FAQs for China Visa-free Policy
- Q: Who are eligible for China visa-free policy?
- A: China is open to visa-free policy for more than 60 countries (as of nationality) on 5 continents, but for details about duration of stay and related policies, please check with the local embassy.
- Q: How do I know if I am eligible for free visa?
- A: You can find detailed information on visa-free exemption countries and related policies on the official website of the Chinese immigration authorities https://en.nia.gov.cn . Additionally, some embassies or consulates may also provide such information. If your nationality falls into the country that enjoy free visa, you could be considered eligible.
- Q: What are the requirements for my passport to enjoy Chinese visa-free policy?
- A: The validity of the passport should be long enough to cover your stay in China. In some cases, it requires that the passport should be valid for at least 3 months before expiration. Other travel certificates or ID certificates are not recognized. There is no “overstayed” or “refused” stamps on your passport. In addition, The policy is only valid within mainland China. If you also plan to travel to Hong Kong and Macau, please check the Hong Kong Visa Policy and Macau Visa Policy.
- Q: Based on China visa-free policy, my allowed duration of stay is 30 days. When does this 30-day start and end?
- A: It starts from your arrival date and ends at 24:00 of the 30th day.
- Q: What if I need to stay longer than the allowed after entry?
- A: After entering China, if you have to stay longer than the allowed duration of stay, please go to local Entry and Exit Administration Office to apply for a temporary stay permit.
- Q: Can I use this policy for multiple times? Is there any limitation on number of visa exemptions, interval between two entries, and total length of stays?
- A: For most visitors allowed to enter without a visa, there is no limitation on the number of exemptions, interval between two entries and total duration of stay. That means one can leave China on the expiration day and re-enter right after to activate a new duration of stay. While for nationals from Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Thailand, the allowed total days in China within a certain time-frame are limited as listed in the chart above.
- Q: Should I still bring along a Business introduction letter although I am from a visa-free country?
- A:Yes, it is advisable to bring a business invitation letter even if you are from a visa-free country. This document can serve as proof of the purpose of your visit and may be required by immigration authorities or business partners to verify your intentions during your stay.
- Q: How many days does my country have according to the visa-free policy?
- A: The number of days allowed under the visa-free policy varies depending on your nationality and the destination country. Please consult the Chinese official immigration website or contact the Chinese embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Q: What other documents do I need to show to the immigration staff in addition to my passport?
- A: It is advised you also bring an invitation letter, hotel order(s) in China, outbound ticket from China, or other documents proving your travel purpose(s) in China.
FAQs for China 240-hour Transit Visa-free Policy
- Q: How can I know if I’m eligible to use the 240-hour transit visa-free policy?
- A: To use the transit visa-free policy, you need to confirm the following:
1. Whether the country where your nationality belongs to could enjoy the 240-hour Transit Visa-free Policy to China;
2. Valid travel documents (e.g. passport) need to be valid for at least the following 3 months;
3. Air tickets need to be provided as a proof to the Chinese customs - where you come from and where you are bound for need to be different countries (e.g. country A to China; China to country B).
4. Sometimes the airline company is not familiar with the visa-free policy, and might decline boarding. It is important to double-check with the airline company you are about to take.
- Q: How long can I stay in China for transit visa-free?
- A: Starting from December 17, 2024, the duration of visa-free transit foreigners' stay in China has been extended to 240 hours (10 days), while 21 new entry ports have been added as entry and exit ports for visa-free transit personnel, and the areas for stay and activity have been further expanded. For delegates attending WGC2025, you may feel free to enter through Daxing International Airport as well as Beijing Capital International Airport.
- Q: Which countries can citizens apply for transit visa exemption?
- A: A total of 54 countries could enjoy the visa-free transit policy. For a specific list, please consult the website of the China National Immigration Administration.
- Q: Which ports can I enter the country through?
- A: Eligible person can apply to the border inspection authorities at 60 ports in Beijing, Shanghai and other places, and the border inspection authorities will handle the temporary entry formalities for them, and the visa-free stay will start at midnight on the next day of entry.
FAQs for Visa Application
- Q: If I want to participate in WGC2025, how do I get a visa invitation letter?
- A: You need to complete the registration process as a delegate on the official website (https://www.wgc2025.com), finish the payment , and the visa invitation letter will be available to download within 48 hours.
- Q: How do I get a visa invitation letter if I want to join the IGU council meeting?
- A: Please go to IGU Portal https://portal.igu.org/event/view/261834 and register for Beijing Council meeting. After registration, please send an email to visa support team: Visasupport@wgc2025.com and secure the visa letter.
- Q: When applying for a visa, how should I fill in the inviting entity?
- A: Please fill in “Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions & Events (BCGEE)”
- Q: Can I extend my visa while in China?
- A: Yes, in most cases, you can apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration in China. However, extensions are subject to approval and may not always be granted.
- Q: Can I enter China with a visa that is about to expire?
- A: No, your visa must be valid at the time of entry and exit. Additionally, your passport should have at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Q: Can I transfer my Chinese visa to a new passport?
- A: No, Chinese visas cannot be transferred to a new passport. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new Chinese visa and provide both the old and new passports during the application process.
- Q: I still have not received my visa, who can I reach out to expedite the process?
- A: If you have not received your visa within the expected timeframe, you may contact the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. They can provide updates on the status of your application and advise if any additional steps can be taken to expedite the process.、
- Q: What if I need additional supporting documents besides the visa letter to apply for a visa?
- A: Please contact our visa team by email: Visasupport@wgc2025.com
FAQs for “Port Visa” Policy
- Q: What is the difference between port visa and 240 hour transit visa free?
- A:
1. 240 hour transit visa free:
Duration of Stay: 240 hours
Places of Stay: Beijing,Tianjin,Hebei, etc.
Purpose of Stay: Tourism and temporary business visits, short-term activities.
Air ticket: A connecting ticket to a third country/region with a confirmed date and seat for departure within 240 hours
2. Port Visa:
Duration of Stay: Not more than 30 days.
Places of Stay: Any city within the border that is open
Purpose of Stay: Business visit, trade exchanges, installation and maintenance, exhibition participation, investment, and entrepreneurship, work, internship, etc.
Air ticket: No need.
- Q: Do China's port visas equal the commonly known "visas on arrival"?
- A: China's port visas are similar to the “visas on arrival" of some other countries. The term refers to a “way”or “method” to apply for visas, rather than a specific type of visa like "business visa" or “tourist visa". According to the relevant Chinese laws and regulations, foreign nationals holding ordinary passports, who have urgent needs to enter China but do not have enough time to apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad, can apply for port visas for entry.
- Q: What are the “situations of urgent needs of entering China" that are eligible to apply for port visas?
- A: Any foreign ordinary passport holder who has an urgent need to travel to China for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives and handling private affairs, etc., or for humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting critically ill patients, and are unable to obtain a visa from Chinese embassies or consulates abroad in time, can apply for a port visa at a port visa authority in China. Port visa is applicable for the Type F (visit) and M (trade).
- Q: How do I apply for a port visa?
- A: Step one, on-line application. Provide official stamped invitation letters (explaining the business purpose, details, proof of emergency, and main itinerary arrangements) and copies of passport, etc. to bjcrjka@nia.gov.cn.
Step two, receive a “pre-acceptance” receipt from the above email to board flights to China from abroad.
Step three, after landing in Beijing, proceed to the Port Visa office (photo and payment) to complete the process. 24/7 service is available at Terminal 2 &Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport.
Contact
Port Visa Office at Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 2: +86-010-64590454
Port Visa Office at Beijing CapitaI International Airport Terminal 3: +86-010-64532939
Port Visa Office at Beijing Daxing International Airport: +86-010-89290851
