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Do German citizens need a visa for China?

German citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per entry.

Visa-free

Since December 2023, German citizens can enter mainland China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits, or transit, for stays up to 30 days. China extended this unilateral exemption through 31 December 2026 (announced November 2025).

Last verified: 2026-06-15 · Source: Wikipedia visa policy article

At a glance

Visa type	Visa exemption (unilateral trial extended through 31 December 2026)
Maximum stay	30 days per entry
Processing time	On arrival
Application fee	Free
Passport validity required	Valid 6+ months with at least 1 blank page
Blank pages required	1 minimum
Where to apply	Not applicable — granted on arrival

How to apply, step by step

Confirm the visa exemption policy is still in effect for your travel date.
Ensure passport is valid 6+ months with 1 blank page.
Have proof of return / onward flight within 30 days.
Have proof of accommodation.
Present at Chinese immigration on arrival.

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Document checklist

Passport (6+ months, 1 blank page)
Return/onward flight ticket within 30 days
Hotel booking

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Frequently asked questions

Until when is this visa-free policy valid?

China extended the unilateral 30-day exemption for German passport holders through 31 December 2026 (announced November 2025). Verify the latest extension on the Chinese embassy website before travel.

What if I want to stay longer than 30 days?

You need a regular L visa applied for at a CVASC in Germany before travel.

Can I work or study on the visa exemption?

No — only tourism, business, family visits and transit are permitted.

What happens if I overstay?

Overstaying typically triggers fines, possible bans on re-entry, and complications for future visa applications to the same country or region. Always exit before your authorised stay expires.

About this page

Cross-checked against the official government source linked above and the Wikipedia article on visa policy of China. Verified weekly against three independent sources.

See what changed in China entry rules in the last 90 days →

Plan your trip to China

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🇩🇪 → 🇨🇳 Do German citizens need a visa for China?