Many passports now qualify for visa-free entry to China for short tourism or business trips, but eligibility depends on nationality, purpose, length of stay and port of entry. There is no single rule for every traveller. We confirm the current rule for your passport and route in writing before you book.
This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Entry and payment rules change. We confirm the current rule for your passport and route in writing before you book.
Who visa-free entry usually covers
Visa-free arrangements are negotiated country by country. Some passports can enter for tourism or business for a fixed number of days; others still need a visa, or can use a transit policy instead. The list changes, sometimes at short notice.
Do not rely on a screenshot, a forum post or a friend's experience from last year. The two questions that matter are: which passport are you travelling on, and what is the purpose and length of your visit?
- Your passport must usually be valid for at least six months beyond arrival.
- You may need a confirmed onward or return ticket and an accommodation address.
- The permitted purpose is normally tourism, family visit, business meetings or transit — not work or study.
- Entry is still decided by the border officer, even when a policy applies.
What to prepare before you fly
Carry your passport, a printed or offline copy of your onward ticket, your first hotel address and the contact details of your local operator. If you are using a visa-free arrangement, be ready to explain your route and length of stay clearly.
If your passport is not covered, we can provide a visa invitation letter and help you prepare the application. The invitation is not a visa; the embassy or visa centre makes the decision.
The honest disclaimer
This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change and individual circumstances vary. We check the current rule for each guest against official sources before confirming a journey, and we put the advice in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter China visa-free for tourism?
Some passports can, for a limited number of days and usually for tourism or business. It depends on your nationality and the current policy. Send us your passport nationality and dates and we will confirm the rule that applies to you.
Do I need an onward ticket for visa-free entry?
Border officers may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation and sufficient funds. Carry a confirmed onward or return ticket and your first hotel address.
Can I work in China on a visa-free entry?
No. Visa-free entry is normally limited to tourism, family visits, business meetings or transit. Paid work or study requires the appropriate visa.
Send us your passport and route.
We will check the current rule and reply in plain English, usually within one working day.
Last updated: 1 November 2026. Rules can change; confirm before you travel.