Chinese Visa for All 195 World Countries and Areas

The visa policy for China varies depending on the nationality of the traveler. Below is an overview of the visa requirements for citizens of all 195 countries in the world, which are generally divided into three categories:

  1. Visa-free or visa on arrival
  2. Visa required
  3. Special regions and exceptions (e.g., Hainan Province, Hong Kong, Macau)

Please note that visa policies can change, and it is always advisable to check the latest information from official sources or Chinese embassies before planning your trip.

Here’s an overview of China’s visa policy for the citizens of all 195 countries and regions, summarizing the visa requirements for each nationality. This will provide you with the broad categories of visa policies such as visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and visa-required categories for the majority of travelers.

Note: This is a high-level summary. For detailed information, always check the official sources or contact a Chinese embassy or consulate for the latest updates on visa policies.


China Visa Requirements for 195 Countries and Areas

1. Visa-Free Entry to China

Some countries or regions’ citizens are exempt from needing a visa to enter China. These exemptions may depend on the traveler’s nationality and specific conditions such as travel purpose and duration.

Countries/Regions Eligible for Visa-Free Entry (Short Stay):

  • Singapore: 15 days
  • Brunei: 14 days
  • Japan: 15 days (tourism)
  • South Korea: 15 days (tourism)
  • Mauritius: 30 days
  • Qatar: 30 days
  • San Marino: 90 days
  • Bermuda: 90 days
  • Macau (SAR): Visa-free for up to 30 days
  • Hong Kong (SAR): Visa-free entry for up to 7-180 days (depending on nationality)
  • Montenegro: 90 days
  • Russia (certain agreements): Some regions and scenarios allow visa-free stays.

Note: Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions (SAR) and have separate entry policies from mainland China. Similarly, Taiwan is not part of mainland China, and its visa policy is distinct.


2. Visa-On-Arrival Access to China

In some cases, certain travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at specific airports or border crossings. Typically, this is for business, transit, or tourist purposes for short stays.

Countries with Visa-on-Arrival Access:

  • Maldives: 30 days
  • Seychelles: 30 days
  • Cambodia: 30 days (business)
  • Egypt: 30 days
  • Pakistan: Available at selected airports (business/tourist)
  • United Arab Emirates: Available at selected airports for some nationals
  • Nepal: 30 days

Note: Visa-on-arrival may also be available for certain travelers arriving for transit in China for up to 24, 72, or 144 hours in specific major cities (like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), depending on nationality and purpose of transit.


3. Countries That Require a Chinese Visa

Citizens of most countries around the world must apply for a visa to enter China, including those visiting for tourism, business, education, or other purposes.

The visa application generally requires the following:

  • A valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • A completed application form
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Additional supporting documents such as travel itinerary, proof of financial stability, hotel bookings, and invitation letters if applicable.

Countries that Require a Visa (General List):

Africa:

  • South Africa: Requires a visa for all purposes.
  • Nigeria: Requires a visa for tourism and business.
  • Egypt: Requires a visa for tourism and business purposes.
  • Kenya: Requires a visa for tourism and business purposes.
  • Uganda: Requires a visa for all purposes.

Asia:

  • India: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and other purposes.
  • Pakistan: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and work purposes.
  • Thailand: Requires a visa for tourism and business.
  • Vietnam: Requires a visa for tourism and business.
  • Indonesia: Requires a visa for tourism and business.
  • Bangladesh: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and other purposes.

Europe:

  • Germany: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and student purposes.
  • France: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and student purposes.
  • United Kingdom: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and student purposes.
  • Italy: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and student purposes.
  • Spain: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and student purposes.
  • Switzerland: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and student purposes.

North America:

  • United States: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work purposes.
  • Canada: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work purposes.

South America:

  • Brazil: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work.
  • Argentina: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work.
  • Chile: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work.
  • Colombia: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work.
  • Peru: Requires a visa for tourism, business, study, and work.

Oceania:

  • Australia: Requires a visa for all types of visits, including tourism, business, study, and work.
  • New Zealand: Requires a visa for tourism, business, and study.

4. Special Chinese Visa Policies for Certain Areas

Hong Kong and Macau (SAR)

  • Hong Kong: Travelers may not require a visa for short stays (7 days to 180 days depending on nationality).
  • Macau: Travelers from many countries can enter Macau visa-free for 30 days.

Taiwan

Taiwan has its own visa policies and is not considered part of mainland China under Chinese law. Taiwan’s visa policies are independent of China’s visa policy.


5. Special Exceptions for Certain Purposes

Business Visa (M)

Citizens of most countries will need to apply for a business visa (M) for meetings, negotiations, conferences, or other business-related activities in China. Documentation such as business invitation letters from a Chinese company is typically required.

Student Visa (X)

Foreign nationals studying in China for more than 6 months must apply for a student visa (X). This requires documents such as admission letters from Chinese educational institutions.

Work Visa (Z)

Those looking to work in China will need to apply for a work visa (Z). Applicants typically need to provide work permits and invitation letters from Chinese employers.


China’s visa policy is varied and complex, with some countries’ citizens enjoying visa-free entry, others eligible for visa-on-arrival, and most requiring a standard visa to visit. Travelers should consult their local Chinese embassy or consulate for specific and updated visa requirements based on nationality, visa type, and travel purpose.

Remember, visa policies can change, and it’s always best to plan your trip in advance and ensure that you have the correct visa.

Countries and Dependencies by Area