Visa Policy Checker
Find out if you need a visa, how long you can stay, and what type of entry you qualify for.
Quick answers
China visa FAQ for tourists
Do I need a visa for China?
It depends on your passport, trip length, and route. Check your country first, then confirm whether your itinerary also qualifies for 240-hour transit.
Who can use 240-hour visa-free transit?
Travelers need an eligible passport, an approved port, a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and must stay within the permitted area.
Can US tourists enter China visa-free?
US ordinary passport holders usually need a visa for ordinary tourism, but some transit routes can qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit.
After you check entry rules
Book a hotel that can register foreign passports
The first booking risk is not the visa result. It is arriving with a hotel that cannot complete foreign-passport registration.
✈️ 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Transit without visa
Even if your country isn't on the 30-day visa-free list, you may still enter China without a visa using the 240-hour (10-day) transit policy if you're transiting to a third country.
Requirements:
- ✅ Confirmed onward ticket to a different country (not your origin)
- ✅ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- ✅ Stay within designated areas of the entry city/province
- ✅ Entry through designated ports (major airports and some land borders)
- ❌ Cannot travel to Tibet Autonomous Region without separate permit
💡 Pro Tip: Many travelers from visa-required countries use the 240-hour transit policy. Book a flight from your home country → China → a third country (e.g., Japan, Korea, Thailand). You get 10 days in China without a visa!
30-Day Visa-Free Countries
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Visa policies change frequently. This checker only lists countries that are explicitly covered by current 30-day visa-free notices or common visa-required examples. Always verify with the Chinese embassy or consulate before traveling.