Do I need a visa for traveling to Beijing?
As the capital of China, Beijing offers a range of visa-free and visa-friendly options for travelers, making it an appealing destination for international tourists. Certain countries’ citizens can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days, including those from Singapore and other eligible 30-Day Visa Free countries. Travelers from the United States, Canada, and other countries can also take advantage of the 240-Hour Visa Free travel option in Beijing when passing through China on their way to a third country.
These policies benefit both short-term tourists and long-term travelers, allowing them to explore Beijing’s rich history and vibrant culture with minimal bureaucratic hassle. Additionally, the city’s visa-friendly approach extends to various Chinese visa types, making it easier for those looking to extend their stay or pursue longer-term travel in the country.
If you do not meet the qualifications for the visa-free policies, we recommend that you apply for a standard Chinese visa.
Shanghai Visa Free Policies
- 30 Days Visa Free – 28 Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China
- 30 Days Visa Free – 38 Eligible Countries
- 240-Hour Visa Free Transit in Beijing
- Beijing 24 Hour Visa Free Transit
30 Days Visa Free – 28 Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China
Citizens of the following countries holding a valid ordinary passport are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, or transit in the territory of Beijing and other contracting parties of China’s Mainland. This exemption allows for a single stay not exceeding 30 days and a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period.
The eligible countries include several European nations such as Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Malta, San Marino, Serbia, and Seychelles. From North America, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Barbados are listed. Several Caribbean nations are also included, such as Dominica, Grenada, and Solomon Islands. Oceania is represented by Fiji, Suriname, and Tonga. In South America, countries like Ecuador and Mauritius are included in this exemption.
30 Days Visa Free – 38 Eligible Countries
China has recently implemented a 30-day visa-free policy for citizens of 38 eligible countries, including various European nations such as Austria, France, Italy, and Spain. In addition, countries from Oceania like Australia and New Zealand, as well as Asian nations like South Korea and Japan, are also included in this policy.
This new policy allows ordinary passport holders from the mentioned countries to enter China without a visa for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for a maximum of 30 days. This policy will be in effect until December 31, 2025.
Read more details about China 30-Day Visa Free Policy.
Beijing 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy
What is China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit Policy? -Citizens from 54 countries holding a valid ordinary passport with a minimum of 3 months validity, along with proof of onward travel to a third country or region, are eligible to transit through designated areas in 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in Mainland China for up to 240 hours without the need for a visa. This policy allows for convenient and hassle-free travel for international visitors passing through China on their way to another destination.
Beijing Transit Visa Free Requirements
1. Transit Passengers must be Citizens of Specified 54 Countries
54 Countries Qualified for Beijing 240 Hour Visa Free Transit (Enlarge to See Full List)
2. Transit Passengers must Hold Valid International Travel Document
In order to qualify for a visa-free layover, your passport or international travel document must be valid for at least three months. This document will indicate whether or not you are eligible for the layover without a visa. If a valid visa is required for a third country, it must be obtained prior to travel.
3. Transit Passengers must Hold Connecting Tickets to A Third Country (Region)
Only transit routes meeting the eligibility criteria are able to take advantage of Beijing’s 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy. To qualify, Beijing and other destinations within Mainland China must serve as your intermediate transit points, with your departure and onward destinations being different. Please note that Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are considered separate regions from Mainland China.
Valid Routes:
1. US > Beijing > Shanghai > Hong Kong or Macau
2. Australia > Beijing > Xian > Chengdu > Hong Kong or Macau
3. US > Beijing > Guangzhou > Japan > US
4. New York > Beijing > Chengdu > Kunming > Kuala Lumpur
5. London > Beijing > Chongqing > Guilin > Hong Kong
4. Transit Passengers must Enter via Designated Ports
There are currently 60 open ports of entry for the 240-hour visa-free policy across 24 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. These ports include major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an. You can enter China through any of these ports without a visa, provided you meet the necessary requirements. As of now, Beijing has opened three ports of entry under this policy, including:Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport.
5. Plan Your Stay Within the 240-Hour Window
The 240-hour period begins at 00:00 (GMT+8) on the second day following your entry into China. For instance, if you arrive in China at 13:00 on April 20, 2025, your 240-hour period will commence at 00:00 on April 21, 2025. Upon arrival, you are permitted to stay in China for a maximum of 240 hours (equivalent to 10 days), allowing you to partake in tourism, conduct business, visit family or friends, or engage in other activities.
Beijing Transit Visa Free Application – 6 Steps to Go
①. Inform the air company that you will use the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit Policy when boarding.
②. Go to waiting area and fill in an Arrival Card (blue version).
③. Submit completed Arrival Card at the 240-Hour Visa-free Counter.
④. Obtain a Temporary Entry Permit stamped on your passport. (Don’t forget to tell the officer you don’t want to use the China Visa you already got.)
⑤. Claim your luggage and go through customs and immigration inspections.
⑥. Start your exploration in Beijing.
Beijing 24 Hours Visa Free Transit
Since April 15th, 2015, China has implemented a 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit policy in Beijing for all foreign travelers with connecting flight tickets to a third country or region. This policy allows passengers to remain within the airport for less than 24 hours without the need to go through immigration or customs. However, if you wish to leave the airport during your transit, you must obtain a Temporary Entry Permit from the immigration office at Beijing Capital International Airport.
This policy provides a significant convenience for travelers with short layovers at Beijing Airport, lasting just a few hours. By eliminating the need to prepare documents or apply for a Chinese Visa in advance, this policy saves both time and money for passengers in transit.
Tip : There is no limitation of applicants’ nationality, but has restriction of your movement and duration of stay.
3 Days Beijing Essential Highlights Tour
Itinerary: Beijing
Highlights: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Hutong, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube
Beijing Visa-free Transit Tours – What to Do When Transit in Beijing
Obtaining a Transit Visa Exemption in Beijing not only provides convenience for passengers in transit, but also allows for visa-free travel to Beijing and other parts of China, enhancing your long flight journey. Once approved, you will have 1 to 10 days to enjoy a Beijing tour, including sightseeing, hiking the Great Wall, sampling local cuisine, and shopping.
From the bustling downtown area to the peaceful suburbs, Beijing offers a variety of scenic spots to explore, ranging from cultural and historic sites to natural wonders. Top recommended destinations include the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Dadaling Great Wall.
24 Hours in Beijing – Beijing One Day Tours
Top Recommended Attractions in Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square
Are you looking for the most popular things to do in Beijing in just one day (24 hours)? The Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City are the top choices for first-time visitors to Beijing. These iconic landmarks are must-see sites that you have likely heard of before. Since your time is limited, it is recommended to visit only one of these attractions as each one requires at least half a day to fully explore.
A helpful tip: start your day by visiting Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city square, to witness the flag-raising ceremony in the early morning. After that, you can easily walk over to the Forbidden City located nearby.
If you prefer to explore the downtown area, consider visiting the Forbidden City and the nearby Temple of Heaven together. Feel free to reach out to us for more information on other choices, interesting sites, activities, and experiences to make the most of your time in Beijing.
3~4 Days in Beijing – How to Plan
Top Recommended Attractions in Beijing include the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Lama Temple (Yonghegong), Beijing Hutongs, and Olympic Park.
A classic tour of Beijing typically lasts 3 to 4 days, providing the perfect opportunity to experience the city’s unique blend of ancient and modern architecture. From hiking along the Great Wall to exploring the magnificent Forbidden City and marveling at the impressive structures in Olympic Park, there is no shortage of sights to see.
While in Beijing, immerse yourself in the local culture by trying the famous Beijing Roast Duck and taking a stroll through the traditional Hutongs. This will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the locals and allow you to truly experience the city.
Just a 30-minute high-speed train ride away, Tianjin is a convenient day trip from Beijing. This port city is home to the Huangyaguan Great Wall and boasts a number of European-style buildings. From Tianjin, you can easily depart China via Tianjin Binhai International Airport or Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, or return to Beijing for your onward journey.
Most Popualr Beijing Visa-free Tours:
- 2 Days Beijing Layover Highlights Tour
- 2 Days Mutianyu & Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
- 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour
- 2 Days Beijing Tianjin Round Trip by Train
- 2 Days Chengde Tour from Beijing
- 2 Days Jinshanling & Simatai Great Wall Wild Hiking
5~6 Days in Beijing – What can you do on a long transit in Beijing?
Top Recommended Attractions in Beijing include the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Lama Temple (Yonghegong), Beijing Hutongs, Olympic Park, Jiankou Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, and 798 Art Zone.
If you are able to secure a transit visa exemption for 240 hours, you can embark on an immersive Beijing tour to truly appreciate the city’s charm. One of the most exhilarating experiences is hiking along the Great Wall. During a long layover, consider exploring the various sections of the Great Wall through activities such as photography tours or adventurous hikes.
In addition to the Great Wall, you can explore royal traditional architecture at the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting Beijing Hutongs, sampling authentic cuisine, and enjoying the city’s parks and restaurants. Experience the vibrant nightlife in downtown Beijing or take side trips to Tianjin and Hebei for added excitement.
Most Popualr Beijing Visa-free Tours:
- 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package
- 5 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Hutong Life
- 4 Days Beijing Food Hunting Tour
- 6 Days Beijing with In-depth Great Wall Experience
5~7 days traveling Beijing with Xian – most recommended
With the current 240-hour visa-free policy allowing for cross-province travel, it is highly recommended to visit both Beijing and Xian, as it is one of the most classic tours in China. These two cities have served as time-honored ancient capital cities of China for centuries, boasting a rich culture filled with numerous world heritage sites and historical relics.
FAQs about Beijing Visa Free Transit
Q1: Is it possible to leave the airport during a layover?
A1: If you meet all the necessary requirements for Beijing’s 24 Hour/240 Hour Visa-free Transit Policy, you can apply for an entry permit for Beijing and leave the airport. If you do not meet these conditions, you must apply for a China Transit Visa (G Visa) before your arrival in order to leave the airport.
Q2: Can I obtain a visa upon arrival in Beijing?
A2: Beijing does not offer Visa on Arrival for regular tourists, with the exception of group tours organized by authorized Chinese travel agencies. Visa on Arrival in Beijing is only available for special emergency entry situations and group tours to China.
Please note that the 24 Hour/240 Hour Transit Visa Exemption is a Temporary Entry Permit stamped on your passport, not an official Chinese Visa affixed to a visa page.
Q3: Can I travel from Beijing to Shanghai under the 240 Hour Visa Policy?
A3: Yes, you can. After visiting Beijing, you are able to travel to Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, and other destinations as long as your total stay does not exceed 240 hours.
Travel Beijing with China Discovery
China Discovery is a reputable and knowledgeable travel partner that specializes in providing high-value and stress-free tours for travelers. In addition to popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Qingdao, there are also 240-Hour Visa-free Transit cities available for those looking to explore more of China.
If you find yourself with a layover in Guilin, Harbin, or Changsha, you can take advantage of the 240-Hour Visa-free Transit option. This means you can embark on your dream tour of China without the hassle of obtaining a visa, allowing you to experience the rich cultural, historical, and natural landscapes that the country has to offer.
If you are intrigued by the idea of a China visa-free tour, we are more than happy to create a customized itinerary for you in additional destinations, provided you meet the necessary visa requirements. Let China Discovery be your guide as you embark on an unforgettable journey through this fascinating country.
Most Popular China Visa-free Tours:
- 3 Days Best Shanghai Tour with Half-day Cycling
- 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
- 2 Days Xian City Break
- 2 Days Guilin Ideal Li River Cruise with Yangshuo
- 3 Days Chengdu Highlights Tour
- 2 Days Relaxing Hangzhou Tour with West Lake
Recommended Tours
Discover the top three tours preferred by our customers for an unforgettable exploration experience. Explore our detailed itineraries or customize your own trip with us today.
Beijing
4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Leisure Paced)
Beijing
3 Days Beijing Essential Highlights Tour
Tianjin / Beijing / Chengde / Beijing
6 Days Beijing Tianjin Chengde Visa-Free Tour
