Can foreigners travel freely in China?

Foreign citizens travelling to a third country or region through China by plane, ship or train may stay up to 24 hours in China without a visa. The application for a preliminary entry permit at the Chinese border is a requirement for the visa-free entry.



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Entry under these visas had been suspended from March 28, 2020 through March 14, 2023 due to COVID-19. Now, these visa holders have the option to apply for a free three-year extension or to obtain a new 10-year visa once their current one expires, following the standard visa procedures and documentation requirements.

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All foreign nationals must obtain a visa for a visit to China. It is essential that the China visa is obtained prior to travel. China visas can only be processed three months prior to the start date of your tour or tailor-made holiday.

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All travellers British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.

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The new announcement lifts the travel ban for foreigners holding one of the three specified categories of residence permits. There are a total of five categories of residence permits: work, study, journalist, family reunification, and personal matters.

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The application process for a China tourist visa is as follows:
  1. Schedule an appointment with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. ...
  2. Complete the document checklist. ...
  3. Go to the visa appointment. ...
  4. Pay the application fee. ...
  5. Wait for an answer. ...
  6. Collect your passport.


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A foreign citizen can enter China without a visa under any one of the following circumstances:
  • 1) Direct Transit. ...
  • 2) Transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu etc. ...
  • 3) Foreigners to visiting the Pearl River Delta or Hainan Island. ...
  • 4) Citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan.


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The intended duration of stay in China is limited to no more than 180 days. Issued to those who are going to reside in China permanently. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

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