Getting there
Planning your journey to China starts with understanding how to get there and what you’ll need before boarding your flight. China is well connected to the world with major international airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Many global airlines offer direct or connecting flights, making it accessible from nearly every continent.
Before traveling, ensure you have the appropriate visa. Most visitors require a visa to enter China, with types varying depending on your purpose—tourism, business, study, or transit. Requirements can differ by country, so it's best to check the visa category that fits your situation.
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
As of 2025, China offers 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of several countries for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, and transit. This policy aims to promote international travel and strengthen diplomatic ties.
Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Asia-Pacific
- Australia
- Brunei
- Japan
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
Middle East
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
Latin America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Peru
- Uruguay
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
China’s new 240-hour (six-day) visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 54 eligible countries to enter select Chinese cities without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country. Travelers must show a valid passport and a connecting ticket to a third destination upon arrival at a designated port of entry. This option is ideal for short stopovers and exploring parts of China without going through a full visa application.
Europe
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Americas
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Chile
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
Asia
- South Korea
- Japan
- Singapore
- Brunei
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
Regular Visa Types
When planning a trip to China, selecting the right visa type is an important first step. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit—whether it’s for tourism, business, work, study, or transit. China offers a range of visa categories, each with specific requirements and permitted activities. Understanding these options will help ensure a smooth application process and avoid complications during your stay.
To apply for a visa, you’ll need to go through your local Chinese embassy or consulate. Each location may have slightly different procedures, required documents, and appointment systems, so it’s important to check the official website of the Chinese diplomatic mission in your country or region for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity Period | Max Stay per Entry | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Tourism | 3–6 months | 30–60 days | Single / Double |
| M | Business | 3–12 months | 30–60 days | Single / Double / Multiple |
| F | Non-commercial exchanges (visits, research) | 3–12 months | 30–90 days | Single / Double / Multiple |
| Z | Employment | 3 months (to apply for residence) | N/A (residence permit issued) | Single |
| X1 | Long-term Study (>180 days) | 180 days | 150 days | Single |
| X2 | Short-term Study (≤180 days) | 3–6 months | ≤180 days | Single |
| S1 | Family Visit (>180 days) | 180 days | 90 days | Single |
| S2 | Family Visit (≤180 days) | 3–6 months | ≤180 days | Single |
| G | Transit | Up to 30 days | Up to 7 days | Single / Multiple |
| C | Crew members (aviation, maritime) | Up to 30 days | As per airline / company | Multiple |
Flights
China has several large international airports that serve as major gateways for travelers arriving from around the world. These airports are located in key cities and are well-connected to global airline networks, offering a wide range of international and domestic flights.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
One of the busiest airports in Asia, serving the capital city. A common arrival point for trans-Pacific and Europe–Asia routes. - Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
A newer, modern hub located south of Beijing, built to handle growing passenger traffic. - Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
The main international gateway for eastern China, serving Shanghai and nearby regions. - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
A major hub in southern China, convenient for those heading to the Pearl River Delta or Hong Kong region. - Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
A growing hub in western China, ideal for travelers visiting Sichuan province or connecting to inland cities. - Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
Located near Hong Kong, serving the tech hub of Shenzhen and the wider Guangdong area. - Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Though not in mainland China, it’s often used as an entry point with onward travel to southern mainland cities.