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 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.