Question 1

What is the 240-hour transit visa-free policy?

Accepted Answer

The 240-hour transit visa-free policy allows citizens of 54 countries to stay in designated Chinese cities for up to 240 hours (10 days) without a Chinese visa, while en route to a third country/region. You need a valid passport and a connecting ticket departing within 240 hours.

Question 2

Can I visit multiple cities during the transit visa-free period?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can freely travel to multiple cities within the allowed administrative regions. For example, after entering through Shanghai, you can visit cities in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other permitted provinces. However, you cannot exceed the designated activity area.

Question 3

Do I need to book my departure flight in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You must have a confirmed connecting ticket with a specific date, with a destination in a third country or region (not your country of departure). It's recommended to book your departure ticket before arrival, as you'll need to present it at entry.

Question 4

What happens if I overstay the transit visa-free period?

Accepted Answer

Overstaying is considered illegal and may result in fines or detention. If you encounter force majeure (such as flight cancellation), you should immediately contact the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration to apply for an extension.

Question 5

Do I need transit visa-free procedures if I don't leave the airport?

Accepted Answer

If you stay within the airport's international transit area, you typically don't need any entry procedures. However, if you need to leave the airport (e.g., for a long layover and want to visit the city), you'll need to go through transit visa-free procedures.

Question 6

How long does visa processing take?

Accepted Answer

Regular processing usually takes 4-5 working days. Express processing is 2-3 working days, and rush processing is 1 working day, both requiring additional fees. Processing times may be longer during peak seasons, so it's recommended to apply at least 1 month in advance.

Question 7

What documents are needed for a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Basic documents include: valid passport, visa application form, recent photo, round-trip flight booking, hotel reservation confirmation, travel itinerary, and financial proof. Applicants from some countries may need additional documents.

Question 8

Can I apply for a Chinese visa online?

Accepted Answer

Currently, Chinese visas cannot be fully applied for online. You need to complete the application form online, then visit a Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Chinese Embassy/Consulate in person to submit your documents. Some countries allow application through authorized travel agencies.

Question 9

How much does a visa cost?

Accepted Answer

Visa fees vary by country and visa type. Generally, a single-entry visa costs about $140 USD, with express processing at about $160 USD. Please consult your local Chinese Visa Application Service Center for specific fees.

Question 10

Can I extend my visa after it expires?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before your visa expires, you can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration, usually for an additional 30 days. You'll need to provide a reason for extension and supporting documents. It's recommended to apply at least 7 days before expiration.

Question 11

What are the passport validity requirements?

Accepted Answer

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages. It's recommended to check your passport validity before departure and renew it if it's less than 6 months.

Question 12

Do I need travel insurance to enter China?

Accepted Answer

China currently does not require travel insurance, but it's strongly recommended. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unexpected situations, giving you greater peace of mind.

Question 13

Are there still COVID-related entry restrictions?

Accepted Answer

As of now, China has lifted all COVID-related entry restrictions, including testing and quarantine requirements. Travelers don't need to provide any COVID-related documentation. However, policies may change, so it's recommended to check the latest requirements before departure.

Question 14

Can I enter China with a criminal record?

Accepted Answer

A criminal record doesn't necessarily mean entry will be denied, but it may affect your visa application. Serious criminal records (such as drug offenses) may result in visa rejection. It's recommended to fill out the application form honestly, as concealing information may lead to more serious consequences.

Question 15

Do children need their own visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each child needs their own passport and visa. Applicants under 18 need to provide parental consent and proof of family relationship. If the child is traveling with only one parent, the other parent must provide written consent.

Question 16

Can I visit Tibet with a regular visa?

Accepted Answer

Foreign tourists visiting Tibet need an additional Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You must apply through a qualified travel agency and join an organized tour group.

Question 17

What if my visa is rejected?

Accepted Answer

After a visa rejection, you can supplement your documents and reapply based on the rejection reason. Common rejection reasons include: incomplete documents, unreasonable itinerary, insufficient financial proof. It's recommended to carefully read the rejection notice and supplement accordingly.

Question 18

Can I work in China with a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

No. Working in China on a tourist visa (L visa) is illegal and may result in fines, detention, and deportation. If you need to work in China, you should apply for a work visa (Z visa).

Question 19

What's the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry visas?

Accepted Answer

A single-entry visa allows one entry into China; the visa becomes invalid after exit. A multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries within the validity period, with each stay not exceeding the specified number of days. If you plan to make multiple trips, a multiple-entry visa is recommended.

Question 20

Do I need a visa for airport transit without leaving the terminal?

Accepted Answer

If you're transiting through a Chinese airport and staying within the international transit area, you typically don't need a visa. However, if you need to leave the transit area (e.g., to collect luggage and re-check in), you'll need a visa or must meet transit visa-free requirements.

Country	Continent	Stay duration
Austria	Europe	240 hours
Belgium	Europe	240 hours
Czech Republic	Europe	240 hours
Denmark	Europe	240 hours
Estonia	Europe	240 hours
Finland	Europe	240 hours
France	Europe	240 hours
Germany	Europe	240 hours
Greece	Europe	240 hours
Hungary	Europe	240 hours
Iceland	Europe	240 hours
Ireland	Europe	240 hours
Italy	Europe	240 hours
Latvia	Europe	240 hours
Lithuania	Europe	240 hours
Luxembourg	Europe	240 hours
Malta	Europe	240 hours
Netherlands	Europe	240 hours
Norway	Europe	240 hours
Poland	Europe	240 hours
Portugal	Europe	240 hours
Slovakia	Europe	240 hours
Slovenia	Europe	240 hours
Spain	Europe	240 hours
Sweden	Europe	240 hours
Switzerland	Europe	240 hours
United Kingdom	Europe	240 hours
Albania	Europe	240 hours
North Macedonia	Europe	240 hours
Monaco	Europe	240 hours
Belarus	Europe	240 hours
Russia	Europe	240 hours
Ukraine	Europe	240 hours
Serbia	Europe	240 hours
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Europe	240 hours
Montenegro	Europe	240 hours
Croatia	Europe	240 hours
Bulgaria	Europe	240 hours
Romania	Europe	240 hours
United States	Americas	240 hours
Canada	Americas	240 hours
Brazil	Americas	240 hours
Mexico	Americas	240 hours
Argentina	Americas	240 hours
Chile	Americas	240 hours
Australia	Oceania	240 hours
New Zealand	Oceania	240 hours
Japan	Asia	240 hours
South Korea	Asia	240 hours
Singapore	Asia	240 hours
Brunei	Asia	240 hours
United Arab Emirates	Asia	240 hours
Qatar	Asia	240 hours

Country	Continent	Visa-free days
Singapore	Asia	30 days
Brunei	Asia	30 days
Japan	Asia	30 days
Thailand	Asia	30 days
Malaysia	Asia	30 days
San Marino	Europe	30 days
Mauritius	Africa	30 days
Seychelles	Africa	30 days
Bahamas	Americas	30 days
Fiji	Oceania	30 days
Grenada	Americas	30 days
Tonga	Oceania	30 days
Serbia	Europe	30 days
Ecuador	Americas	30 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Europe	30 days
Belarus	Europe	30 days
United Arab Emirates	Asia	30 days
Albania	Europe	30 days
Qatar	Asia	30 days
Armenia	Asia	30 days
Georgia	Asia	30 days
Azerbaijan	Asia	30 days

Country	Continent	Visa-free days
France	Europe	15 days
Germany	Europe	15 days
Italy	Europe	15 days
Netherlands	Europe	15 days
Spain	Europe	15 days
Switzerland	Europe	15 days
Ireland	Europe	15 days
Hungary	Europe	15 days
Austria	Europe	15 days
Belgium	Europe	15 days
Luxembourg	Europe	15 days
Norway	Europe	15 days
Poland	Europe	15 days
Portugal	Europe	15 days
Finland	Europe	15 days
Denmark	Europe	15 days
Sweden	Europe	15 days
Greece	Europe	15 days
Czech Republic	Europe	15 days
Slovenia	Europe	15 days
Slovakia	Europe	15 days
Iceland	Europe	15 days
Cyprus	Europe	15 days
Estonia	Europe	15 days
Latvia	Europe	15 days
Lithuania	Europe	15 days
Malta	Europe	15 days
Bulgaria	Europe	15 days
Romania	Europe	15 days
Croatia	Europe	15 days
Montenegro	Europe	15 days
North Macedonia	Europe	15 days
Australia	Oceania	15 days
New Zealand	Oceania	15 days
South Korea	Asia	15 days

Country	Continent	Stay duration
Austria	Europe	240 hours
Belgium	Europe	240 hours
Czech Republic	Europe	240 hours
Denmark	Europe	240 hours
Estonia	Europe	240 hours
Finland	Europe	240 hours
France	Europe	240 hours
Germany	Europe	240 hours
Greece	Europe	240 hours
Hungary	Europe	240 hours
Iceland	Europe	240 hours
Ireland	Europe	240 hours
Italy	Europe	240 hours
Latvia	Europe	240 hours
Lithuania	Europe	240 hours
Luxembourg	Europe	240 hours
Malta	Europe	240 hours
Netherlands	Europe	240 hours
Norway	Europe	240 hours
Poland	Europe	240 hours
Portugal	Europe	240 hours
Slovakia	Europe	240 hours
Slovenia	Europe	240 hours
Spain	Europe	240 hours
Sweden	Europe	240 hours
Switzerland	Europe	240 hours
United Kingdom	Europe	240 hours
Albania	Europe	240 hours
North Macedonia	Europe	240 hours
Monaco	Europe	240 hours
Belarus	Europe	240 hours
Russia	Europe	240 hours
Ukraine	Europe	240 hours
Serbia	Europe	240 hours
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Europe	240 hours
Montenegro	Europe	240 hours
Croatia	Europe	240 hours
Bulgaria	Europe	240 hours
Romania	Europe	240 hours
United States	Americas	240 hours
Canada	Americas	240 hours
Brazil	Americas	240 hours
Mexico	Americas	240 hours
Argentina	Americas	240 hours
Chile	Americas	240 hours
Australia	Oceania	240 hours
New Zealand	Oceania	240 hours
Japan	Asia	240 hours
South Korea	Asia	240 hours
Singapore	Asia	240 hours
Brunei	Asia	240 hours
United Arab Emirates	Asia	240 hours
Qatar	Asia	240 hours

Country	Continent	Visa-free days
Singapore	Asia	30 days
Brunei	Asia	30 days
Japan	Asia	30 days
Thailand	Asia	30 days
Malaysia	Asia	30 days
San Marino	Europe	30 days
Mauritius	Africa	30 days
Seychelles	Africa	30 days
Bahamas	Americas	30 days
Fiji	Oceania	30 days
Grenada	Americas	30 days
Tonga	Oceania	30 days
Serbia	Europe	30 days
Ecuador	Americas	30 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Europe	30 days
Belarus	Europe	30 days
United Arab Emirates	Asia	30 days
Albania	Europe	30 days
Qatar	Asia	30 days
Armenia	Asia	30 days
Georgia	Asia	30 days
Azerbaijan	Asia	30 days

Visa Type	Regular Processing	Express Processing
Single Entry	$140	$160
Double Entry	$140	$160
Multiple Entry	$140	$160

China Visa & Entry Guide

Transit Visa-Free Policy

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible Countries

Designated Entry Ports

Beijing

Shanghai

Guangzhou

Shenzhen

Chengdu

Xi'an

Hangzhou

Kunming

Mutual Visa Exemption Countries

30-day visa-free(22 countries)

15-day visa-free(35 countries)

Visa Types

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

Business Visa (M Visa)

Exchange Visa (F Visa)

Student Visa (X1/X2 Visa)

Visa Application Process

Prepare Documents

Fill Application Form

Book Appointment

Submit Application

Pay Fees

Collect Visa

Required Documents

Basic Documents

Tourist Visa Additional Documents

Business Visa Additional Documents

Photo Requirements

Visa Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Transit Visa-Free