Quick Answer
Can Germany citizens visit China visa-free in 2026?
Yes. Germany passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days. The stay is for tourism, business, or family visits and cannot be extended inside mainland China.
Source: Chinese MFA, 2026
Visa policy for Chinese borders
30-day visa-free entry to China. Valid for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. Extension possible through local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China.
Common questions
Do German citizens need a visa for China in 2026?+
No. German passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the Schengen-China bilateral visa exemption.
How long can a German citizen stay in China without a visa?+
Up to 30 days per entry. The exemption covers tourism, business, family visits, and transit. For work, study, or stays over 30 days, apply for the appropriate visa at a Chinese consulate.
Can Germans use the 240-hour visa-free transit?+
Yes. German citizens can transit through eligible Chinese ports for up to 240 hours when continuing to a third country.
Visa & travel facts
- Visa status
- Visa-free, 30 days
- Max stay
- Up to 30 days
- Capital
- Berlin
- Currency
- EUR
- Region
- Europe
Alipay & foreign cards
Cards that work: Visa, Mastercard
- DKB Visa (no FTF worldwide)
- Comdirect Visa
- N26 Mastercard (no FTF)
Often unreliable: Most Sparkasse cards, Volksbank cards (mixed reports)
- DKB and N26 cards consistently work; legacy Sparkasse cards have higher decline rates.
- German debit cards from DKB, N26, Comdirect perform better than credit cards in some merchant categories.
Connectivity — eSIM & VPN
| Provider | Data | Price | Notes |
|---|
| Airalo | 5–20 | $9–$32 | Best for DE travelers. |
| Holafly | 5–unlimited | $19–$50 | Unlimited data. |
| O2 / Vodafone DE | EU roaming | €0-€5/day | EU roaming may include China on some tariffs; check before flying. |
VPN that works: Astrill, NordVPN (DE servers fast), ProtonVPN (Swiss-based)
Avoid: Avira Phantom VPN Free VPNs
- Telekom DE roaming at €4.95/day — pricey but works; eSIM is 60% cheaper.
- EU roaming may apply to China on some O2/Vodafone tariffs — check your plan.
Tax refund
Eligible for the departure sales-tax refund — minimum spend ¥500.
- Tax Free Shopping stores.
- Form at checkout, passport required.
- Airport Tax Free counter (departures).
- Refund in EUR to German bank or cash.
Participating airports: Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Frankfurt connecting flights
Your embassy in Beijing
No. 17 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District · +86 10 8532 9000 · +86 10 8532 9000 (24/7 consular line) · Mon-Fri 8:30-17:00
Plan the rest of your trip