Visa & Entry Guide

Complete guide to entering China for trekking — visa requirements, visa-free policies, and regional restrictions

Last updated: July 9, 2026 — Policies subject to change. Always verify with your local Chinese embassy before travel.

1. Visa-Free Entry Policy (50 Countries)

China currently offers visa-free entry for citizens of 50 countries for stays up to 15 days. This policy is valid until December 31, 2026. This is sufficient for many of our shorter treks.

Europe (35 Countries)

CountryStatusMax Stay
AustriaVisa-Free15 days
BelgiumVisa-Free15 days
CroatiaVisa-Free15 days
Czech RepublicVisa-Free15 days
DenmarkVisa-Free15 days
EstoniaVisa-Free15 days
FinlandVisa-Free15 days
FranceVisa-Free15 days
GermanyVisa-Free15 days
GreeceVisa-Free15 days
HungaryVisa-Free15 days
IcelandVisa-Free15 days
IrelandVisa-Free15 days
ItalyVisa-Free15 days
LatviaVisa-Free15 days
LithuaniaVisa-Free15 days
LuxembourgVisa-Free15 days
MaltaVisa-Free15 days
NetherlandsVisa-Free15 days
NorwayVisa-Free15 days
PolandVisa-Free15 days
PortugalVisa-Free15 days
RomaniaVisa-Free15 days
SlovakiaVisa-Free15 days
SloveniaVisa-Free15 days
SpainVisa-Free15 days
SwedenVisa-Free15 days
SwitzerlandVisa-Free15 days
RussiaVisa-Free15 days
CyprusVisa-Free15 days
BulgariaVisa-Free15 days
MonacoVisa-Free15 days
LiechtensteinVisa-Free15 days

Oceania (2 Countries)

CountryStatusMax Stay
AustraliaVisa-Free15 days
New ZealandVisa-Free15 days

Asia (7 Countries)

CountryStatusMax Stay
JapanVisa-Free15 days
South KoreaVisa-Free15 days
SingaporeVisa-Free15 days
MalaysiaVisa-Free15 days
ThailandVisa-Free15 days
IndonesiaVisa-Free15 days
United Arab EmiratesVisa-Free15 days

Americas (6 Countries)

CountryStatusMax Stay
United StatesVisa RequiredApply for L visa
CanadaVisa RequiredApply for L visa
BrazilVisa-Free15 days
ArgentinaVisa-Free15 days
ChileVisa-Free15 days
MexicoVisa-Free15 days

Note for US and Canadian citizens: The US and Canada are NOT included in the visa-free policy. You must apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) in advance. We provide invitation letters to support your application. Apply at least 2 months before your trip.

2. 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free (55 Countries)

If you're transiting through China to a third country/region, you may qualify for the 240-hour (10-day) transit without visa policy. This applies to nationals of 55 countries transiting through designated ports.

3. Tibet — Tibetan Travel Permit (TTP)

Important: All foreign nationals visiting Tibet must be part of an organized tour group. Independent/free travel by foreigners is strictly prohibited in Tibet.

4. Xinjiang — Special Restrictions

Xinjiang has specific restrictions for foreign nationals:

5. Sichuan — Area-Specific Rules

Certain areas in Sichuan are restricted or require permits for foreign nationals:

AreaStatus for ForeignersNotes
Jinkou River Grand Canyon (金口河大峡谷)ForbiddenPermanently closed to all foreign nationals
Serta Buddhist Academy (色达)ForbiddenPermanently closed to all foreign nationals
Genyen C-Line Core Area (格聂C线核心区)ForbiddenCore zone closed; alternative routes may be available
Daocheng Yading (稻城亚丁)Permit RequiredForeign travel permit needed; arranged by us
Siguniang Mountain (四姑娘山)Permit RequiredForeign travel permit needed; arranged by us

6. Yunnan — The Most Foreigner-Friendly Province

Good news: Yunnan is the most open province for international visitors. Most areas are freely accessible to foreign nationals without special permits, including:

This makes Yunnan our most accessible destination. No special permits needed beyond a valid Chinese visa or visa-free entry.

7. Xishuangbanna — ASEAN Tour Group Visa-Free

A special policy allows organized tourist groups from ASEAN countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to visit Xishuangbanna, Yunnan without individual Chinese visas, as part of designated tour packages. This applies to travelers from:

This must be arranged through an authorized travel agency as a group booking.

8. Practical Tips

Need Help?

Visa requirements can be complex and change frequently. We're here to help!