Preparation

Visa & Entry Policies

Navigate China's new 144-hour transit visa and regional exemptions to enter the country legally and safely.

Last updated: Sun Mar 08 2026

China has rolled out unprecedented visa-free policies to encourage inbound tourism. Finding out whether you qualify can save you weeks of embassy bureaucracy.

International arrivals at a futuristic Chinese airport terminal

144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

If you hold a passport from one of 54 qualifying countries, you can enter designated Chinese regions for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region (e.g., USA -> Beijing -> Seoul).

Key ports of entry:

  • Beijing (Capital & Daxing)
  • Shanghai (Capital & Pudong)
  • Hangzhou, Nanjing
  • Guangzhou

15-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Entry

Citizens from select European and Asian countries (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and several others recently added) can enter China for business, tourism, or visiting relatives for up to 15 days entirely visa-free.

Using the Visa Wizard

To get a personalized answer instantly instead of reading complex diplomatic documents, use our interactive tool below:

Step 1: Your Nationality

Which passport will you be traveling with?