Learn about China entry requirements & rules, including 30-day visa-free waivers, 240-hour transit policies, required documents, customs rules for foreigners worldwide.
China Entry Requirements New Updates 2026
Entry Requirements for Global Travelers to China
Credit: Wikipedia
China Visa-Free Entry Options
China offers two main visa-free entry pathways for eligible travelers:
- 30-Day Unilateral Visa Waiver: Nationals of 50 countries may enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, conferences, sports competitions, or study tours (≤30 days).
- 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit: For travelers transiting through China to a third country, 55 countries are eligible for a 10-day stay without a visa.
General China Entry Requirements for Global Travelers
Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Travel Document | Valid ordinary passport (NOT temporary/emergency documents) with remaining validity ≥ duration of intended stay (≥3 months for 240-hour transit) |
Purpose of Visit | Must match permitted activities (tourism, business, family visits, transit) — work, study, news coverage require specific visas |
Stay Duration | 30 days maximum for visa waiver; 240 hours (10 days) for transit |
Entry Ports | Any open air, sea, or land port (except where bilateral agreements specify otherwise) |
Additional Documents | Recommended: invitation letters, round-trip tickets, accommodation reservations, itinerary |
China 30-Day Visa Waiver
China 30-Day Visa Waiver - Full Country List (50 Nations)
Region | Countries | Validity of Visa Waiver |
|---|---|---|
Asia (7) | Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea | Brunei: No expiration; Others: Dec 31, 2026 |
Europe (35) | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom | Russia: Sep 14, 2026; UK: Feb 17 – Dec 31, 2026; Others: Dec 31, 2026 |
Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand | Dec 31, 2026 |
Americas (6) | Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, United States, Uruguay | Dec 31, 2026 |
Rules for China 30-Day Visa Waiver
- Passport: It must be a regular passport (temporary/emergency passports are invalid).
- The way to get there: You can take a plane, a ship, a train, or even a private car/ship, just complete the additional documents for the private car when needed.
- Multiple entry: Multiple entries are allowed, with no restrictions on the number of entries or the duration of stay, but each entry must not exceed 30 days.
- Minors: Children follow the same rules as adults - they only need a valid ordinary passport.
China 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit
China Visa-Free Transit - Full Country List (55 Nations)
Region | Countries |
|---|---|
Europe (40) | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus |
Americas (6) | USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
Asia (7) | Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia (added June 2025) |
Key Requirements for China 240-Hour Transit
- Document Requirements:
- Valid passport (with at least 3 months remaining validity from the date of arrival)
- Confirm the connecting flight ticket to a third country/region (fixed date, seat and destination)
- Complete the "Landing Card for Foreigners in Transit"
- Travel Restrictions:
- One must set off for a third country (without returning to the country of origin).
- Permitted areas: 24 provinces (such as Hainan, Guizhou, Anhui, Taiyuan/Datong in Shanxi, Nanchang/Jingdezhen in Jiangxi)
- Inter-provincial travel is permitted within eligible regions
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Required Documents for China Entry
Credit: Wikipedia
Mandatory Documents for China Entry
- Valid Passport: Ordinary passport (no temporary/emergency passport)- no damage, no missing pages. It needs to be valid throughout your entire stay (at least 3 months in transit).
- Travel Tickets:
- 30-day visa-free admission: Confirm round-trip flight tickets.
- 10-day transit: Confirm the connecting flight ticket to the third country.
- China Arrival Card: Starting from November 20, 2025, you can fill it out online 24 hours before your arrival. You can also use electronic devices or paper forms at the airport.
Recommended Supporting Documents for China Entry
Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
Invitation Letter | Business or family visits (verifies purpose) |
Accommodation Proof | Hotel reservations or invitation from host (verifies stay) |
Itinerary | Tour bookings, conference schedules (shows planned activities) |
Financial Proof | Bank statements, credit cards (demonstrates ability to cover expenses) |
What is China Arrival Card?
Credit: Wikipedia
The China Arrival Card is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China (including visa-free and transit visitors) except 7 exempt groups. It’s required for entry via air, sea, or land.
Who Needs It?
All foreigners coming to China for tourism, business, transit or visiting relatives, regardless of their visa status, must fill out this card. Exemptions apply to holders of Chinese Foreign Permanent Residence ID cards, non-Chinese with valid Hong Kong/Macau Resident Permits (entering from HK/Macau), group visa holders, 24-hour direct transit passengers staying in the port’s restricted area, cruise ship passengers using the same vessel, pre-approved express entry travelers, and foreign crew of entry/exit transport vehicles.
How & When to Complete It
- Official Channels: NIA website, “Immigration Bureau 12367” app/WeChat/Alipay mini-program, or on-site paper forms/self-service kiosks.
- Timing: Complete online 24–72 hours before arrival (recommended) or on-site (may cause delays).
- Process: Select language → fill in info → submit → save the generated QR code (screenshot it—no internet needed at immigration).
Required Information
This card requires the filling in of personal basic information (name, nationality, date of birth, passport number and validity period matching the full name on the passport), travel details (flight/train/ship number, port of entry, date of arrival), accommodation information (hotel name and address or your host's address in China), contact number (international or Chinese) and travel purpose (such as tourism, business, transit).
Customs & Declarations for China Entry
China Entry Prohibited Items (Do Not Bring)
Category | Examples | What Happens If You Bring Them |
|---|---|---|
Drugs & Weapons | Illegal drugs, guns, explosives | Big fines or even jail time |
Fresh Foods/Plants | Fresh fruit, veggies, meat, dairy (without approval) | They’ll take the items and you might get a fine |
Harmful Materials | Pornographic content, unapproved religious/political materials | Items seized — you could be deported |
Wildlife Products | Ivory, rhino horn, tiger skins (endangered species) | Heavy fines or jail time |
Too Much Cigarettes/Alcohol/Gold | Over 200 cigarettes, over 1.5L alcohol (adults), over 50g gold (without declaring) | You’ll have to pay duties or fines |
Things You Must Declare
- Cash: 50,000 RMB or its equivalent (approximately 7,000 US dollars) or more.
- Valuable items: Items worth more than 5,000 RMB (such as laptops, cameras, and jewelry) can be declared when leaving the country to avoid tax payment.
- Product: Samples or gifts not for personal use.
- Medications: Prescription drugs - Bring your doctor's certificate and the original packaging.
Tips for a Smooth China Entry
Credit: Unsplash
Pre-Departure
- Check if you need a visa: Make sure your country is on the visa-free list (if not, apply for a visa in advance).
- Passport inspection: The goal is a validity period of at least six months (safer) and two blank pages.
- Advance reservation: Book tickets for hotels and popular attractions (especially during peak seasons such as holidays).
During Travel
- Carry documents with you: Keep your passport, entry card and air ticket in a safe but easily accessible place.
- Useful apps: Download wechat (for messaging and payment), Baidu Maps (navigation), and translation applications.
- Cash and cards: Bring RMB cash and international credit cards. It's very easy to find ATMs in the city.
- Health preparation: Bring basic medications (and prescriptions if necessary) and travel insurance.
Entry/Exit
- Arrival Card: Fill it out accurately. Errors may cause delays.
- Comply with customs regulations: All necessary items must be declared and no prohibited items should be carried.
- Boarding in advance: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the departure of the international flight to allow time for security checks and immigration.
Final Checklist for China Entry
Document | Required for |
|---|---|
Valid passport (≥3 months for transit) | All visitors
|
Visa or visa-free eligibility | Non-exempt nationals |
Arrival card (with saved QR code) | Most visitors (exceptions apply)
|
Return/onward ticket | Visa-free tourists
|
Accommodation proof | All visitors |
Remember: Even with visa-free entry, you must complete the arrival card (digital or paper) and meet all entry requirements
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
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FAQs about China Entry Requirements
Who does not need a visa for China?
Nationals of 48 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, conferences, sports competitions, or study tours. Additionally, 55 countries are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit program.Are there extra China entry requirements for minors?
No—minors follow the same rules as adults (valid ordinary passport + stay ≤30 days).What are the requirements to enter China?
For most visitors:
Valid passport: Must be valid for at least the duration of your intended stay (≥3 months for transit)
Visa or visa-free eligibility:
✓ 48 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry (tourism/business)
✓ 55 countries qualify for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit
Completed arrival card (mandatory for all except specific exemptions)
Accommodation proof: Hotel reservation or address in China
Return/onward ticket: Confirmed for visa-free entries
For business travelers:
May need invitation letters or business credentials depending on nationality
Prohibited documents:
Temporary/emergency passports (except in diplomatic cases)
Damaged or altered travel documentsDo we need to fill a China arrival card?
Yes, mandatory for all foreign visitors except:
Holders of China's Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards
Non-Chinese Hong Kong/Macao residents with valid Mainland Travel Permits
Group visa holders traveling with organized tours
24-hour direct transit passengers not leaving port areas
Cruise ship passengers returning on same vessel
Foreign crew members
How to complete the arrival card (effective Nov 20, 2025):
Online (recommended):✓ Visit https://s.nia.gov.cn/arrival or use "Immigration Bureau 12367" app✓ WeChat/Alipay mini-programs (search "入境卡")✓ Complete 24-72 hours before arrival and save the QR code
On-site options:✓ Scan QR codes at airport/port with smartphone✓ Use self-service terminals✓ Paper form (available for backup)
What you need to provide:
Personal details (name, passport number, DOB)
Flight/train number
Accommodation address in China
Contact phone number
Purpose of visit
Pro Tip: Save the generated QR code to your phone. Show it at immigration along with your passportWhat is the 3-hour rule in China?
There is no "3-hour rule" for immigration entry to China
This appears to be a confusion with:
China's 24-hour direct transit rule: Foreigners can stay up to 24 hours in port areas without a visa ✓ Must have valid passport and confirmed onward ticket✓ Cannot leave designated port zones without a temporary entry permit
China's 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit: Allows eligible travelers to stay up to 10 days in specified regionsWhat is the new entry policy in China?
Key updates as of November 2025:
Digital arrival cards (effective Nov 20, 2025):Online submission replaces paper forms for most travelers
Expanded visa-free access:
48 countries now enjoy 30-day visa-free tourism/business stays
Newly added: 5 Latin American nations (until May 2026)
240-hour visa-free transit expanded to more countries and 5 new ports
Simplified entry for:
Foreign tech talent (new K visa category)
Business travelers from qualifying countries
Hong Kong/Macao residents (facilitated "brush face" entry for eligible travelers)
Biometric enhancements:
14+ year olds with valid documents can use "face-scanning" for faster immigration clearanceDo we need a QR code to enter China?
Yes, in most cases you need a QR code generated from the arrival card
How it works:
Complete the online arrival card through official channels
After submission, you'll receive a unique QR code
Save this QR code (screenshot to your phone)
Present it at immigration along with your passport
Exceptions who don't need a QR code/arrival card:
Foreign permanent residents (with China ID cards)
Hong Kong/Macao residents with valid Mainland Travel Permits
Group visa holders
24-hour direct transit passengers not leaving port areas
Cruise ship passengers returning on same vessel
Note: The QR code is for arrival card submission only. There's no separate health declaration QR code required for general tourism entry as of November 2025