China Visa Requirements 2026Entry Rules & Visa-Free Access by Passport

Visa-free nationalities
78
Visa on arrival
0
eTA / e-Visa
0
Total streamlined
78
Visa required in advance
120

China's visa policy is moderately open relative to other destinations worldwide. If your nationality is not listed as visa-free, you will need to apply for a China tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Visa-free

Countries Whose Citizens Can Visit China Visa-Free (78)

Passport holders from these countries can enter China without a visa - no embassy appointment, no advance fee.

Show all 78

Fees

China Visa Fees (updated 20 Jul 2026)

  • Ordinary visa (L tourist / M business etc.), single entry - base schedule for non-US nationals applying in the US

    single entry, typically 3 months to enterofficial sourceus.china-embassy.gov.cn ↗

    USD 23

  • Ordinary visa for US citizens (any entries, incl. 10-year multiple)

    single, double or multiple entry up to 10 yearsofficial sourceus.china-embassy.gov.cn ↗

    USD 140

  • Business (M) visa

    single entry (higher for double/multiple)official sourceus.china-embassy.gov.cn ↗

    USD 23

  • 240-hour visa-free transit

    up to 240 hours (10 days) at designated portsofficial sourcenia.gov.cn ↗

    Free

Compare official tourist-visa fees across every destination →

Applications are handled via CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center, official outsourced network; not VFS Global) - a service fee applies on top of the visa fee and varies by country and centre.

Transit

China Transit Visa

China publishes a transit visa product for travellers passing through to another destination. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and whether you stay airside - see how transit visas work.

G Visa (Transit)

Transit through China

up to 6 days~$140

For travelers transiting China who do not qualify for visa-free transit. Note: nationals of 55 countries qualify for 240-hour (10-day) Visa-Free Transit at 65 designated ports across 24 provinces/regions/municipalities without a G visa (policy expanded from 72/144 hours to 240 hours effective 2024-12-17; designated ports increased to 65 effective 2025-11-05; official source: https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/202412/t20241217_11495647.htm) - check the official list. A G visa is required for those who do not qualify for visa-free transit, exceed the free-transit window, or leave the permitted transit area.

Apply here ↗

FAQ

China Visa Requirements FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit China?

It depends on your nationality - the lists above show every nationality that can enter China visa-free. If your country is not listed, you will likely need to apply for a China tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Which countries can visit China without a visa?

78 countries can visit China without a visa in 2026, including: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia. Use Earth Visa to check whether your specific passport grants visa-free access to China.

How do I apply for a China tourist visa?

If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry to China, you typically need to apply at a China embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements generally include:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds

Processing times and fees vary by nationality and visa category - see the visa types and fees on this page for the exact figures.

How long can I stay in China without a visa?

The maximum visa-free stay duration in China varies by nationality. Common allowances are 30, 60, or 90 days. See the visa-free country list above for specific stay durations per nationality.

By nationality

China Visa Guides by Nationality

Step-by-step China visa requirements, fees and document checklists for travellers from these countries. Nationalities in the access lists above link straight to their own guides.

Show all 120

Check your specific visa requirements for China

Enter your passport to instantly see whether you need a visa for China, how long you can stay, and what documents you need.

Check for your passport →