Common ways to enter
Unilateral visa-free entry
Holders of ordinary passports from certain countries can enter without a visa for tourism, business or family visits, for a set number of days each time. The list and its validity are reviewed regularly.
Visa-free transit
Eligible travellers going through China to a third country or region can enter at designated ports and stay briefly within permitted areas. A confirmed onward ticket with a fixed date and seat is required.
Mutual visa exemption
China has mutual visa exemption agreements with some countries; you enter for the stay the agreement allows.
Applying for a visa
If none of the above applies, or you stay longer or for another purpose, apply in advance at a Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre. Tourists usually apply for an L visa.
Visa-free transit: what to check
Visa-free transit has strict conditions. Check your plan against these points:
- Your route must be “from country A via China to country or region B”; a return trip to where you came from usually does not qualify
- You hold a confirmed onward air or sea ticket with a fixed date and seat
- You enter and leave through designated ports
- You stay within the provinces or areas the scheme permits
- How the permitted stay is counted follows the border officers’ instructions
Where to find the latest rules
- 1Official websiteThe National Immigration Administration publishes visa-free and transit schemes with the lists of eligible countries and ports.
- 2Embassy or consulateThe Chinese embassy or consulate in your country answers questions on applications and special cases.
- 3Your airlineAirlines check entry eligibility at check-in, so confirm transit itineraries with them in advance.
- 4Check again before you flyRules can change after you book. Checking once more a week before departure is safest.
On arrival
Show a valid passport and fill in an arrival card or declaration if asked. Border officers may ask about your plans, accommodation and onward or return travel, so keep hotel bookings and tickets on your phone.
Hotels register your passport details when you check in — a routine requirement for foreign guests. If you stay with friends or family, you must register with the local police station.
When you travel with us
You apply for your visa yourself. When we confirm your trip, we point out the entry rules to check for your passport and route, and can provide an itinerary and hotel confirmations for your application or for border control.
Questions
How long can I stay visa-free?
It depends on the scheme, and schemes change. Check the current rules for your nationality on the National Immigration Administration or Chinese embassy website.
Can I visit Zhangjiajie on visa-free transit?
Visa-free transit only allows stays within set provinces or areas. Whether Hunan is covered for your port of entry depends on the official list of ports and areas.
How early should I apply for a visa?
Processing times vary by country. Allow at least a month, more in peak season.
How much passport validity do I need?
Your passport must remain valid for long enough after entry; six months or more is generally advised. Follow the requirements of your visa or visa-free scheme.
Official sources
- National Immigration Administration of China ↗
- China Consular Service (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) ↗
Policies and rules can change. Check the latest information with official sources before you travel.
Sources and verificationOpening hours, prices and booking rules change. We confirm them for your exact dates before you pay anything.