Quick Answer
You need a visa unless you clearly qualify for a specific visa-free scheme.
If any answer below is uncertain, assume you need a visa and confirm before booking.
The One-Minute Decision Checklist
Answer the questions in order. Stop as soon as you get a YES.
1) Are you eligible for a China visa-free policy?
- Your passport nationality is on a current visa-free list
- Your purpose fits the allowed category (tourism / business / transit)
- Your stay length is within the allowed days
- Your entry point qualifies
YES → You may enter visa-free (confirm details).
NO / NOT SURE → Go to Question 2.
2) Are you transiting China briefly?
- You have confirmed onward tickets
- Your transit duration fits a transit-without-visa rule
- You remain within allowed cities/regions
YES → You may qualify for transit visa-free (verify carefully).
NO / NOT SURE → Go to Question 3.
3) Are you visiting for work, study, or long stay?
- Any paid or unpaid work
- Internships, research, teaching
- Long-term study or residence
YES → You need a visa.
NO → Go to Question 4.
4) Is your planned stay longer than visa-free limits?
- Your return ticket exceeds allowed days
- You want flexibility to stay longer
- You plan multiple entries
YES → You need a visa.
NO → Go to Question 5.
5) Are you uncomfortable with rigid rules?
Visa-free entry is:
- Strictly counted by days
- Hard to extend
- Not flexible for changes
If you want peace of mind:
YES → Apply for a visa anyway.
NO → Visa-free may be fine.
If You Need a Visa (Most Travelers)
You likely need a visa if:
- You are unsure about eligibility
- Your plans may change
- You want buffer days
- You prefer flexibility
A visa reduces stress.
If You Plan to Use Visa-Free Entry
You must prepare:
- Exact travel dates
- Confirmed return/onward ticket
- Accommodation details
- Clear purpose explanation
Visa-free works best with simple, fixed plans.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming visa-free applies to all passports
- Booking flights before checking rules
- Confusing transit visa-free with general visa-free
- Planning extensions without approval
- Miscounting stay days
These cause most entry problems.
Reality Check
- Immigration rules are enforced consistently
- Officers follow the written policy
- “I didn’t know” does not help
- Preparation prevents issues
Clarity beats optimism.
What Frequent Travelers Do
- Check eligibility before booking
- Apply for a visa if unsure
- Leave buffer days
- Carry printed confirmations
This avoids last-minute surprises.
Final Checklist
- Passport nationality checked.
- Purpose clearly defined.
- Stay length counted exactly.
- Entry point verified.
- Backup plan prepared.