Q&A | Visa-free Policy for Foreigners to enter China
With the introduction of the visa waiver policy on November 23, the number of foreigners entering China has increased significantly. (You may find the Notice from our previous sharing on our website: https://www.serviceonnewgrounds.com/latest-updates-china-visa-free-policies/). With this policy, numerous foreigners are ready to come to China but still feel anxious about not meeting the requirements.
To address these worries, please check below the following Q&A published by the Chinese Embassy (with some advice and comments from our understanding) about it.
Q: How is the 15-days 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.
→ For example, if an Italian enters China anytime on 1st Jan 2024, with 15 days visa-free, he/she must leave before 24 pm, 15th Jan 2024.
Q: Is it possible to travel from a third-party country other than the country of nationality?
A: Foreigners eligible for visa exemption can travel from any country (region) outside China.
Q: Is it possible to enter China 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.
Q: Do foreigners coming to China under the visa-free policy need to declare their stay 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.
Q: Do Chinese border inspection authorities verify the reason for coming to China and how? Do foreigners need to bring anything other than a 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 decide to deny entry according to law.
It is recommended to bring the invitation letter, air ticket, hotel reservation, and other supporting materials that are consistent with coming to China. Foreigners coming to China for work, study, journalism, and other purposes are NOT covered by the visa-free policy.
→ 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.
Q: 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.
Q: What are the requirements for the 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, and temporary or emergency documents, do not apply to the visa-free policy.
Q: 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 vehicle, you should also go through the entry and exit formalities of your vehicle in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations.
Q: Is the visa-free entry policy applicable to 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 for the visa-free entry policy.
Q: 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 an extension to the Entry and Exit Bureau.
→ Attention: Visa-free cannot change to residence permit inside of China. If you already knew that you would come to China and apply, for example, the long-term family residence permit, the work or the student residence permit, etc, then please do not use a visa-free to enter China, you should apply for the proper visa in advance in the Chinese Consulate aboard.
Should you have any further question, please contact us.