Passport Atlas

Entering China

China playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#136

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

117

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Country profile

Capital

Beijing

Population

1.41 billion

Area

9,596,960 km²

Currency

Chinese yuan CNY

Languages

Chinese

Time zone

UTC+08:00

Foreign-born

1.6 million · 2024

Migrant share

0.1%

Ethnic groups · 2021

Han Chinese91.1%
ethnic minorities8.9%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type C / Type I

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Right

Emergency

Police 110 · Ambulance 120

Dialing code

+86

Airports

PVG · PEK · CAN · XMN

Highlights

Three Gorges Dam
Forbidden City
Potala Palace
Qinghai Lake
Mount Tai
Temple of Heaven

China Passport Guides · China Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

L tourist visa / visa-free / transit waiver
Visit / tourism · Visa-free often 15–30 days; otherwise as issued
- If not visa-free, apply for L/M at a Chinese mission. Transit waivers need an eligible passport, onward ticket and listed port.
Z work visa + work permit
Work · Matches the work-permit term
- The employer obtains a work-permit notification, then a Z visa; convert to a residence permit after arrival.
R talent visa
Work · 5–10 years multiple-entry, depending on tier
- Recognised as high-level or scarce talent by a provincial science/foreign-expert authority.

Immigration routes

Permanent residence ID
Skilled work
High-level talent, investment, spouses of Chinese citizens, or major contribution — tightly screened.
Leads to PR：Approval greatly eases work and life restrictions in China.