China Visa Checker
Three quick questions based on policies verified through 8 September 2026.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Ordinary-passport holders from 79 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business or family visits: 50 under China's unilateral policy (including the UK, most EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan) and 29 under mutual agreements (including Singapore and Malaysia). The unilateral policy runs through 31 December 2026 (Russia: through 31 December 2027; Brunei: no stated end date). Mutual agreements are not affected by that date.
US, Indian and Turkish passport holders still need a visa for standard visits. US and Vietnamese passport holders can use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy (57 eligible nationalities) when travelling through China to a third country.
All nationalities may use 24-hour visa-free transit at China's open ports.
① Which passport do you hold?
② What's the purpose of your visit?
③ How long will you be staying?
Related: Entry Requirements · Visa-Free Guide
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Ordinary-passport holders from 79 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business or family visits - 50 under China's unilateral policy (including the UK, most EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan) and 29 under mutual agreements (including Singapore and Malaysia). The unilateral policy runs through 31 December 2026 (Russia: through 31 December 2027); mutual agreements are not affected by that date. US, Indian and several other passport holders still need a visa.
Do US citizens need a visa for China?
Yes. US ordinary-passport holders are not covered by China's visa-free entry policy and need a visa for tourism or business visits. However, US passport holders are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy when travelling through China to a third country.
What is China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
Passport holders from 57 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting to a third country or region. You need a passport valid for at least 3 months, a confirmed onward ticket, and you must use one of the 65 designated ports and stay within the permitted area.
How long can I stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days on ordinary passports from the 79 visa-free countries, or up to 240 hours (10 days) under the transit policy. Stays for work, formal study or news reporting are never covered by visa-free entry.