One of the first questions when planning a trip to China: do I need a visa? The answer depends on your country of origin and the type of trip.
Visa-free countries (entry without visa)
Since 2024, China has significantly expanded its visa-free entry policy. If you're a citizen of one of these countries, you can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days:
Europe
Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Denmark, Poland, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro.
Latin America
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico (verify current status), Peru, Uruguay.
Asia-Pacific
Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Brunei.
If your country is on this list, you only need a valid passport (minimum 6 months) and an onward ticket. Entry is like entering any visa-free country: passport control and you're in.
Visa-free transit policy (72/144 hours)
If your country is NOT exempt, you may qualify for transit visa exemption:
- 72 hours: in selected cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, and others)
- 144 hours (6 days): in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang, and Guangdong regions
Conditions:
- You must arrive from one country and depart to a THIRD country (not the same)
- You need a confirmed onward ticket
- You must stay within the designated region
This option is ideal for long layovers or short visits.
Tourist visa L (for those who need a visa)
If your country is not exempt and you don't qualify for transit, you need a tourist L visa.
Required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank pages
- Completed application form (online or paper)
- One passport photo (white background)
- Travel itinerary (flight and hotel reservations)
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of financial means (bank statement, sometimes)
Where to apply
- At the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country
- Through a visa application center (CVASC)
- Some countries allow online application (e-Visa in certain cases)
Approximate prices
- Single entry: 60-100 USD (varies by country)
- Double entry: 90-130 USD
- Multiple entry: 130-180 USD
- Express fee (24-48 hours): additional 20-30 USD
Processing time
- Normal: 4-5 business days
- Express: 2-3 days
- Urgent: 24-48 hours (not always available)
Tips
1. Check before booking flights
Visa policies change frequently. Before buying non-refundable flights, confirm current requirements on the official website of the Chinese embassy in your country.
2. Carry printed copies
Carry printed copies of your visa, itinerary, and hotel reservations. Immigration control may ask to see them.
3. Accommodation registration
Within 24 hours of arrival, your hotel must register your stay with local police. Large hotels do this automatically. If you stay in an apartment, ask the host.
4. Don't overstay
Staying longer than permitted is a serious violation. It can result in fines and re-entry bans.
How TripSim helps
While we don't process visas directly, we can:
- Provide an invitation letter or service confirmation
- Help with your itinerary for the application
- Answer questions about the process
Message us on WhatsApp and we'll guide you.
Summary
- Many European and Latin American countries can enter visa-free for up to 30 days
- 72/144-hour transit policy for other countries
- If you need a visa, apply for type L (tourism)
- Documents: passport, form, photo, itinerary
- Processing time: 4-5 days normal
- Verify current requirements before traveling
China has opened its doors significantly in recent years. With the right information, entering is easier than you think.