China Travel Guide: Visa-Free Info, Entry Tips & Inbound Advice
How to Enter China for Inbound Travellers
After countless border crossings and helping many friends visit China, I've put together in my guide. Trust me, entering China isn't as complicated as it might seem - check below!
Things to Prepare
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
- Most travelers need to get their visa in advance (tourist L visa, business M visa, or student X visa)
- Return flight and hotel bookings for immigration
Landing in China
Once you land, you'll need to:
- Fill out an arrival card (usually given on the plane, but also available in the arrival hall)
- Get your fingerprints taken (if you're 14-70 years old)
- Go through immigration
- Collect your bags
- Clear customs
At Immigration
The immigration officers are usually pretty chill. They'll ask basic questions like:
- Why are you visiting?
- How long are you staying?
- Where are you staying?
Just be honest and direct. They deal with thousands of travelers daily and appreciate straightforward answers!
Your First 24 Hours Stay in China
This part is crucial - don't skip it! Within 24 hours of arrival, you need to register your residence:
If You're Staying at a Hotel:
- The hotel handles everything automatically
- Keep your registration paper - you might need it later
- Take a photo of it just in case
If You're Staying with Friends or in an Apartment:
- Must register at the local police station within 24 hours
- Bring your passport
- Bring your friend's ID card copy
- Bring property ownership certificate or rental contract
- Your friend should ideally go with you
The process takes about 15-30 minutes
If You Change Locations:
- You need to register again at each new place
- Yes, even if you're just staying somewhere for a few days
- Hotels will do this automatically
- Private residences = back to the police station
Customs & What Not to Bring
China's pretty strict about what you can bring in. Definite no-nos include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat products
- Seeds or plants
- Political materials
- More than 2 bottles of alcohol
- More than 1 carton of cigarettes
Latest Updates: China Visa Free Policies
December 17, 2024 Update: China has improved its visa-free transit policy. Now, eligible travelers transiting through China can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) , an increase from the previous 72-hour and 144-hour options. The expansion also includes 21 new ports , bringing the total number of visa-free entry and exit points to 60, spread across 24 provinces.
November 22, 2024 Update: China has also broadened its visa-free entry policy. Starting November 30, 2024, citizens from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan can enter China without a visa. The policy also now covers exchange visits, and the maximum stay has been extended from 15 to 30 days. This update is valid until December 31, 2025.
China Top Cities for Inbound Travelers to Transit without Visa
If you are traveling to China for a short stay, you may qualify for visa-free transit at key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and more!
Here’s everything you need to know about China’s visa-free entry policies for inbound travelers. 👇
China Visa-Free Transit 24/240 hour
China offers two visa-free transit options: 24-hour for travelers who must stay within the arrival city, and 240-hour for stays up to 10 days in specific regions.
🔷 240-hour Visa-Free Transit
The 240-hour visa-free transit is designed for travelers who are in transit to a third country or region. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 54 eligible countries to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting. Countries included are from the Schengen Area, Europe, Americas, Oceania, and parts of Asia.
🔷 24-hour Visa-Free Transit
The 24-hour visa-free transit policy is more restrictive but universally applicable to all international travelers transiting through China. Travelers receive a 24-hour entry permit upon arrival at any international airport or port. This is suitable for those with brief layovers who do not intend to leave the airport or explore the city.
Visa on Arrival (VOA) for China
China offers Visa on Arrival (VOA) at specific entry points, allowing travelers to bypass the traditional visa application process for short stays (business, tourism, or emergencies).
🔷 Where is VOA Available?
- Popular Cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Hainan, Zhuhai, Xiamen
🔷 Requirements for VOA
🔷 Types of VOA
- Major Cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen): Up to 5-7 days, based on nationality
- Hainan Island: 30-day VOA for certain countries (arrivals by international flights or cruises)
- Zhuhai & Xiamen: Up to 5 days, limited to travel within these regions
Mutual and Unilateral Visa-Free Policies
🔷 Mutual Visa Exemption Policies
China has signed agreements with over 150 countries allowing visa-free travel for certain passport holders, mainly for diplomatic/official passports.
Additionally, citizens from 25 countries holding ordinary passports can enjoy visa-free travel under specific conditions.
🔷 Unilateral Visa-Free Travel to China
China independently offers unilateral visa-free travel to 38 countries, allowing their citizens to enter for up to 30 days for various purposes.
(This policy was expanded on November 22, 2024, to include additional countries and extend the stay duration.)
Note: On November 22, 2024, China expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to include the last nine countries listed above (Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan), allowing a 30-day stay and more entry purposes.
Unilateral Visa-Free Countries
China Visa-Free for Special Zones & Group
China has implemented several special visa-free policies to encourage tourism and ease travel for foreign nationals. These policies apply to specific regions, providing significant flexibility for visitors. Below are two major programs: the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Hainan Province visa-free policies.
🔷 Pearl River Delta (PRD) Region
The Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, which includes major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai, offers a 144-hour visa-free stay for eligible foreign tour groups. This is good for travelers from specific countries to visit these cities for up to 6 days without needing a visa.
🔷 Hainan Province Visa-Free Policy
- Individual Travel: Hainan Province offers a 30-day visa-free stay for citizens from 59 eligible countries. This policy covers various purposes, including business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions. Travelers can freely explore the entire province and must enter via direct flights from Hong Kong or other locations outside Mainland China.
- Group Travel: Starting July 30, 2024, Hainan introduced a 144-hour visa-free policy for tour groups organized by approved travel agencies in Hong Kong or Macao. This allows groups to stay in Hainan for up to six days while traveling as part of an official tour.
🔷 Guilin Visa-Free Transit
Guilin offers a 144-hour visa-free transit option for tour groups from 10 ASEAN countries. These groups must consist of at least two people and be organized by a travel agency registered and approved by Guilin’s tourism authority.
Your Must Have China Travel Apps
When traveling to China, having the right apps on your phone can make your journey so much smoother. Here's what you really need to know:
China Payment App
Alipay
支付宝Your go-to payment app in China. You can link your international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) directly without all the hassle of verification processes. Nearly every shop, restaurant, and street vendor has an Alipay QR code for payments. Pro tip: Set this up before you leave home - you'll thank yourself later!
China Travel Booking App
Trip.com
Trip.com is a lifesaver for booking everything from flights and hotels to train tickets and attractions. Unlike its Chinese counterpart (Ctrip), Trip.com is specifically designed for international travelers. All the hotels listed are guaranteed to accept foreign guests, plus you'll earn Trip Coins for future discounts.
Download AppChina Map App
AutoNavi/Gaode Maps
高德地图Hands-down the best navigation app in China. Forget Google Maps - Gaode is more accurate and updates faster. Whether you're walking or cycling, the GPS tracking is spot-on, and it even gives you great restaurant recommendations nearby. The 2D/3D navigation options make it super easy to find your way around.
China Taxi App
DiDi
滴滴出行DiDi is basically China's Uber, and it's super handy for getting around. If you have a Chinese phone number, just download the app and you're good to go. No Chinese number? No problem! You can still use DiDi through the Alipay mini-program - it works just as well and charges directly to your linked card.
China Food App
Meituan & Ele.me
美团 & 饿了么These are your food delivery saviors. Whether you're tired after a long day of sightseeing or just want to try local food from your hotel room, these apps have you covered. Ele.me is accessible through Alipay if you don't have a Chinese phone number, though you'll have fewer options than with Meituan.
China Translation App
WAYGO
An app that translates Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text into English accurately and instantly. It uses a smart mix of technology to recognize characters and turn them into words and sentences you can understand. You don't even need the internet to use it. It's super handy for understanding menus, signs, and any printed words when you're out and about.
Top 5 Cities in China You Can't Miss
From late-night street food runs to getting lost in ancient neighborhoods, these are the places that made me fall in love with China. No fancy travel guide stuff here - just honest tips about where to go and what's actually worth your time. Trust me, these five cities will stick with you long after you leave.
Shanghai
If you love a mix of old and new, Shanghai will steal your heart. Walk along the Bund at sunset to see the city light up across the river, then lose yourself in the quiet paths of Yu Garden early in the morning. The French Concession feels like a different world with its leafy streets and cute cafes.
Beijing
Beijing is where China's history comes alive. The Great Wall will take your breath away - head to Mutianyu to dodge the crowds and get the best photos. The Forbidden City is massive and mind-blowing; you'll need a full day to explore it properly.
Guangzhou
Come hungry to Guangzhou - this city lives for food. Start your day with dim sum (the locals call it yum cha), then walk it off around Shamian Island's old European buildings. The Canton Tower looks amazing at night when it's all lit up.
Shenzhen
It's crazy to think Shenzhen was just a fishing village 40 years ago. Now it's full of cool spots like OCT Loft, where old factories have turned into art galleries and coffee shops. Window of the World is kind of cheesy but fun - where else can you see the Eiffel Tower and Egyptian pyramids in one afternoon?
Hangzhou
Marco Polo wasn't kidding when he fell in love with Hangzhou. West Lake is the star of the show - rent a boat or just walk around its shores to see why Chinese artists have been painting it for centuries. Lingyin Temple is worth visiting just to see the giant Buddha carvings in the cliffs.