Since the end of last year, China has implemented visa exemption policies for 38 countries to facilitate cross-border travel. Here are some frequently asked questions about visa-free travel to China.

Q: Who is eligible for the visa waiver?

A: Ordinary passport holders from 38 countries are eligible. These countries are Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan.

They can be exempted from visa requirement if entering China for the purpose of business, tourism, visits to family or friends, exchanges and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without a visa.

 

Q: Do I need to make declarations to Chinese embassies and consulates in advance?

A: Foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver do not need to declare in advance to Chinese embassies and consulates before entering China without a visa.

 

Q: Are other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport?

A: Foreign nationals traveling for purposes of business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchanges and transits that meet the visa waiver requirements can be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval.

It is recommended to take documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and reservations of accommodation as a proof corresponding to the purposes of entry into China. The visa waiver does not apply to those who come to China for work, study and journalism purposes.

 

Q: Is there any additional requirement for minors?

A: Visa waiver requirements for minors are the same as for adults.

 

Q: Are there any requirements for the type and validity of entry documents?

A: For foreign nationals, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of the intended stay in China is needed. Holders of travel documents or temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not allowed to enter into China without a visa.

Q: How to calculate the 30-day stay?

A: Foreigners eligible for a visa waiver may stay in China continuously without a visa from the date of entry to the 30th calendar day until 24:00.

 

Q: Can I travel from a third country?

A: You can depart for China from any country or region.

 

Q: What if I travel by means other than air?

A: The visa waiver applies to all travelers coming to China by sea, road and air – open to foreign nationals, except where laws, regulations and bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). For arrivals in China by private transport, certain procedures for entry and exit of means of transport shall be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.

 

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to tour groups?

A: The visa waiver applies to eligible foreign nationals either in tour groups or as individuals.

 

Q: If I stay longer than 30 days, can the visa waiver be extended?

A: Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 30 days shall apply for visas corresponding to their purposes of stay in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates. If they have to stay longer than 30 days for appropriate and sufficient reasons after entering China without a visa, they shall apply for stay permits to the exit and entry administrations of the public security authorities of China.

 

Q: Does the visa waiver allow multiple entries? Is there any requirement as to the length of time between each entry?

Foreign nationals eligible for the visa waiver can enter China multiple times without a visa. Currently there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but those who enjoy visa-free travel to China shall not engage in activities inconsistent with their purposes of entry.

 

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of Consular Affairs