To promote China’s high-quality development and high-standardâopening up, the Chinese government has introduced multiple measures to facilitate cross-border travel and establish better conditions for other countries to share the opportunities brought by China’s development. The details are listed below:
I.âPilot Visa-Free Policy to 38âCountries
China has extended a pilot short-stay visa waiver policy for ordinary passport holders of 38âcountries, namely Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan. Until December 31, 2025, ordinary passportâholders from these countries can enter China visa-free and stay for up to 30 days for business and trade, tourism, family and friends visit and transit purposes. Travelers from the above-mentioned countries who do not meet the conditions for visa exemption still need to apply for a visa before entering China.
For further details, please refer to Overview of Chinaâs Visa Exemption Policies 2024.
II.âTemporary Reduction of Visa Fees
As a temporary measure, from December 11, 2023 to Decemberâ31, 2024, there is a 25% discount on visa fees. Please consult your local Chinese embassies and consulates for details.
III.âExemption of Fingerprints Collection for Specific Visas
All applicants for single or double entry visa are exemptedâfrom fingerprints collection until (including) December 31, 2025.
IV.âFAQ on Pilot Visa-Free Policies
Q1: Do nationals of France, Germany and other countries eligibleâfor the pilot visa waiver need to make declarations to Chinese embassies and consulates in advance?
A1: Nationals of France, Germany and other countries eligible forâthe pilot visa waiver do not need to declare in advance before entering China without a visa.
Q2: Will the purpose of visit be examined by Chinese border inspection authorities when entering China? How will it be done?âAre other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport?
A2: Foreign nationals traveling for purposes of business and trade,âtourism, family and friends visit and transit that meet the visaâwaiver requirements can enter China without a visa uponâexamination and approval by China’s border inspection authorities in accordance with law. For those who travel for purposes that do not meet the visa waiver requirements, or who are not allowed by 3 laws and regulations to enter China, their entry shall be denied by border inspection authorities in accordance with law. It is recommended that travelers bring supporting documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and hotel reservations corresponding to the purpose of their entry. Visa waiver does not apply to those who enter China for work, study or journalistic purposes.
Q3: Is there any additional requirement for minors eligible for a visa waiver?
A3: Visa waiver requirements for minors are the same as for adults.
Q4: Are there any requirements on the type and validity of entry documents?
A4: For foreign nationals, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of intended stay in China is needed. Holders of travel document, temporary or emergency documents other thanâordinary passports are not eligible for the visa waiver.
Q5: How is the 15-day stay period calculated?
A5: Foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver may stay in Chinaâcontinuously from the date of entry to 24:00 of the 15th calendarâday.
Q6: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel from a third country?
A6: Eligible foreign nationals can depart for China from any country or region.
Q7: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel byâforms of transport other than aviation?
A7: The visa waiver applies in all the sea, land and air ports in China that are open to foreign nationals (except where laws, regulations and bilateral arrangements have otherwise specified). For arrivals in China by private transport, certain exit-entry procedures are needed for their means of transport in accordanceâwith laws and regulations of China.
Q8: Does the visa waiver apply to group travel?
A8: The visa waiver applies to all eligible foreign nationals, traveling alone or in groups alike.
Q9: If the length of intended stay exceeds 15 days, can the visa 5âwaiver be extended?
A9: Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 15 days shall apply for a visa corresponding to their purpose of visit in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate. If they have to extend their stay for legitimate reasons after entering China visa-free, they shall apply for a stay or residence permit to the exit-entry authorities of public security organs of China.
Q10: Does the visa waiver allow multiple entries? Is there any restriction on the entry intervals, the number of visa-free entries or total days of stay?
A10: Foreign nationals eligible for the visa waiver can enter Chinaâwithout a visa for multiple times. Currently there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but activities inconsistent with the purpose of visit are prohibited.
V.âList of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between theâPeople’s Republic of China and Foreign Countries
Please refer to this link: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/201202/t20120207_961630.shtml
VI.âConsular Legalisation/ Apostillisation
Please refer to this link: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lsrz/lsrzjjs/
China welcomes friends from all parts of the world and will continue to provide a safe, enjoyable and convenient environment for their trips. For more information, please consult the Chinese embassy or consulates in your country. If you need to apply for a visa, you may access https:/cova.mfa.gov.cn to fill out the online visa application form.
Reference Link: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/202411/t20241114_11526160.shtml
