證) for Hong Kong and Macau residents and the Taiwan Compatriot Pass (台胞證) for travelers from Taiwan.
Travelers should ensure their permit is valid for the duration of their trip before departure.
While entry into the mainland is processed using the Mainland Travel Permit rather than a passport, travelers should still ensure that their Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan passport remains valid for the duration of the trip to ensure smooth departure from and return to their home region.