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FAQ on expats enter China with Visa-free policy

20th Jan 2024 - China already gave the 15 days visa-free to following 6 countries (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia) during the period from 1st Dec 2023 to 30th Nov 2024.

Furthermore, China declare that they will give the 15 days visa-free to another 2 EU countries (Ireland, Switzerland) in the near future.

So, what is the China visa-free policy? Please check the following FAQ which is published by Chinese Embassy (and some advice/comment by VisaInChina, marked in RED below) about it.

Q1: Do foreigners coming to China under the visa-free policy need to declare in advance through Chinese Embassies and Consulates?
A: Eligible foreigners who come to China under the visa-free policy DO NOT need to report to Chinese Embassies and Consulates in advance.

Q2: Do Chinese border inspection authorities verify the reason for coming to China and how? Do I need to bring anything other than my passport?
A: Foreigners coming to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends or in transit for purposes stipulated in the visa-free policy shall enter China after being examined and approved by Chinese border inspection authorities in accordance with law; For foreigners whose purpose of coming to China is inconsistent with the reasons stipulated in the visa-free policy or who have other legally prohibited entry, the border inspection authorities will make a decision to deny entry according to law. It is recommended to bring the invitation letter, air ticket and hotel reservation and other supporting materials that are consistent with the purpose of coming to China. Foreigner coming to China for work, study, journalize and other purposes are not covered by the visa free policy.

Advice from VisaInChina: To enter with visa-free, just in case, besides your passport.
For tourism, please bring the air ticket and hotel reservation.
For visiting relatives and friends, please bring the personal invitation letter and the air ticket.
For business, please bring the company invitation letter, the air ticket and hotel reservation.

Q3: Are there any special requirements for minors to apply the visa-free policy to China?
A: The China visa exemption policy for minors and adults is the same.

Q4: What are the requirements for type and validity of the travel document?
A: Foreigners need to hold a valid ordinary passport to China, and the validity period must meet the needs of travel in China. Foreigners holding documents other than ordinary passports, such as travel permits, temporary or emergency documents, are not applicable to the visa-free policy.

Comment from VisaInChina: It means to enter with 15 days visa free, your passport should valid at least for another 16 days more when you arrive in China. (but please also check with your airline company to see if they have any limitation of the passport validity at their side)

Q5: How is the 15-day stay calculated?
A: Foreigners who meet the visa exemption conditions can stay in China continuously until 24:00 on the 15th calendar day from the date of entry.

Comment from VisaInChina: For example, if an Italian enter China anytime on 1st Jan 2024, with 15 days visa free, he/she must leave before 24pm, 15th Jan 2024

Q6: Is it possible to travel from 3rd party country other than the country of nationality?
A: Foreigners eligible for visa exemption can travel from any country (region) outside China.

Q7: Does it apply to other modes of transportation to enter China other than flights?
A: Visa exemption applies to all Chinese sea/land/airports open to foreigners (except as specified in laws and regulations or special bilateral agreements). If you come to China by your own vehicle, you should also go through the entry and exit formalities of your own vehicle in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations.

Q8: Is visa-free entry policy applicable for tourist groups?
A: Foreigners who meet the conditions of visa-free entry to China, whether they are participating in tourist groups or traveling individually, can apply the visa-free entry policy.

Q9: Is it possible to apply for a visa extension if my stay in China exceeds 15 days?
A: If foreigners plan to stay in China for more than 15 days, they should apply for a visa corresponding to the purpose of coming to China at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in advance. Those who need to continue to stay in China due to reasonable and legitimate reasons after entering the country under the visa-free policy shall apply the extension to the Entry and Exit Bureau.

Advice from VisaInChina: Visa free cannot change to residence permit inside of China. If you already knew that you would come into China and apply for example, the long-term family residence permit, the work or the student residence permit, etc. Then please do not use visa-free to enter China, you should apply the proper visa in advance in the Chinese Consulate aboard.

Q10: Is it possible to enter the country multiple times? Is there any limit on the entry interval, the number of visa-free visits and the total length of stay?
A: Visa-free policy can enter China multiple times without limitation. At present, there is no limit to the number of visa-free visits and total days of stay, but they should pay attention to not engage in activities inconsistent with the visa free purpose (business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends or in transit).

Because of the new policy was just implemented, inquiries increase a lot. Please communicate with us by email. we will reply you in detail and in time.

First time consulting: Please email or call us, walk-in directly is not recommend.
In the process of document submission: Better use SF express to deliver it to us instead of come in person, we need more time to check your case to make sure it will go smoothly.
Any unavoidable visit: Please make an appointment with us in advance.

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