Eastern Asia

China visa requirements

Travellers from 86 of 198 countries can visit China easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

What 198 passports need to visit China

Find your own passport in the list below for the exact rule.

No visa needed85 of 198 passportsJust show your passport at the border.
Free to visit, live and work1 of 198 passportsVisit, live and work freely.
Visa needed112 of 198 passportsApply at the embassy or consulate.

Types of China visa

Tourist visa and visa-free visits9 optionsThe L visa is for tourism. Some passport holders can visit without a visa, and separate visa-free schemes cover certain regions and tour groups.
Transit visa and visa-free transit3 optionsYou may qualify for a 24-hour or 240-hour stop without a visa while travelling to a different country or region. The G visa is for transit when a visa is needed.
Business visa2 optionsThe M visa is for commercial and trade activities. Hainan also allows some business visits without a visa.
Study visa2 optionsThe X1 visa covers study lasting more than 180 days. The X2 visa covers study lasting no more than 180 days.
Work visa1 optionsThe Z visa is for people going to work in mainland China.
Family, private visit and residence visas6 optionsQ visas cover visits to Chinese relatives or foreign relatives with Chinese permanent residence. S visas cover family visits to foreigners working or studying in China and other private affairs. The D visa is for permanent residence.
Visa-free medical visits to Hainan1 optionsEligible citizens can visit Hainan without a visa for medical treatment. A separate medical visa class is not described.
Visas on arrival4 optionsLimited visas on arrival cover visits to Shenzhen, Zhuhai or Xiamen. A separate port visa covers certain urgent visits.

Find your passport

198 of 198 passports

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

Europe41 of 46 countries
Asia23 of 49 countries
Oceania6 of 14 countries
Americas14 of 35 countries
Africa2 of 54 countries

Planning a trip? Read the China guide

Questions

How many passports can enter China without a visa?

86 of 198 passports can enter without applying before travel.

Which territories belong to China?

Hong Kong and Macau.

What is the most common entry rule for China?

Visa needed: it applies to 112 passports.

Which passports need an embassy visa for China?

112 passports, including India, United States, Pakistan, Nigeria Bangladesh, and 107 more.

Do India passport holders need a visa for China?

Visa needed.

Do United States passport holders need a visa for China?

Visa needed.

Do Nigeria passport holders need a visa for China?

Visa needed.

Do Pakistan passport holders need a visa for China?

Visa needed.

Do Brazil passport holders need a visa for China?

No visa needed, for up to 30 days.

Which region's passports have the easiest access to China?

Europe: 41 of 46 passports enter without applying first.

Reviewed by @snuck