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China Visa and Entry Guide

Whether a traveller needs a visa for China depends on nationality and purpose: 50 countries have visa-free entry for up to 30 days, 55 countries can use 240-hour visa-free transit, and everyone else applies for one of China's visa categories before departure. Every visitor completes the free Digital Arrival Card.

Visa-free scheme currently confirmed until — a further extension is possible but not announced.Checked .

Key facts

Visa-free countries
50, up to 30 days(as of 6 September 2026)[1]
Visa-free confirmed until
31 December 2026[1]
Transit scheme
240 hours, 55 countries, 65 ports[4]
Arrival card
Mandatory since 20 November 2025, free, within 72 h before arrival[5]
Regular processing
About 4 working days at a visa centre
US citizens
Visa required (or 240-hour transit); flat fee USD 140

By nationality

US citizens

Visa required · 240-hour transit

British citizens

Visa-free up to 30 days · 240-hour transit

Canadian citizens

Visa-free up to 30 days · 240-hour transit

Australian citizens

Visa-free up to 30 days · 240-hour transit

The guide

30-day visa-free entry →
Who qualifies, what the 50 countries are, and the conditions.
240-hour visa-free transit →
55 countries, 65 ports, 24 regions — and the third-country rule.
China Digital Arrival Card →
Mandatory for every visitor, free, completed online before arrival.
Visa types →
12 categories from tourist (L) to permanent residence (D).
How to apply →
COVA form, AVAS appointment, fingerprints, processing times.
Documents →
What every application needs and what each category adds.
Fees →
Consular fees by nationality, service fees, the current reduction.
FAQ →
14 questions travellers ask most.

Quick answers

Sources

  1. China Visa-Free Travel — A Complete Guide (policy table by country) — China Briefing (Dezan Shira & Associates) (retrieved 6 September 2026)
  2. China extends visa-free policy for Russia until 31 December 2027 — Interfax, reporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (retrieved 6 September 2026)
  3. Visa-free entry to China extended through 2026 — Newland Chase (retrieved 6 September 2026)
  4. China Extends 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy — National Immigration Administration (retrieved 6 September 2026)
  5. China Digital Arrival Card — official filling service — National Immigration Administration (retrieved 6 September 2026)

By CHINANETZ Editorial Team · First published · Last updated · Sources last checked

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