China visa rules / Trip guides
China trip guides: visa application, arrival card and application status
Everything after “Do I need a visa?”: how to apply, what to fill in before you land, and how to track your application. Each guide links to the official sources.
How to apply for a visaYou need a visa if your passport has no visa-free option, or your trip is for work, study or journalism, or longer than 30 days.Arrival cardSince 20 November 2025, foreigners can fill in the arrival card online before travelling to China. It is free of charge.Visa application statusWhere you check depends on where you applied. Both official systems show your status once you sign in with the account you applied with.
Will China’s 30-day visa-free entry continue in 2027?