Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Germany

I. Chinese Embassy/Consulates in Germany

 

  • Embassy in Berlin:
  • Consulates-General: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich (see official websites for details).

II. Visa Policy for German Citizens (2024–2025)

 

1. Visa-Free Entry (Extended Policy)

 

  • Eligibility: Ordinary passport holders for tourism, business, 探亲访友，or transit (≤15 days).
  • Validity: December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025 (officially extended by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2024).
  • Conditions:
    • Passport validity ≥6 months.
    • Proof of travel (round-trip ticket, hotel booking/invitation).
    • No advance application; enter via designated ports.

 

2. Visa Types for Non-Exempt Cases

 

  • Work (Z Visa): Work permit + invitation letter.
  • Study (X Visa): Admission letter + JW201 form.
  • Family Visit (Q Visa): Kinship proof (e.g., birth/marriage certificate).
  • Transit (G Visa):
    • 24-hour visa-free transit (all airports).
    • 72-hour transit (Changsha, Harbin, Guilin airports/ports).
    • 144-hour transit (20 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou; see details below).

III. Visa Requirements (Non-Exempt Cases)

 

1. General Documents

 

  • Passport (valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages).
  • Passport photo (3.5×4.5cm, white background).
  • Online application (COVA system: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn).
  • Travel itinerary (flight/hotel bookings).
  • Financial proof (e.g., bank statement).

 

2. Specific Visa Materials

 

  • Business (M Visa): Invitation from Chinese entity.
  • Work (Z Visa): Work permit + company registration.
  • Study (X Visa): Admission letter + JW201.
  • Family (Q Visa): Kinship certificate + inviter’s ID.

IV. Transit Visa-Free Policies

 

  • 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit: All Chinese international airports (no domestic travel).
  • 72-Hour Transit (3 Cities): Changsha, Harbin, Guilin (airports/ports).
  • 144-Hour Transit (20 Cities):
    • Airports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc.
    • Ports: Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Xiamen, etc.
    • Conditions: Valid onward ticket to third country/region (Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan counted as third regions).

V. Application Process (Non-Exempt Visas)

 

  • Online: Use COVA system → Schedule appointment via AVAS (https://avas.cs.mfa.gov.cn).
  • In-Person: Submit to Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Germany (e.g., Berlin, Frankfurt) or authorized visa centers (e.g., VFS Global).
  • Processing Time: 4–7 business days (standard).
  • Fees: Vary by visa type (e.g., tourist: ~EUR 100; business: ~EUR 120).

VI. Key Travel Notes

 

  • Residence Registration: Non-hotel stays >24 hours? Register with local police.
  • Health Requirements: No COVID-19 restrictions (2025 policy).
  • Customs: Declare cash >¥20,000 or equivalent; prohibited items (drugs, ivory).
  • Security: Monitor China’s travel advisories (外交部公告).

VII. Emergency Contacts

 

  • China (Global Consular Protection): +86-10-12308.
  • Chinese Embassy in Berlin: +49-30-275880.
  • Germany Emergency: Police 110 | Ambulance 112.

VIII. Official Resources