Visa & Entry
China visa rules updated in 2024-2025. The 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy now covers 54 countries through 60 ports. Single-entry L visas, 144-hour transit eligibility, what counts as a valid onward ticket, and registration with local police within 24 hours of arrival. What documents you actually need at the consulate.
17 answers
Can I re-enter China visa-free after my 30 days expire?
Multiple visa-free entries are legal in 2026 with no written cap, but officers can refuse entry if they suspect work or residency.
What happens if I choose the wrong Chinese consulate for my visa application?
Jurisdiction follows your legal residence, not your travel itinerary; verify the state-to-consulate map at china-embassy.gov.cn before filing.
Can I transit from Hong Kong Airport to Macau without entering Hong Kong immigration?
Use SkyPier at HKG to ferry to Macau without clearing Hong Kong immigration; do not collect bags or cross the immigration line.
Do UK and Canada citizens need a visa for China travel?
UK and Canadian passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for 30 days per entry from 17 February through 31 December 2026.
Is China visa-free for UK and Canada passport holders in 2026?
30-day visa-free entry runs February 17 to December 31, 2026 for UK and Canadian ordinary passports.
What are the costs and eligibility requirements for a US citizen to get a 5-day Shenzhen Visa on Arrival when traveling from Hong Kong?
US passport VOA fee is ¥956 (about $135), versus ¥168 for most other nationalities; pay in cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
What are the booking requirements and visa processes for traveling to Lhasa, Tibet?
Get the China L visa first; do not list Tibet on the visa form, write Beijing or Chengdu instead.
Is visa-free entry to China active for UK citizens
UK passports get 30 days visa-free entry to mainland China from Feb 17, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026.
Can I travel from Hainan to mainland China by train without a visa as a British citizen, or is a visa required for mainland entry?
From 17 February 2026, UK passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days; Hainan-to-mainland trains are open to you.
If I successfully submit the Hong Kong Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) form twice by mistake, can I travel using the first notification?
Use the most recent PAR notification slip; the latest successful submission supersedes the earlier one in the immigration database.
China arrival card official website free
File the China Digital Arrival Card free at the National Immigration Administration portal — third-party sites charging $30-50 are scams.
Will I face boarding issues if I don't provide visa information for Beijing transit?
Type 'VISA FREE' or your passport number when airline systems demand a visa number for a Beijing transit booking.