Most overseas visitors need a visa unless covered by one of China's visa-free schemes: unilateral visa-free entry (up to 30 days) for many European, Asian and Australian/New Zealand passports, or 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries entering through Beijing with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Everyone else should apply for an M (business/trade) or L (tourist) visa through a China Visa Application Service Center 3–4 weeks before departure, using an invitation letter from the organiser or your Chinese counterpart where required. Confirm your passport's current eligibility with the Chinese embassy before booking flights.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
The eligible-country list changes frequently; verify against the latest announcement from China's National Immigration Administration or your Chinese embassy before booking. 10 days of stay, Beijing is inside the permitted travel area. Not usable if your itinerary starts and ends in China. Bring printed onward tickets and hotel confirmation.
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