Visa Basics for Tourists
Know whether you qualify for China’s 2026 visa-free policies, what the stay limits are, and the key entry steps to avoid delays.
Quick answer
In 2026 many travelers can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, but you still need a valid passport, arrival card, and proof of onward travel and lodging.
Check your visa-free track
China’s 2026 visa-free system has three main tracks: unilateral visa-free access, mutual visa exemption agreements, and transit visa-free stays.
Most eligible countries on the unilateral and mutual lists can stay for up to 30 days, while transit visa-free stays range from 24 hours to 240 hours depending on the city and nationality.
Entry requirements still apply
Visa-free does not mean paperwork-free. You must have a valid ordinary passport (typically with at least six months validity), complete the arrival card, and be ready to show a return or onward ticket.
Keep accommodation details ready in English (and ideally Chinese), whether you are staying in hotels or with a host.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Arrival card completed on entry
- Onward or return flight ticket
- Hotel booking or host address/phone
Important rules after arrival
You must register your temporary residence within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically; stays with friends or in rentals require local police registration or the official online mini-app.
Stay limits are strict and count from 00:00 the day after entry. If you need more time, apply for a stay permit before the limit expires.
Special cases and practical prep
Some areas, such as Tibet, still require a separate travel permit arranged through a travel agency even if you are visa-free.
China is largely cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and link an international card before you arrive to make payments easier.