Are you planning on visiting China in 2026? Here we explain the visa entry policies that currently apply to ensure you aren’t in for a surprise at the airport. 

What Are the Latest Rules for China Entry Visas?

Foreigners planning to enter China should be aware of the following updates as denoted in the Notice on Further Adjustment of Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners to China:

  1. All visa types, including tourism and medical visas, are available for applications.
  2. Port visas into China, also known as a visa on arrival, are part of the issuance plan for foreigners.
  3. Visa exemption policies for foreigners visiting the province of Hainan and Guangdong from the nearby cities of Hong Kong and Macao are now active. Visa exemption is resumed for cruise passengers entering Shanghai for 144 hours. For tour groups from ASEAN regions (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) visiting Guilin and Guangxi, visa exemptions have now resumed.
  4. All multiple-entry, multi-year visas issued before March 28, 2020 remain valid.

For any further information, it is advisable to consult with the Chinese embassy of your home country once a notice has been released regarding any detailed procedures and application requirements.

Policy aspectPrevious condition (pre-March 2023)Status in 2026
Tourist visas (L-category)Largely suspended for foreign tourists under zero-COVID restrictionsAll visa-type categories (including tourism, business, medical) available again
Port / Visa-on-ArrivalLimited or suspended for many foreign nationalsPort visas (on arrival) to be part of plan for foreigners
Visa exemption zonesSome provinces/cities had paused exemptionsZones like Hainan & Guangdong, plus 144-hour Shanghai transit, resumed
Multi-year/multi-entry visas issued pre-2020May have been dormant or non-functionalStill valid and hold functionality if issued before March 28, 2020
COVID-test requirementBroad quarantine/tight controls during zero-COVID eraNo such requirement
Shanghai China
I’m ready to enter China but uncertain about the visa rules

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How to Apply for a Chinese Business Visa In 2026

To apply for a visa to China, applicants are required to follow the following process:

    1. Applicants must fill out a visa application form and make an online reservation.
    2. Visa applicants must then have their fingerprints taken, submit all relevant application documents (for a full list of documents, click here) and pay the required fees. The required documents generally include a valid passport, a fully completed visa application, a recently taken passport-size picture, proof of a return or onward travel ticket.
    3. Consular officials may require applicants to provide further documents or request an interview.
    4. Wait while the visa is being processed. Processing time usually varies depending on the type of visa being applied for and the consulate/embassy where you are applying.
    5. Collect the visa upon approval.

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Entry visas for China (L-category tourist, F-category business, Z-category work, etc.) are typically issued by Chinese embassies or consulates abroad for single or multiple entries; processing takes 4-15 business days depending on the destination country and visa type. Some countries enjoy visa-free or visa-exemption benefits for short stays. MSA Asia clarifies visa requirements for your business travel. Have a conversation with us on China work visa application.