Getting into China has never been easier. Since 2024, China has rolled out visa exemptions for many countries and extended visa-free transit to 240 hours (10 days). For most travellers from Europe and Southeast Asia, a trip to Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou now needs no visa at all.
Option 1: Visa exemption (up to 30 days)
Citizens of a growing list of countries can enter China for tourism, business, family visits or transit for up to 30 days without a visa. The list includes most EU countries (such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands), Switzerland, Norway, Australia and New Zealand.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia have mutual visa-exemption agreements with China, so their citizens can generally stay up to 30 days per visit with an ordinary passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months is strongly recommended
- Return or onward ticket and hotel bookings may be checked
- The 30 days usually count from the day after arrival
Option 2: 240-hour visa-free transit
If your country is not on the visa-exemption list — for example the United States — you may still visit without a visa using the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. It applies to citizens of more than 50 countries who are travelling through China to a third country or region.
- Onward ticket required: you must fly from country A, into China, and on to a different country B. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan count as separate regions, so USA → Shanghai → Hong Kong typically qualifies.
- Up to 10 days: counted from 00:00 the day after arrival.
- Regional stay: you may travel within the permitted provinces. Shanghai, Jiangsu (Suzhou, Nanjing) and Zhejiang (Hangzhou, Wuzhen) are all included, so our classic Jiangnan routes fit perfectly.
- Tell the airline at check-in that you will use visa-free transit, and fill in the arrival card on landing.
Which airports work for East China?
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH) and Nanjing Lukou (NKG) are all ports for visa-free entry. Most long-haul flights land at Pudong, which is where our drivers meet the majority of guests.
Documents checklist
- Passport (6+ months validity, at least two blank pages)
- Confirmed onward or return flight
- Hotel bookings (we provide confirmation letters for all our tours)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
How we help
Every guest receives a pre-departure pack with your itinerary, hotel addresses in Chinese and English, and a checklist for immigration. If you are not eligible for visa-free travel, we provide the invitation documents needed for a tourist (L) visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for China?
US citizens are not on the 30-day exemption list, but can usually use the 240-hour visa-free transit if flying on to a third country or region (for example Shanghai → Tokyo or Hong Kong). Otherwise a tourist visa is required.
Can I visit Suzhou and Hangzhou on a Shanghai transit?
Yes. Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are all within the permitted area for visa-free transit, so Suzhou, Hangzhou and the water towns are allowed.
Let a local plan it for you
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