🇨🇳China Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Asia· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for China?
It depends on your passport. Out of 197 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 80 enter China visa-free, 3 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival and 114 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
80
nationalities
Visa on arrival
3
nationalities
Consular visa
114
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for China
Visa for airport or land transit.
- Stay:
- 5 days
- Fee:
- 23-140 USD
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (nia.gov.cn), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
China visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime China applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
China visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category China publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa | Business | 90 days | 23-140 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Work visa | Work | 1 year (renewable) | 23-140 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | Duration of programme | 23-140 USD | 20 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Family Reunification | Family | 1 year | 23-140 USD | 30 business days | Portal | |
| Transit visa | Transit | 5 days | 23-140 USD | 10 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Beijing
Population
1,420,000,000
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY ¥)
Languages
Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu, Min Bei, Min Nan, Xiang, Gan, Hakka
Continent
Asia
Calling code
+86
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Area
9,596,961 km²
Government
Socialist People's Republic
National day
October 1st - National Day
Internet domain
.cn
About
China is the world's second-largest economy and most populous country. In 2026, it is implementing its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), focused on technological self-reliance and high-quality development. The country is undergoing a major economic transition toward innovation and industrial consolidation.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Low)
- Avoid displaying wealth
- Stay vigilant in crowded public transport
- Use official taxis or transportation apps
Terrorism(Low)
- Stay informed of government warnings
- Avoid political gatherings
Transport
- Use well-developed public transportation
- Wear a mask in case of poor air quality
- Respect local traffic rules
Natural risks(Possible earthquakes in certain regions, typhoons in coastal areas, seasonal floods)
- Familiarize with evacuation procedures
- Check weather forecasts before travel
- Have an emergency plan
Health(Modern healthcare system in major cities, variable quality in rural areas. Adequate medical coverage for residents and visitors.)
- Check recommended vaccinations before travel
- Obtain international health insurance
- Consult a doctor before consuming tap water
- Use internationally accredited hospitals
Practical tips
- Save important documents and keep copies
- Keep emergency numbers of your embassy
- Respect local laws and government restrictions
- Avoid sensitive political discussions
- Use VPNs if necessary to access certain services
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Shanghai · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
Not safe - use filtered or bottled water
No mandatory tipping - uncommon practice
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
China
Collins Zhao
China
yong zhu
China
Celeste Li
China
Collins Zhao
China
Jan Dvorak
China
周赛 王
China
jason hu
China
Collins Zhao
China
haiyang Liu
China
Willian Justen de Vasconcellos
China
Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz
China
molin liu
China
Rylee Yi
China
Serena Xu
China
周赛 王
China
逐光 创梦
China
Jill Qin
China
David Tran
China
Ninh Tien Dat
China
oner st
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
China Visa 2026: Exemptions, Tourist L Visa, Fees and Application
The 30-day exemption is extended until 31 December 2026 for French citizens, Ecuadorians stay visa-free under a bilateral deal, but nearly…
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
Staying airside and crossing immigration are not governed by the same rules. When a transit visa becomes mandatory, the Schengen case, the…
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to China?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for China across 197 nationalities: 80 visa-free, 3 with a visa on arrival, 114 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a China visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 23 USD (Business visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for China?▾
China issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 5 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to China?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate overall risk. China maintains general social stability, but some regions pose specific risks. Travelers should remain vigilant against pickpockets in tourist and urban areas.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in China?▾
The official currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY ¥). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of China?▾
The capital of China is Beijing. The main spoken languages are: Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu, Min Bei, Min Nan, Xiang, Gan, Hakka.
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