China Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to mainland China is operating normally in most areas, with international flights, airports and normal immigration procedures continuing. However, travellers should be aware of current entry rules and ongoing disruption to the China-Nepal border route through Gyirong following severe flooding and landslides in August 2026.

Visa requirements

China’s visa requirements depend on nationality and purpose of travel. Many nationalities currently qualify for short visa-free visits, while travellers who are not eligible must obtain the appropriate visa before travelling.

30-day visa-free entry

Eligible ordinary passport holders from a growing number of countries can currently enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, family or friend visits, exchanges and transit. Travellers should check whether their nationality is included before departure.

240-hour visa-free transit

China also operates a 240-hour visa-free transit programme for eligible travellers. Travellers using the scheme must meet nationality, entry-point, onward-ticket and third-country or region requirements.

Passport requirements

Passport requirements depend on the traveller’s nationality and method of entry. Travellers should check the requirements applying to their passport before departure and ensure they have sufficient validity and blank pages.

Accommodation registration

Foreign visitors must register their place of residence with the local authorities within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels normally complete this registration for guests automatically.

Exit bans

Foreign nationals can in some circumstances be prevented from leaving China while legal, civil or administrative matters are being resolved. Current U.S. travel guidance specifically highlights the use of exit bans and enforcement of local laws.

China-Nepal border route

The Gyirong border area in Tibet is still recovering from catastrophic flooding and landslides in August 2026. Although road access to the disaster area has improved, the road section between Gyirong town and the border remains under traffic control. Travellers should not assume that normal tourist travel through this route has resumed.

Tibet travel restrictions

Foreign travellers generally require additional permission to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region. Following the August disaster, China also suspended the issuance of electronic border administration area permits for Shigatse until further notice.

Hong Kong and Macao

Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao have separate immigration systems. Travellers moving between them should check whether their visa or visa-free arrangement allows them to re-enter mainland China.

China-Nepal border recovery continues

The Gyirong border area remains affected by damage from the catastrophic August 2026 floods and landslides. The immediate flooding has subsided and road access has improved, but infrastructure repairs and recovery work continue.

Gyirong border road remains restricted

The section of the G216 highway between Gyirong town and the China-Nepal border remains under two-way traffic control. Chinese transport authorities have not announced a date for the restriction to be lifted.

Shigatse border permits suspended

China suspended the issuance of electronic border administration area permits for Shigatse following the disaster. Authorities said issuance would resume separately when conditions allow.

Visa-free travel continues

China continues to operate expanded visa-free arrangements for eligible nationalities, including short visa-free stays and a separate 240-hour visa-free transit programme.

Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry, visa-free transit or requires a Chinese visa before departure. Also check your airline and the travel advice issued by your own government.

If your itinerary involves travelling between China and Nepal through Gyirong, check the status of the border route immediately before departure. The August flooding has ended, but road restrictions, infrastructure damage and recovery work continue.

If travelling to Tibet, check the additional permit requirements before making arrangements. Access to some border areas can be restricted independently of China’s normal immigration rules.

Remember that Hong Kong and Macao operate separate immigration systems. If your itinerary involves leaving mainland China and returning, make sure your documents permit re-entry.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.