China visa requirements by nationality
Whether you need a visa for China depends on the passport you hold. Of the 14 most-checked passports, 8 enter visa-free and 6 need to apply for something in advance. Visa-free stays run to 30 days depending on nationality. Find your passport in the table below for the exact rule, the stay length, the passport validity required, and any arrival registration you have to complete separately.
Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau operate separate immigration systems. A visa for mainland China does not admit you to Hong Kong or Macau, and entering either of those does not give you entry to the mainland.
Entry rules by passport
Select your nationality for the full answer: stay length, passport validity, pre-registration and how to apply.
| Passport | What you need | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithuania | Visa requiredNo stated limitApply for a Lithuania passport | — | Apply for a Lithuania passport |
| Germany | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| United Kingdom | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| United States | Visa requiredNo stated limitApply for a United States passport | — | Apply for a United States passport |
| France | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| Poland | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| Netherlands | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| Spain | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| Italy | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| Brazil | Visa-freeUp to 30 days | 30 days | |
| India | Visa (apply online)No stated limitApply for a India passport | — | Apply for a India passport |
| Türkiye | Visa (apply online)No stated limitApply for a Türkiye passport | — | Apply for a Türkiye passport |
| Nigeria | Visa (apply online)No stated limitApply for a Nigeria passport | — | Apply for a Nigeria passport |
| South Africa | Visa (apply online)No stated limitApply for a South Africa passport | — | Apply for a South Africa passport |
“Apply” links go to our partner iVisa. trip1 earns a commission if you apply through one, at no extra cost to you. You can always apply directly with the government instead.
Where to stay in China
Featured stays on trip1. Book once you know what you need to get in.
Need a China visa?
Apply through our partner iVisa. Forms, fees and government submission are handled, with status updates until it is approved.
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What to do next
The part most visa checkers leave out: what actually needs doing before you fly.
Confirm with the official source
Rules change without notice, and only the immigration authority of China can tell you where you stand. Search for its official site before you travel.
Check your passport
Passport validity required: valid for period of stay. Renew first if you are close, because this is the most common reason travellers are turned away.
Arrival Card required
Separate from any visa: China requires this registration before or on arrival. Do it even if you need no visa.
Good to know about China
Check which of the three you are actually entering. One trip that takes in the mainland and Hong Kong normally needs permission for both.
Not your passport?
Check any of the 211 nationalities we hold rules for.
Now pick the passport you travel on.
Once you are in China
Where trip1 travellers go, and what to read before you book.
Travelling somewhere else?
Check any passport against any destination