Most international visitors need a visa unless covered by China's visa-free schemes. A 30-day unilateral visa-free entry applies to around 45 nationalities (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia) for business or tourism, in force through 31 December 2026. A 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit is available to 55 nationalities entering China via Shenzhen Bao'an Airport or Guangdong land/sea ports from Hong Kong and Macau with an onward ticket to a third country. Everyone else should apply for an M (business) visa through a China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC); allow at least 4 working days and roughly USD 60-185 depending on nationality and entries. Confirm your specific nationality case with the Chinese embassy or CVASC before booking.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Policy in force through 31 December 2026 at the time of capture; check the current country list and stay limits before booking. Requires a confirmed onward booking to a third country and entry through an eligible port; stay is limited to the designated area - verify before relying on it.
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