Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Finland

I. Visa-Free Policy for Ordinary Passport Holders (2024–2025)

• Effective Dates: November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
• Eligibility: Finnish citizens with ordinary passports.
• Permitted Activities: Tourism, business, family visits (探亲访友), transit, and exchange visits.
• Duration:
  • 30-Day Visa-Free Stay: Allowed for stays ≤30 days (extended from 15 days as of November 30, 2024).
  • Transit Exemptions:
    • 24-Hour Transit: Visa-free for airside transit (no domestic travel).
    • 144-Hour Transit: Visa-free via 19 airports/11 ports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) with confirmed onward tickets (limited domestic travel allowed).
• Restrictions:
  • No work/study permitted on visa-free entry.
  • No extensions; overstays may lead to fines/ban.

II. Visa Requirements for Non-Visa-Free Cases

• 90-day visa-free stay per 180 days (bilateral agreement).

• Mandatory Visa: Required for work (Z Visa), study (X Visa), long-term stays (>30 days), or residency.
• Application Process:
  • Submit to Chinese Embassy in Helsinki (or via visa centers).
  • Documents: Passport (valid ≥6 months), invitation letters (e.g., work permit for Z Visa, admission letter for X Visa), financial proof, etc.

III. Transit Visa-Free Policies

• 24-Hour Transit: Visa-free for any international airport (no land/sea entry).
• 144-Hour Transit: Visa-free via designated ports/airports (list includes Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.) with confirmed onward tickets (within 144 hours).
  • Eligible Routes: Includes transit via Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan (treated as third regions).

IV. Key Application Notes (Non-Visa-Free Cases)

• Documents (Pre-2024 Policy Reference):
  • Passport, photo, application form, travel itinerary (flight/hotel), invitation letters (M/Q visas), financial proof (bank statements), health insurance (≥€30,000 for Schengen-related trips).
• Processing: Chinese Embassy in Helsinki; allow 15+ business days for non-urgent cases.

V. Emergency & Contact Information

• Chinese Embassy in Helsinki:
  • Address: Vanha Kelkkamäki 11, 00570 Helsinki.
  • Consular Protection: +86-10-12308 (global hotline).
• Finland Emergency: Police 112 (all emergencies).

VI. Official Updates & Resources

• Visa-Free Announcement: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2024–2025 trial: MFA Statement).
• Transit Rules: Chinese Consular Affairs (72/144-hour transit cities list).
• Visa Applications (Non-Free): COVA System (online portal).

VII. Important Reminders

• Passport Validity: Ensure validity ≥6 months beyond stay.
• Customs: Declare cash >¥20,000; prohibited items (drugs, ivory).
• Health: No COVID-19 testing/quarantine (2025 policy).
• Tibet Travel: Tibet Travel Permit required for non-group visits.

Summary (2025 Update)

• Visa-Free: Ordinary passport holders enjoy 30-day visa-free entry (tourism/business/transit) until 2025-12-31.
• Transit: 24/144-hour visa-free (check port eligibility).
• Other Visas: Work/study require pre-approval (Z/X Visas).