China Travel Entry Requirements 2026

Written by Natalia | Updated October 14,2025

Policies to visit China have become increasingly open, and it’s becoming easier for visitors to navigate the country. Still, it’s important to be aware of both entry requirements and government travel advisories before planning your China tour.

China travel advisory varies depending on your country of origin. This article will be your helpful guide to China travel restrictions including entry and visa policies, international travel regulations, regional restrictions and practical tips for travelers.

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Entry Requirements & Visa Policies
International Travel to China
Current China Travel Restrictions
Practical Tips for Travelers
Emergency Contacts & Resources
FAQs on China Travel Advisory
Plan Your Perfect Trip with China Xian Tour

Entry Requirements & Visa Policies

China currently has a number of visa-free policies for international travelers. They have made visiting China a lot easier for many people. You should check if you meet the requirements of these policies which may depend on your country of origin, travel itinerary, the length. If you’re not eligible for any of the visa-free policies, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa.

Here are some options for meeting China travel entry restrictions.

10-Day Visa-Free Transit

The 240-Hour Visa Free Transit policy applies to travelers from 55 countries. If you’re traveling from China to a third country or region, you can enter China without a visa through one of the 60 designated ports and remain for as long as 240 hours. It’s important to note that you will be asked to present your ticket to your destination after China.

Guangzhou Visa-Free Transit — Guangzhou Visa-free Processing Counter

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

The 30-Day Visa-Free policy allows visitors from 48 countries to travel to China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. The purpose of travel may be for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, and transit. This is the easiest entry policy if you’re citizen of one of the eligible countries.

15-Day Visa-Free Entry

The 15-Day Visa-Free policy currently allows citizens of 15 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland, to visit China without a visa and stay for as long as 15 days. It’s the perfect amount of time for a visa-free China tour.

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

The 24-Hour Visa Free Transit policy applies to visitors of all nationalities. As long as you hold a confirmed connecting ticket to a third destination through China, you are eligible for leaving the airport without a visa and remaining in China for up to 24 hours. You can go on a layover day tour in the city of your transiting airport.

Recommended China Visa-Free Tours:

China Visa on Arrival

Although applying for a China visa on arrival is the easiest and fastest way, it is only for foreign visitors on organized China tours with a local agency and those visiting China for an emergency purpose. There’s also no guarantee that you will be given entry, so it’s highly recommended that you apply for a China visa before your trip if you need one.

China Visa Application

Applying for a Chinese visa is not difficult. You will most likely need a tourist visa (L-visa) depending on your purpose of travel. Go to the official website of China Online Visa Application and fill out the China Online Visa Application form. Print out the form after completing it and sign at designated area.

Prepare all your required documents including your passport, a photo, your application form, and other supporting documents. Submit them at your nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Pay the visa application fee and pick up your visa at the appointed date.

International Travel to China

Here are some important China travel advisories for traveling by air.

International Flights to China

There are many international flights that connect China with major cities around the world. The two busiest hubs for air travel in China are Beijing in the north and Shanghai in the south. You will find direct flights from cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York in North America, London, Paris, Amsterdam in Europe, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo in Asia, and Sydney, Melbourne in Australia.

Other major aviation hubs include Guangzhou and Hong Kong. In general, it won’t make too much of a difference which city you fly into as long as it fits your itinerary. You can start your China tour from Beijing, from Shanghai, or other cities.

Recommended China Tours from Major Hubs:

China Airport Regulations & Customs Rules

China flight and airport regulation mostly involves baggage declaration. Common items that you may need to declare are personal items that will be left in China valued over CNY 2,000, over 1,500 ml of alcohol (over 12% ABV), more than 400 cigarettes, and cash over CNY 20,000. You’re not allowed to carry animals or animal products.

Transit Rules for Layover in China

Here are some important China travel advisories if you’re making a transit. First, check if you meet the requirements of the visa-free transit policies. They may allow you to extend your visit. Second, you must enter and exit the country through a designated port. You are only allowed to travel within the designated area. Most importantly, make sure you have a confirmed onward ticket to your next destination.

Current China Travel Restrictions

Latest Update on China Travel Restrictions in 2025

Currently, China has few travel restrictions. You just need to make sure you meet the entry requirements. There are no longer any COVID-19-related travel restrictions. You don’t need to provide testing results, vaccination proof, or quarantine after your arrival.

Health & Safety Requirements

The health declaration form is no longer required for foreigners entering China. Nor are there any vaccination requirements. It is in general very safe to travel to China, though it is still recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your trip in case of emergencies.

Traffic conditions of Beijing's Fourth Ring Road — Traffic conditions of Beijing’s Fourth Ring Road

Practical Tips for Travelers

Is it Safe to Travel to China?

Overall, China is one of the safest countries for international travel in the world. There is excellent infrastructure and public security systems. Crime rates are low, and locals are friendly. These days, technology makes communication, transportation, and payment a lot easier. Visitors usually don’t have to worry about safety in China.

China Travel Safety Tips

Set up mobile payment: the best way to ensure smooth payment and financial safety in China is to set up electronic payment methods. It will be convenient and secure.
Be aware of your surrounding: when you’re in crowded areas like on public transportation or at attractions, pay attention to your surroundings. Petty crimes are not common, but they do happen in China.
Follow traffic regulations: China public transportation is very easy to use. Just make sure you follow the rules and traffic regulations as the roads can get very busy.

Best Time to Travel to China

When considering the best time for your China trip, you should take into account the climate of your destination. In general, spring and autumn tend to be the best time with comfortable temperature, nice weather conditions for outdoor activities, and the most beautiful sceneries. It’s important to note that you might want to avoid traveling during public holidays in China because the volume of tourism traffic will be very high.

Emergency Contacts & Resources

U.S. Embassy & Consulates

U.S. Embassy in Beijing

Address: 55 Anjialou Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100600
Phone: 010-8531-3000

U.S. Consulate in Shanghai

Address: 1469 Huai Hai Zhong Road (Near Wulumuqi Nan Lu), Shanghai, China, 200031
Phone: 021-8011-2200

U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou

Address: 43 Hua Jiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, 510623
Phone: 020-3814-5000

Canada Embassy & Consulates

Canada Embassy in Beijing

Address: 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District Beijing, China, 100600
Phone: 010- 5139-4000

Canada Consulate in Shanghai

Address: ECO City Building, 8th floor, 1788 Nanjing Xi Lu – Jing An District, Shanghai, China, 200040
Phone: 021-3279-2800

Canada Consulate in Guangzhou

Address: 26/F, TaiKoo Hui Tower 1, 385 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China, 510620
Phone: 020-8611-6100

U.K. Embassy & Consulates

U.K. Embassy in Beijing

Address: 11 Guang Hua Lu, Jian Guo Men Wai, 100600 Beijing, China
Phone: 010-5192-4218

U.K. Consulate in Shanghai

Address: The British Centre, 17F Garden Square, 968 West Beijing Road, 200041 Shanghai, China
Phone: 021-3279-2000

U.K. Consulate in Guangzhou

Address: 22/F Guangzhou International Finance Centre, 5 Zhujiang Road West, Zhujiang New Town, 510623 Guangzhou, China
Phone: 020-8333-6485

Japan Embassy & Consulates

Japan Embassy in Beijing

Address: No.1 Liangmaqiao Dongjie, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600
Phone: 010-8531-9800

Japan Consulate in Shanghai

Address: 8 Wan Shan Road, Shanghai, China
Phone: 021-5257-4766

Malaysia Embassy & Consulates

Malaysia Embassy in Beijing

Address: No. 2, Liang Ma Qiao Bei Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
Phone: 010-6532-2532

Singapore Embassy & Consulates

Singapore Embassy in Beijing

Address: No. 1 Xiu Shui Bei Jie, Jian Guo Men Wai, Chao Yang District, Beijing 100600
Phone: 010-6532-1115

FAQs on China Travel Advisory

Is it currently safe to travel to China?

Yes, China is one of the safest places to travel to in the world. It has an excellent public security system and little crimes.

Do transit passengers need a visa when connecting through China?

Depending on your country of origin, travel plans, and transit time, you may or may not need a visa when connecting through China. You can check to see if you meet the requirements for China’s visa-free policies.

What documents are required to prove the purpose of travel (e.g. tourism, business) for visa-free entry?

For tourism, it’s recommended to provide your travel itinerary, booking confirmations, and confirmation for your onward journey. For business, you will need to provide your invitation letter from a business contact, conference or event registration details, and a letter from your employer stating your position and purpose of travel.

Do the visa-free policies for mainland of China also cover travel to Hong Kong and Macau?

Hong Kong and Macau operate under different visa-free policies from the mainland of China.

What rules apply to the use of VPNs or accessing foreign internet services while in China?

Using VPNs personally to access foreign internet services are not recommended in China unless for approved business-related purposes.

Plan Your Perfect Trip with China Xian Tour

Travel to China with China Xian Tour. We are a licensed tour company with experience and expertise. We can help you with travel documents, customize your itinerary, and ensure the safety of your journey. Here are some of the most popular China tours that our customers have enjoyed.