Anna Galchenko insta web Editor-in-chief of tripmydream
Basic rules of entry to China
- Air service: open.
- Overland communication: open.
- Visa: Most foreign citizens need a visa to enter China.
- Insurance: insurance is required for entry for tourist purposes.
- Vaccination: not required from August 30, 2023.
An important update to China’s visa policy!
Starting from May 15, 2024, new rules for visa-free entry for foreign tourists will come into force. Now guests of the country will be able to stay on its territory without a visa for up to 15 days, subject to certain conditions.
Key points:
- Visa-free entry is allowed through the seaports of 11 cities, including major megacities and popular tourist destinations: Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Beihai, Haikou and Sanya.
- To enjoy this privilege, travelers must be part of an organized tour group.
- The minimum group size is two people.
- A prerequisite is that the group must be under the care of an officially registered Chinese travel company.
These innovations are designed to simplify entry into the country and stimulate the development of tourism in China.
© depositphotos Author of the photo – sumners
Visas to China
China has a visa regime and most foreign citizens need a visa to enter the country. China issues 12 types of visas, their main difference is the purpose of the trip. You can find it on the website of the Migration Service of China. A sample application form for a visa is available on the website.
The most popular visas of the L, X1, Z categories are:
- L — tourist visa (allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days, it can be extended by contacting the Chinese migration service);
- X1 visa is a student visa (if there is an invitation from an educational institution, it allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days);
- Z visa is a work visa (if there is an invitation from the employer and a work permit, issued to a citizen and his family members, issued for up to six months or a year);
- M visa is a business visa, there are three types:
- with a single entry (you can stay up to 30 days, valid for 3 months),
- with a double entry (you can stay for 15 days valid for 6 months),
- multivisa (you can stay for 30-60 days, valid for 1 year).
Due to the temporary closure of the consulate in Ukraine, it is worth contacting the Chinese representative office in neighboring countries.
The average cost of a visa to China is $70-130.
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What documents do I need to travel to China?
List of documents required to obtain a visa to China:
- visa application form indicating the purpose of travel;
- passport (copy of 1 and 2 pages) and national passport;
- 2 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
- copy of the previous permit or a previous passport in case of repeated travel to China;
- medical insurance;
- the result of an antigen test (vaccination series);
- have booked tickets in both directions;
- have documents about booking accommodation or an invitation;
- confirmation of the purpose of the visit;
- bank statement of sufficient funds in the account or cash;
- receipt of payment of the visa fee;
- declaration of health health in the WeChat China Customs program, filled out on the China Customs website or through the China Customs app.
