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.
32 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.
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.
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.
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.