Visa-free policies

China has implemented various visa-free policies to facilitate travel for foreign nationals visiting the country. They include transit visa-free arrangements, unilateral and mutual visa-free policies for certain countries, visa-free entry through shipping cruise ports and more.

144-hour visa-free transit in Shanghai

You can now easily explore the wonders of Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region with China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy, making the most of your extended layover.

The guide to applying for a Chinese visa

Whether you want to come to Shanghai for business, work, or travel, you will likely need a Chinese visa.

Visa update: No more fingerprints for short stays

To streamline the visa application process, China will waive the requirement for fingerprint collection for all short-term visa applicants from Sept 2, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025.

How to apply for a port e-visa

China has launched a port e-visa service in Shanghai for foreigners invited by enterprises at China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang Special Area, effective July 12, 2024.

Visa-free transit policies for foreign visitors

China has implemented a range of visa-free transit policies to facilitate short-term travel. You can now enjoy the 24-hour visa-free transit or the 72/144-hour visa-free transit.

FAQs: China's visa-free entry policy

Foreign citizens applying for visa-free entry, upon their arrival in China, can stay 15 consecutive natural days, until the 24th hour of the 15th natural day, before leaving China.

Foreign citizens eligible for the visa-free entry policy, whether in groups or as individuals, can apply for the visa-free entry policy.

What is a port visa?

China's port visa is similar to a "visa on arrival" offered by other countries. Port visa refers to a method of visa application, rather than denoting a specific visa category such as "business" or "tourist".

Applying for a X (study) visa

Long-term study visa (X1-visa) is issued to those intending to study in China mainland for a period of more than 180 days.

Applying for a S (private matter) visa

Private matter visa (S-visa) is issued to those wanting to visit family members that are foreigners working or studying in the Chinese mainland, or to those who intend to visit the Chinese mainland for other private reasons.