China Visa & Entry Rules
Who needs a visa, how the visa-free schemes work, and what happens at the border. Rules change often, so check the update date on each guide.
Start here
All visas & entry guides
- China Visa-Free 2027: Will the 30-Day Entry Be Extended?No extension of China's 30-day visa-free entry past 31 Dec 2026 is announced as of 7 Nov 2026. What is confirmed and what to do for a January 2027 trip.
- China Visa Photo Size: Exact mm and Pixel RequirementsChina visa photo size is 33 x 48 mm printed, or 354 x 472 to 420 x 560 pixels as a 40 to 120 KB JPEG, on white. Official specs, checked Nov 2026.
- How to Get a Visa to Visit China: 2026 Application GuideTo get a visa to visit China, apply online, submit documents at an embassy or visa center, pay the fee and wait about 4 working days. Steps and costs, Nov 2026.
- China 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: Replaced by 240 HoursChina's 144-hour visa-free transit was replaced by a 240-hour (10-day) policy in December 2024. Here is what changed and where to find the current rules.
- China Customs and Immigration on Arrival: What to ExpectWhat to expect at China immigration and customs: arrival card, passport check, allowances and cash limits. Clear the airport in about 90 minutes.
- China Layover Guide: Medicine, Customs & 24-Hour Transit2026 China layover guide: visa vs transit rules, leaving the airport, medication paperwork, customs, overnight hotels, and 24-hour vs 240-hour transit.
- Stopped by Police in China? Handling Passport ChecksA guide for foreigners on routine police passport checks in China: how to react, what to carry, and what not to do for a smooth interaction.
- Lost Passport in China: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)What to do if you lose your passport in China. Embassy contact, emergency travel documents, police reports, and getting home safely.