Do You Need a Visa for China? A Simple Checklist

Before you book anything, work out whether you actually need a visa for China. The answer depends on your passport and your route, and it's usually quicker to figure out than people fear.

The three questions to ask

• Is my country on the 30-day visa-free list? Many European nations are. If yes, you're done.
• Am I in transit to a third country? If so, the 240-hour transit policy may cover you for up to 10 days.
• Do neither apply? Then you need a tourist visa.

If you need a visa

Apply through your nearest Chinese visa application center. You'll typically need a passport valid for six months, a completed form, a passport photo, flight and hotel bookings, and an itinerary. Processing takes about one to two weeks, so apply early.

Common gotchas

• The third-country rule: arriving and departing to the same country breaks the transit exemption.
• Transit areas are limited by port of entry — check where you're allowed to go.
• Policies change often; confirm with your embassy before buying non-refundable tickets.