Quick answer
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Maybe not. Around 50 nationalities — including most of Europe, the UK, Canada, Japan, Korea and Australia — now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. Another 55 nationalities (including the US) can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours with an onward ticket to a third country. Everyone else needs a visa from a Chinese consulate before flying.
Fact-checked 2026-10-09
The three tracks
| Track | Who | How long | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | ~50 nationalities — most of Europe, the UK, Canada, Japan, Korea, Australia, Brazil | Up to 30 days | Enter through any open port; no pre-registration needed |
| 240-hour transit | 55 nationalities, including the US | Up to 240 hours (10 days) | Must hold an onward ticket to a third country or region; stay within the permitted area |
| Consulate visa | Everyone else | Per visa type | Apply for an L (tourist) visa at a Chinese consulate before departure |
Transit is not a layover loophole
The 240-hour clock starts at immigration, and your onward ticket must go to a third country or region — a return ticket home does not count. Read our dedicated 240-hour guide before relying on this track.
Before you fly
- 1Confirm your track on our visa & entry guide — policies change, and airline staff will check your eligibility at check-in.
- 2File China's digital arrival card within 72 hours of landing, on the official NIA portal only. Screenshot the QR code.
- 3If you need a visa, apply at least a month ahead. Consulates typically ask for flight itineraries and hotel bookings.
- 4Hong Kong and Macau are separate — they have their own entry rules. Tibet requires an additional travel permit.
China expanded visa-free access significantly in 2024–2025, and the list keeps evolving. Re-check close to your departure date — what was true six months ago may not be true now. We re-verify this page regularly, but the consulate or NIA site is the final authority.
Go deeper
More quick answers
How to fill in China's digital arrival cardHow to pay in China with a foreign cardDo you need a VPN in China? eSIM, SIM & apps explainedHow to book China train tickets as a foreignerChina's 240-hour visa-free transit: how it worksWhen is the best time to visit China?Can foreigners use DiDi in China?Can I still use cash in China?Should I take the high-speed train or fly within China?eSIM vs local SIM in China: which is better?What apps do I need for traveling in China?Is China safe for solo travelers?Do I need travel insurance for China?How do I get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to the city?What should I pack for a trip to China?Which cities should I visit on my first trip to China?