Q1/Which countries' citizens are eligible for unilateral visa-free entry to China?

Holders of ordinary passports from 47 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges, or transit stays not exceeding 30 days. No prior application to Chinese embassies or consulates abroad is required.

Q2/ Which countries' citizens are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to China?

Citizens of 55 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Russia, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belarus, Lithuania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar and Indonesia holding valid international travel documents and through-tickets with specified dates and purposes, may enter China visa-free via any of the 60 designated ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), including Beijing and Shanghai, when transiting to a third country or region. Those entering under this policy may stay and engage in activities within designated areas for up to 10 days. During their stay, they may engage in tourism, business, visits, family reunions, etc. However, activities requiring prior approval—such as employment, study, or news reporting—still require obtaining a corresponding visa.

Q3/ Is China's port visa the same as the commonly referred to “visa on arrival”?

Port visas in China are comparable to the "visa on arrival" program offered by certain countries. These visas are not considered distinct categories, such as "business visas" or "tourist visas," but rather a "method" or "channel" for obtaining a visa. Regardless of whether the visa is issued before or after arrival, each country establishes its own application requirements and procedures based on its national laws. According to relevant Chinese laws and regulations, foreign nationals holding ordinary passports who have urgent entry needs and are unable to obtain a visa to China in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates abroad may apply for a port visa upon arrival. Foreign nationals applying for a port visa may submit their application in advance to the port visa authority either personally or through the inviting entity, or apply directly at the port visa authority upon arrival at the port. Foreign nationals are advised to submit a pre-application to the port visa authority at their intended port of entry. After receiving preliminary approval from the port visa authority, they may then proceed to the port to obtain their visa. This streamlined process is designed to prevent situations where applicants are denied entry due to statutory grounds for visa refusal or inadmissibility upon arrival at the port. Such denials have the potential to disrupt travel plans and incur additional financial and time costs. For foreign tourist groups applying for port visas, the domestic travel agency responsible for organizing and reception must submit the application to the port visa authority in advance.

Q4/ For what specific "urgent need to enter China" circumstances would one apply for a Chinese port visa?

Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports who urgently need to enter China for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment and entrepreneurship, visiting relatives, or personal affairs, or for humanitarian reasons such as attending funerals or visiting critically ill patients, and who do not have sufficient time to obtain a visa from Chinese embassies or consulates abroad, may apply for a port visa at the port visa authority.

Q5/ How to apply for a port visa?

Step 1: Contact the port visa office by phone to explain your urgent entry needs.

Step 2: Submit the required documents as instructed by staff. Documents can be submitted via express mail or email to bjcrjka@nia.gov.cn.

Step 3: After receiving preliminary approval from the Port Visa Office, the applicant is permitted to board an international flight, accompanied by the relevant pre-approval notice.

Step 4: Upon arrival in Beijing, proceed to the Port Visa Office located at the airport to complete the visa process.

Q6/ What types of port visas are available?

Crew Visa (C), Visitor Visa (F), Trade Visa (M), Short-term Private Affairs Visa (S2, S2 with internship annotation), Short-term Family Reunion Visa (Q2), Talent Visa (R), Long-term Study Visa (X1), Work Visa (Z), Group Tour Visa declared by travel agencies. Port visas are valid for a single entry with a maximum stay of 30 days.

Q7/ Where can port visas be obtained?

1. Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 2 Port Visa Office (010-64590454);

2. Beijing Capital Airport Terminal 3 Port Visa Office (010-64532939);

3. Beijing Daxing Airport Port Visa Office (010-89290851).