🇨🇳 China · Tourist Visa
Tourist and visitor visa requirements, visa-free entry, duration, and application steps.
Tourism in China normally uses the L (tourist) visa, applied for before travel through a Chinese visa application service centre. China has also expanded visa-free options: unilateral visa-free entry for nationals of a growing list of countries (up to 30 days as of 2026) and visa-free transit for many travellers. Visa-free entry is for tourism/business only — not work. Confirm current eligibility with the National Immigration Administration.
- The L (tourist) visa is the standard route; apply before travel via a Chinese visa application service centre.
- Unilateral visa-free entry now applies to nationals of a growing list of countries (up to 30 days as of 2026).
- Visa-free transit is available for many travellers via designated ports — check the current rules.
- Visa-free entry is for tourism/business only and does not permit work.
Official authorities
- National Immigration Administration
Official entry, visa-free and transit-visa information.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- China Government Portal — State Council official portal — policy releases, public services, and government documents
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs — China's foreign policy and consular services — passport, visa, and consular protection info
- National Immigration Administration — Visas, permanent residency, and border control for foreigners entering China
- State Taxation Administration — Personal income tax filing, business tax registration, and VAT invoice verification