Ordinary-passport holders from eligible countries may enter China for business, tourism, visits to relatives or friends, exchanges, or transit.

Eligible travelers can currently stay for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa in advance. The stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day after entry. Work, long-term study, and news reporting are not covered.

The official list published on February 17, 2026 contains 50 countries. Brunei: no stated expiry date. Russia: currently valid through December 31, 2027. The other 48 countries: currently valid through December 31, 2026.

My itinerary continues from Country/Region A through China to a different Country/Region B.

Nationals of 55 eligible countries may use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy through designated ports. Travelers must hold valid international travel documents and confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region, enter through an eligible port, remain within the permitted area, and leave within 240 hours.

A return trip such as United States → China → United States is not a qualifying third-country transit itinerary. Hong Kong and Macao are treated as separate regions for transit-route purposes, but their own entry requirements must also be checked.

I have a confirmed onward international ticket and do not plan to enter China for a regular visit.

China operates a 24-hour visa-free transit policy at open exit-entry ports for eligible international transit itineraries. Travelers who need to leave the port's restricted transit area must first obtain a temporary entry permit from immigration authorities.

Admission and permission to leave the restricted transit area remain subject to inspection by Chinese immigration authorities.

Ordinary-passport holders from 59 eligible countries may qualify for visa-free entry to Hainan for certain short-term purposes.

Eligible travelers may stay within the administrative region of Hainan Province for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family or friend visits, medical treatment, conferences, exhibitions, sports competitions, and certain other approved short-term purposes. Work and study are not covered.

This is a regional policy. Do not assume it allows unrestricted onward travel from Hainan to other parts of mainland China.

I am visiting mainland China for tourism and need to obtain permission before departure.

You will normally need to apply for an L tourist visa through the Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized Chinese Visa Application Service Center responsible for your place of residence.

Application procedures and supporting-document requirements can vary by nationality and application location. Always select the visa center or Chinese embassy responsible for where you legally reside.

• Valid ordinary passport from an eligible country
• Travel for tourism, business, family or friend visits, exchanges, or transit
• Stay of no more than 30 days
• Entry remains subject to inspection
• Work, long-term study, and news reporting require the appropriate visa or approval

Border authorities may examine the purpose of travel. Travelers are advised to carry documents supporting their trip, such as hotel reservations, onward or return tickets, and invitation documents where relevant.

• Nationality must be one of the 55 eligible countries
• Valid international travel document
• Confirmed onward ticket with a specified date and seat
• The onward destination must be a third country or region
• Entry through one of the 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level regions
• Travel limited to the officially permitted stay area
• Maximum stay of 240 hours

• Available at all open exit-entry ports for qualifying international transit itineraries
• Travelers who remain in the restricted port area generally do not enter China in the same way as ordinary visitors
• Anyone wishing to leave the restricted area must request a temporary entry permit from immigration authorities

• Hainan's 30-day policy for ordinary-passport holders from 59 eligible countries
• Visa-free cruise groups entering through designated cruise ports
• Certain ASEAN tour groups visiting Xishuangbanna or Guilin
• Certain organized tour groups traveling from Hong Kong or Macao to designated parts of Guangdong or Hainan

Regional exemptions are not general permission to travel throughout mainland China.

• Original passport, normally with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages
• Copy of the passport information page
• Completed visa application form
• Recent compliant passport photograph
• Proof of legal stay or residence if applying outside your country of citizenship
• Round-trip transport booking and accommodation evidence, or a qualifying invitation letter
• Previous Chinese passport or visa records where applicable
• Any additional documents required by the responsible embassy, consulate, or visa center

Official application-material reference↗

Do not treat this checklist as a guarantee of approval. A consular officer may request additional documents, and requirements can differ by application location.