Travel China Guide · Entry Planning
Check whether your passport may qualify for China visa-free entry, a mutual visa exemption, 240-hour transit visa-free entry, or whether you should prepare a China tourist visa before travel.
Complete all fields below to check visa-free, 240-hour transit, or visa requirements
Your eligibility result will appear here after you submit
Open a country page for a clear yes/no-style answer, then use the form above if your trip has transit stops, longer stays, or special purposes.
Three main pathways for short visits. Which applies to you depends on nationality, route, and length of stay.
Last updated: July 2026
Short stays without a visa for eligible passport holders visiting for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
Transit without a visa while traveling to a third country, within approved regions and entry ports.
Required when visa-free policies do not apply — for longer stays, work, study, or certain nationalities.
Beyond visas — payments, maps, tickets, and lodging are what trip up most first-time visitors. Start with the guides below.
Stay connected without swapping SIM cards. Set up before you land so maps and translation work at the airport.
Some apps and sites behave differently in China. Install and test your VPN before departure — not at the gate.
Link a foreign card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive — many shops and taxis are cashless.
Google Maps is limited in China. Set up Amap, Apple Maps, or Baidu Maps and save offline pins for your first day.
Popular sights often need advance booking. Learn which platforms work for passport holders and how to show tickets at the gate.
Compare routes into major hubs and leave buffer time for immigration, transfers, and domestic connections.
Not every property accepts foreign guests. Confirm passport check-in, location near metro, and cancellation rules.
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Complete checklist
Payments, maps, tickets, hotels, and more — one place for first-trip essentials before you land in China.
China maintains a list of countries whose ordinary passport holders may enter visa-free for short stays. The list changes — always verify your nationality against the latest official announcement before booking travel.
Eligible travelers transiting through China to a third country may stay up to 240 hours without a visa in designated regions. You typically need proof of onward travel and must enter through approved ports.
Permitted activities depend on the specific policy. Tourism and short business activities may be allowed under visa-free rules for some nationalities, but work, study, and long-term stays usually require the appropriate visa.
Visa-free and transit stays generally cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa through the exit-entry administration before your allowed period ends.
Hotels usually register foreign guests automatically. If you stay with friends or in private accommodation, you or your host may need to register with local police within 24 hours.
No. This checker provides general guidance only. Immigration officers make the final decision at the border. Always confirm requirements with official government sources and your airline.
Browse step-by-step survival guides and the trip-prep checklist for your first days in China.
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