Visa Free Travel
Passport holders of Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada travelling to China for tourism or transit may enter visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is currently in place until 31 December 2026.
Countries also included in China’s visa-free policy include:
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Asia/ Oceania: South Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
For further details, please contact the Embassy of China in your home country.
Visa Procurement
If you are unable to get a 30-day free visa, it is crucial to secure your China visa prior to travel by submitting an application at the embassy.
NOTE: Please be advised that visa requirements are subject to change and that visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of return from China.
Getting your visa at the embassy
If arranging your own visa, it is advisable to apply a minimum of 45 days before your trip. Standard visa processing typically takes about 9 to 10 working days.
When applying for a visa you will be required to provide
- A list of the hotels that you will be staying in throughout your holiday.
- Proof of your travel arrangements.
Once you have booked and we have received a scanned copy of your passport, please contact us if you require the above information for your application.
Please note that Hotel Confirmation Vouchers are in Mandarin and are simply required for visa application purposes.
UK residents
United Kingdom Passport Holders have visa-free travel to China for tourism purposes, for stays of up to 30 days. If you are not making use of the free visa, contact:
China Embassy London
49 Portland Place
Marylebone, London
W1B 1JL
Tel: 020 7299 4049
http://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/
US & Canadian residents
Please visit the relevant embassy link below for visa form and instructions.
US Embassy of China2201 Wisconsin Avenue
N.W., Suite 110, Washington D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338-6688
http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/
Canadian passport holders have visa-free travel to China for tourism purposes, for stays of up to 30 days. If you are not using the free visa, contact:
Canadian Embassy of China
515 St. Patrick Street
Ottawa, Ont. K1N 5H3
http://ca.china-embassy.org/eng/lsyw/gzrz/vusa/
AUS & NZ residents
Australia and New Zealand passport holders have visa-free travel to China for tourism purposes, for stays of up to 30 days. If you are not using the free visa contact:
Embassy of China in Australia
15 Coronation Drive, Yarralumla,
Canberra
A.C.T 2600
Tel: 0262734780
http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ls/vfc/
Embassy of China in New Zealand
2-6 Glenmore Street
Kelburn, Wellington
Tel: 044733514
http://www.chinaembassy.org.nz/eng/lsfw/prcd/
South African residents
Please visit the relevant embassy link below for visa form and instructions.
China Embassy
972 Pretorius St,
Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083,
South Africa
Tel: +27 12 431 6500
http://za.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/
Visa requirements - Hong Kong
Most visitors to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China do not require a tourist visa issued in advance of travel. Currently, nationals of Australia, Canada, Ireland, most other EU countries, New Zealand and the US do not require a visa for a stay not exceeding 90 days. UK nationals do not require a visa for a stay not exceeding 180 days, whilst holders of RSA passports do not require a visa for a stay not exceeding 30 days. Your passport must possess at least 2 blank pages and have at least 6 months validity remaining after date of intended exit from China.
Visa requirements are subject to change.
See Also
For further information to help plan your trip to China, see the following:
Best Time to Visit - climate and seasons in China
Best Places to Visit - our favourite spots in China to include on your visit
Top Travel Tips - covering everything from money to health, food to shopping
Traveller Reviews - see what our passengers think of our China tours
Visiting the Great Wall - a handy article on this incredible man-made feat with everything you need to plan the perfect trip
Visiting Pandas - where to see China's iconic pandas
Video Lounge - captivating China caught on camera
