Visa & Visa-free Entry

Two visa-free tracks — do not mix them up

1. Unilateral visa-free entry (30 days)

• Citizens of 48 countries (most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and more) can enter for up to 30 days without a visa, for tourism, business or family visits.
• Just book a flight and go — no onward ticket formalities specific to this policy, but immigration may ask about your plans.

2. 240-hour transit visa-free

• Covers 55 countries, entering through 65 designated ports with stays of up to 240 hours (10 days) within allowed provinces (24 provincial-level areas).
• Requirements: valid passport, a through ticket with confirmed seats and dates to a third country/region, and a planned itinerary.
• The 240 hours start at 00:00 the day after entry.
• Allowed activities: tourism, business, visiting family/friends. Not allowed: work, study, journalism.
• You must stay within the permitted areas and exit through an eligible port.

If you need a regular visa

• L (tourism) is the standard choice; apply at a Chinese embassy/consulate or visa center with passport, photo, itinerary and hotel bookings.
• Medical treatment has its own visas: S2 (short-term treatment) and S1 (long-term, companion). See our Healthcare page — visa-free entry suits follow-up visits only.

Checklist before you fly

• Check the current country list — it expands regularly (Indonesia joined the 240-hour scheme in June 2025).
• Have your hotel address in Chinese and printed/QR itinerary ready for immigration.
• Visa-free entry generally cannot be extended — plan within the window.