Most international visitors need a visa unless their nationality is covered by China's visa-free schemes. Mainland China requires an M (business) or L (tourist) visa for passport holders including the US, UK, Canada and India, while many European, Japanese, Korean, Australian, New Zealand, Malaysian and Brazilian passport holders can currently enter visa-free for up to 30 days (policy in force to 31 Dec 2026). A 240-hour visa-free transit also applies at Shenzhen Bao'an and other ports for travellers continuing to a third country. Verify your nationality's status on the National Immigration Administration site and apply through your local Chinese visa application centre 4–6 weeks before travel.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
US passport holders pay a reciprocal single-entry fee of about USD 140; most other nationalities pay roughly USD 60–90 for a single-entry M visa, plus service-centre handling fees. Requires an invitation letter from the organiser or a Chinese host company. Apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in your country. Same fee structure as the M visa for US passport holders; ot
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