Start with nationality-level verification
Most EU member states are included in China's unilateral visa-free policy, allowing ordinary passport holders to enter for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friend visits, exchange, and transit. However, never assume by region alone — confirm your exact passport nationality in the latest official notice before booking: visa-free FAQ.
If you cannot confirm your nationality clearly in an official source, switch to a conservative plan using transit qualification checks or regular visa filing.
If your passport is currently in the 30-day visa-free group
The current official summary indicates eligible ordinary passport holders may enter visa-free up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friend visits, exchange, and transit.
Carry evidence that matches your purpose and travel sequence. Airline and border checks still expect coherent proof even when no visa sticker is required.
When to use transit or regular visa instead
If your stay exceeds policy limits, your purpose falls outside listed categories, or eligibility is unclear, choose 240-hour transit only if all requirements are met or apply for a regular visa.
Use official transit policy pages for latest route boundaries: NIA policy notice.
Visa route if needed
If visa-free and transit do not fit your trip, file a regular visa through the official online channel and your local mission procedures: COVA portal.
Do not wait until the final week. Build schedule buffer for document corrections and jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Arrival and local compliance
NIA permits online arrival-card submission and also allows on-site electronic or paper completion: arrival-card notice.
For accommodation registration, hotel stays are usually processed directly, while private stays generally require local registration within 24 hours: Article 39 guidance.
Primary references
Confirm your entry path before booking.
Run the visa checker with your exact passport and itinerary. It turns this guide into a route you can execute.