Do I need a visa to visit China?
It depends on your passport. China currently offers 30-day visa-free travel for citizens of over 50 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and more.
Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada still need to apply for a tourist visa (L) before traveling. We recommend checking with your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the most current policy.
Visa-free countries by region
- Europe (35 countries): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
- Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand.
- Asia (7 countries): Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Republic of Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
- Americas (6 countries): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Visa policies can change. Check with your local Chinese embassy, consulate, or the National Immigration Administration before traveling.
How does the 30-day visa-free policy work? Can I extend it?
The 30 days start counting from the day you enter China.
For most visa-free eligible travelers, the stay cannot be extended beyond 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa before traveling.
What documents should I prepare for entry?
Prepare the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Accommodation details
- Your LVYV itinerary, if applicable
- A completed arrival card, when required
An invitation letter is generally not required for visa-free travelers.
Can LVYV provide an invitation letter?
Yes. For confirmed bookings that require a visa application, LVYV can provide an invitation letter containing our company details and a summary of your itinerary.
Contact us after confirming your booking.
What questions might immigration officers ask me?
Common questions include:
- “What is the purpose of your visit?”
- “How long will you stay?”
- “Where will you go?”
- “Where will you be staying?”
- “When will you leave China?”
Having your LVYV itinerary and accommodation details ready can make the entry process easier.
What is the 144-hour transit visa-free policy?
This policy allows eligible travelers to stay in certain Chinese cities, including Xi’an and Chengdu, without a visa when transiting to a third country or region.
For example:
London → Xi’an → Bangkok
Your departure destination must be different from the country or region from which you entered China.
Read the official policy on the National Immigration Administration website.
What if my visa application is rejected?
Contact us immediately. We will provide any additional supporting documents we can.
If the issue cannot be resolved, our standard cancellation policy will apply.