Frequently Asked Questions on Visa-free Policy to Citizens of New Zealand and Other Countries
The following presentation was made by officials of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch at its August meeting. The ability to now travel in China for 15 days without needing a visa is very welcome, and it was felt this needed to go out to all those not at the meeting. If you have any queries, please contact your Consulate-General or the Embassy direct.
From July 1, 2024 until December 31, 2025 of Beijing time, Ordinary passport holders of New Zealand our friends., Australia and Poland who travel to China for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes staying not more than 15 days may enter China visa-free. For those who are not eligible for the visa-free policy and holders of official passports are still required to obtain a Chinese visa before entry.
Do foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China need to notice the Chinese embassies or consulates in advance?
Foreign citizens eligible for the visa-free entry to China do not need to pre-notice the Chinese embassies or consulates.
Do Chinese immigration inspection authorities check the purpose of visit before allowing foreign citizens to enter China? Are there additional documents other than passport required upon entry to China?
Foreign citizens entering China for business, tourism, family visit or transit purposes, who are eligible for visa-free entry, will be allowed to enter China after being checked by the Chinese immigration inspection authorities.
Individuals whose purposes of visit do not align with the visa-free entry policy or in categories of entry denial, the Chinese immigration inspection authorities will make decisions according to relevant laws and regulations.
It is encouraged to take necessary supportive documents with you on entering China, such as the invitation letter, flight tickets and hotel reservation letter, which will help to verify your purpose of visit. Individuals coming to China for work, study, or journalism purposes do not apply to visa-free entry policy.
Are there special requirements for minors who are eligible for the visa-free entry?
No special requirements, same as adults.
Are there certain requirements for the type and validity period for border-entry certificates?
Foreign citizens holding ordinary passports should ensure their passport validity covering their stay in China. Travel documents, temporary or emergency certificate holders do not apply to the visa-free entry policy.
How to understand the 15-day stay period?
Foreign citizens applying visa-free entry, upon their arrival in China, can stay 15 consecutive natural days, until the 24th hour of the 15th natural day, before leaving China.
Can foreign citizens applying to visa-free entry policy, depart from countries other than the one(s) of citizenship(s)?
Foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China can depart from any country (region) outside China.
Does this visa-free entry policy apply to travel methods other than aviation?
The visa-free entry policy applies to all open sea, land, and air ports to foreign citizens (except where laws, regulations, or bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). If arriving in China by private transportation, relevant procedures for entry and exit of the vehicle should be processed in accordance with certain Chinese laws and regulations.
Are tourist groups eligible for this visa-free entry policy?
Foreign citizens eligible for the visa-free entry policy, whether in group or as individuals, apply to the visa-free entry policy.
If the stay in China exceeds 15 days, can extension be made?
If a foreign citizen intends to stay in China for more than 15 days, they should apply for a visa meeting that purpose in advance at the Chinese embassies or consulates.
If there are legitimate reasons for longer stay than the 15 days after entering China using the visa-free entry policy, application for temporary stay permit should be submitted to the Chinese exit & entry administration of the public security departments before the 15-day stay permit expires.
Are multiple entries allowed? Are there requirements for duration of entry intervals? Are there limits on the number of visa-free entries or total days of stay limit?
Foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China can enter multiple times. Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of visa-free entries or total days of stay limit. It is of vital importance to keep in mind not to be engaged in activities inconsistent with your purpose of entry.