With the continuous opening of China’s cultural and tourism market, more and more foreign travelers are turning their attention to this land with profound history and natural wonders. To help you start your journey smoothly, this article integrates the latest entry policies in 2026, breaking down visa application, visa-free benefits and stay regulations one by one to escort your trip to China.
I. Tourist Visa (L Visa) Application Guide
China has fully launched the online visa application system. Foreign travelers need to complete the application process through the website of the China Visa Application Service Center. First, log in to the corresponding regional website (English URL: https://www.visaforchina.cn/BUS3_EN/qianzhengyewu), fill in the application form online and upload materials. Core materials include a passport with a remaining validity of more than 6 months, a recent bare-headed photo, travel proof (round-trip air ticket booking and hotel reservation) or an invitation letter issued by a Chinese unit or individual.
The invitation letter must specify the invitee’s information, itinerary, inviter’s contact information, signature and seal. Personal invitation letters also need to be attached with a copy of the inviter’s ID. After passing the online review, travelers will receive a confirmation email and need to bring the original documents to the designated visa application service center to submit in person and provide ten-finger fingerprints.
However, before December 31, 2026, travelers applying for short-term visas with a stay of less than 180 days can enjoy fingerprint collection exemption. Specific groups such as those under 14 years old or over 70 years old are also exempt from fingerprint collection and can entrust others to handle the application on their behalf. The visa processing time is usually 3-7 working days after submission, subject to the notification of the application center.
It should be noted that travelers who once held Chinese nationality and later acquired foreign nationality need to upload a copy of the data page of their original Chinese passport for the first application. Those applying for a visa with a new foreign passport need to provide the original passport and old visa. If the name is inconsistent, an official name change document must be supplemented.
II. Visa-Free Destinations and Policy Details
To facilitate inbound tourism, China implements a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 48 countries, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days. The policy applies to tourism, family visits, business exchanges, sports events, exhibitions and study tours. Visa-free countries include 30 European countries (France, Germany, Italy, etc.), Asian countries (Brunei, South Korea, Japan, etc.), 5 American countries (Brazil, Argentina, etc.) and Oceania countries (Australia, New Zealand). The complete list can be found on the Chinese Consular Service Network.
Attention should be paid to the validity period of the visa-free policy: Brunei’s visa-free policy has no expiration date, Russia’s visa-free policy is valid until September 14, 2026, and the visa-free policy for the other 46 countries is valid until December 31, 2026. Travelers can depart from any country or region outside China and enter through all sea, land and air ports open to foreigners in China. Those arriving by private transport must complete relevant procedures in accordance with regulations.
The duration of stay is calculated from the day after entry, accumulated by calendar days and cannot be extended. If a longer stay is needed, the corresponding visa must be applied for in advance.
III. Travel Stay Regulations and Precautions
During their stay in China, foreign travelers must strictly abide by the provisions of their visas and stay documents, and shall not exceed the indicated duration or change the purpose of stay. If a visa is lost, damaged or stolen, travelers must immediately apply for a replacement at the entry-exit administration of the local public security organ at or above the county level, submitting the application form, passport, photos and relevant supporting materials. During the review period, travelers can stay legally with the acceptance receipt.
If an extension is really needed due to special circumstances, an application must be submitted to the local entry-exit administration before the visa expires, along with relevant supporting materials. The total extended duration shall not exceed the stay period indicated on the original visa, and it is only valid for this entry. It should be noted that visa-free travelers cannot apply for an extension. Overstaying will be deemed illegal residence, resulting in fines, entry restrictions and other penalties.
In addition, travelers must stay within the restricted area. Those whose documents indicate a restricted stay area shall not exceed the scope without authorization. If it is necessary to change the purpose of stay (such as from tourism to family visit), an application for visa replacement can be submitted to the entry-exit administration of the place of stay with corresponding supporting materials. During your stay in China, please keep your documents properly and cooperate with the public security organs for identity verification to ensure a legal and compliant journey.
China is a vast country with diverse cultures. Familiarizing yourself with the entry policies in advance is a prerequisite for a smooth trip. It is recommended that travelers confirm the timeliness of policies and prepare relevant materials before departure. May you leave wonderful memories on this land.
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