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China visa checker (2026)
Check if you need a visa for China, and which one (30-day visa-free, 240-hour transit, or full visa).
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§ 01 · What this tool does
China visa checker (2026).
Check if you need a visa for China, and which one (30-day visa-free, 240-hour transit, or full visa).
- → Quick answer (not a 20-minute read).
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2026rates verified
Quick Answer
What is the china visa checker (2026)?
Check if you need a visa for China, and which one (30-day visa-free, 240-hour transit, or full visa).
Inputs
Result
Awaiting your passport country
Status
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Stay length
Select a country to see
Visa type
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Processing
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Note: Pick a passport country from the dropdown above and click Check visa requirements.
Select your country to see visa requirements.
Last verified 2026-07-28 · Editorial team reviews all tool inputs and rates monthly.
3 ways to use this result
Pick the path that matches how much time you want to spend planning.
Free · Online
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Instant result, no account, no email. Bookmark the URL to revisit. Best for travelers who want a quick answer and are happy to act on it themselves.
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Personalized 1-page plan
Fill the "Send me a plan" form below. Our editors send a customized PDF within 24 hours, with your dates, your style, and the 3 booking links you actually need.
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Full trip design
For complex trips (multi-city, multi-week, large group, business + leisure). Our China-based editors build the full itinerary, book everything, and stay on call for the trip. Quoted per trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this tool really free?
Yes — every tool on NihaoVisit is free to use, with no account, no email, and no paywall. The site is funded by affiliate commissions from booking platforms (Trip.com, Booking.com, Klook, Airalo) when readers act on our recommendations. The tool results are independent of any booking decision.
Do I need a VPN to use these tools?
No — NihaoVisit tools run on standard web infrastructure accessible from any country. Some linked booking platforms (Booking.com, Trip.com) work without a VPN; others (some Klook pages) load faster from within China with a domestic connection. Results are not affected by your location.
How accurate are the prices and rates?
Rates are re-verified monthly against the source platforms (12306 for HSR, official embassy pages for visa, Booking.com / Trip.com / Klook for activities). The 2026 verification date is shown in the trust bar above. Where a rate is volatile (currency exchange, hotel pricing), the tool clearly labels it as an estimate rather than a guaranteed rate.
Can I save my results and come back later?
Yes — the URL of every tool result is shareable and bookmarkable. Open the same link on any device to see the same result (we store inputs in the URL, not in cookies or accounts). For a 7-day plan you can revisit, use the "Send me a plan" form below the tool — we email a PDF version within 24 hours.
Is my data private?
Yes — we do not collect personal data from any tool. The cost calculator, visa checker, and HSR planner all run client-side or with ephemeral server calls; nothing is stored. The lead form below is opt-in and only used to send the one email you requested. See our Privacy Policy for the full data-handling details.
What if the result is wrong or outdated?
Email us via the contact form (linked in the footer) or use the "File a correction" link on any page. Our editorial team verifies every reported issue within 48 hours and updates the fixture or rate that produced the result. Corrections are credited on the page once shipped.
Does this work on mobile?
Yes — every tool is mobile-first. Inputs use native pickers (date, slider, number) and results are formatted for portrait screens. The cost calculator, plan-my-trip, and Great Wall picker all work offline once loaded (PWA). On desktop, results are displayed in a 2-column grid (inputs left, results right).
Can I use this for a business trip or group booking?
Yes — the cost calculator scales from 1 to 12 travelers. For larger groups (>12), the per-person rate stops being accurate; use the "Send me a plan" form below and our editors will prepare a custom quote within 24 hours. For corporate / incentive travel, contact us directly via the editorial contact page.
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China Visa Denied 2026: What to Do, Can You Reapply?
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China Tourist Visa Extension 2026: 30-Day Rule, Permits, Process
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How We Research 2026: NihaoVisit’s Methodology for China Travel Information
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Fact-Checking Log 2026: Verified China Travel Information — NihaoVisit
A public log of fact-checking verification passes on NihaoVisit, showing what was verified, when, and against which sources — covering visa
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Is China Safe to Visit in 2026? A Realistic Safety Guide for Tourists
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The best time to visit most of China is April–May and September–October. Winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but cheap; summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and cro
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China High-Speed Rail for Foreigners 2026: Booking, Seat Classes, Trip.com vs 12306, and Station Guide
China has the world’s largest high-speed rail network — 45,000+ km covering every major city at 250–350 km/h. Foreigners can book online via
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China Trip Cost 2026: Realistic Daily Budgets for Backpacker, Mid-Range, and Luxury
A 7-day China trip costs $700–$1,500 per person mid-range (Beijing + Shanghai), $400–$700 backpacker, and $3,000+ luxury. Flights and visa a
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VPN for China 2026: Which VPNs Work, eSIM Alternatives, and the Complete Pre-Trip Checklist
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A Chinese SIM or eSIM lets you use mobile data, maps, and ride-hailing without WiFi. Here is how to get one, the cost, and which provider to
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for China in 2026?
It depends on your passport. 38+ countries get 30-day visa-free entry. 55+ more can use the 240-hour visa-free transit. Everyone else needs a tourist (L) visa. Use this tool to check your specific passport.
How long can I stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days for citizens of countries with bilateral or unilateral visa-free agreements (e.g. US, UK, Australia, most of EU, Japan, South Korea). Transit visa-free allows up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting through an eligible port to a third country.
Do I need a visa for the 240-hour transit?
No — the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit is exactly what allows you to enter China without applying for a visa first, provided you are transiting through an eligible port to a third country. Available at 60+ ports across China.
Can I extend my visa-free stay once in China?
Generally no. Visa-free entry is for the stated period only. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa extension at a local Public Security Bureau before your permitted stay expires.
Do US citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. US passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business. The exemption is unilateral and renewed annually; verify the current effective dates on the Chinese embassy website before booking.
How long can a US citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry under the unilateral visa-free policy. The stay cannot be extended inside China; if you need more time, apply for an L (tourist) visa at a Chinese consulate before travelling.
Can US citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, but only as a transit to a third country/region (e.g. Beijing → Tokyo). Stay is up to 240 hours (10 days), restricted to the approved province cluster, and you must hold confirmed onward tickets.
Do UK citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. UK passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the bilateral China-UK visa exemption arrangement that took effect in 2024.
How long can a UK citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. For longer stays, work, or study, apply for the appropriate visa (L, M, F, X, Z) at the Chinese visa application centre in London, Manchester, or Belfast.
Can UK citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes. UK passport holders can transit through 60+ eligible Chinese ports for up to 240 hours (10 days) when travelling on to a third country.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. Canadian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under China's unilateral exemption that took effect in 2024.
How long can a Canadian stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. The exemption covers tourism, business, family visits, and transit purposes. Working, studying, or staying longer than 30 days still requires the appropriate visa.
Can Canadians use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, when transiting through an eligible Chinese port to a third country. Maximum stay 240 hours, restricted to the approved transit zone.
Do Australian citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. Australian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the unilateral China-Australia exemption that took effect in 2024.
How long can an Australian stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. Cannot be extended from inside China — apply for an L visa in advance if you need a longer stay.
Can Australians use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, with confirmed onward tickets to a third country, transiting through an eligible port. Stay is capped at 240 hours within the approved transit region.
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.
Do French citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. French passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the Schengen-China bilateral visa exemption.
How long can a French citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. Cannot be extended inside China. Apply for an L (tourist) visa at a Chinese consulate in advance for longer trips.
Can French citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, with onward tickets to a third country and a transit through an eligible port. Maximum stay 240 hours within the approved transit region.
Do Japanese citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. Japanese passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the bilateral Japan-China exemption.
How long can a Japanese citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. For work, study, or stays over 30 days, the appropriate visa (Z, X, L, etc.) is required.
Can Japanese citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, with confirmed onward tickets and a transit through an eligible port. Stay is up to 240 hours within the approved transit region.
Do South Korean citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. Korean passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the bilateral Korea-China exemption.
How long can a Korean citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. For work, study, or stays over 30 days, apply for the appropriate visa at a Chinese consulate before travelling.
Can Korean citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, with onward tickets to a third country and transit through an eligible port. Stay is capped at 240 hours.
Do Russian citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. Russian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the mutual Russia-China visa exemption.
How long can a Russian citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry under the mutual exemption. Longer stays or work require a visa arranged in advance.
Can Russian citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, Russian citizens can use the 240-hour visa-free transit through eligible ports when continuing to a third country.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
Yes. Indian passport holders do not currently have a visa-free arrangement with China and must apply for an L (tourist), M (business), or other appropriate visa in advance at a Chinese consulate or via the COVA online portal.
How long can an Indian citizen stay in China on a tourist visa?
A standard L visa is typically issued for a stay of 30 days, single entry. Multi-entry L visas with longer validity are available but require stronger documentation (invitation letter, itinerary, return ticket).
Can Indian citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes. Indian citizens can transit through eligible Chinese ports for up to 240 hours when travelling to a third country, provided they hold confirmed onward tickets and stay within the approved transit region.
Do Brazilian citizens need a visa for China in 2026?
No. Brazilian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under the unilateral China-Brazil exemption that took effect in 2024.
How long can a Brazilian citizen stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry. The exemption covers tourism, business, and family visits. For work, study, or longer stays, apply for the appropriate visa in advance.
Can Brazilian citizens use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes, with onward tickets to a third country and transit through an eligible port. Stay is up to 240 hours within the approved transit region.