ASIA
China
Population
1.41 billion
Exchange Rate
1 USD = 7.00 CNY
GDP/Capita
$13,303
Health Alerts
0
Last Updated
Mar 14, 2026
About ChinaOverview, geography, and key facts
China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the second-most populous country after India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, representing 17% of the world's population. China borders fourteen countries by land across an area of 9.6 million square kilometers (3,700,000 sq mi), making it the third-largest country by area. The country is divided into 33 province-level divisions: 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, 4 municipalities, and 2 semi-autonomous special administrative regions. Beijing is the capital, while Shanghai is the most populous city by urban area and largest financial center.
Capital
Beijing
Population
1.41 billion
Area
9,706,961 km²
Languages
Chinese
Currency
Chinese yuan (CNY)
GDP/Capita
$13,303
Visa Types & Categories17 visa options for foreign nationals visiting China
New| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Processing | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Visa (M) Commercial and trade activities in China | Up to 10 years (US citizens); 30-60 days per stay typically | $185 | 4 business days (regular); 3 days (express); 2 days (rush) | Business |
| Resident Journalist Visa (J1) Foreign resident journalists stationed at permanent offices of foreign news agencies in China | Up to 1 year; must convert to residence permit | $185 | 4+ business days; requires pre-approval from MFA Information Department | Embassy |
| Short-Term Journalist Visa (J2) Short-term news coverage in China by foreign journalists | Up to 30 days typically | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Embassy |
| Long-Term Family Reunion Visa (Q1) Family reunion with Chinese citizens or foreign permanent residents (spouse, parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings) | Initial entry valid 30 days; must convert to residence permit (1-5 years) | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Family |
| Short-Term Family Reunion Visa (Q2) Short-term family visit to Chinese citizens or foreign permanent residents | Up to 180 days per stay | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Family |
| Long-Term Private Visit Visa (S1) Visiting family members of foreigners working or studying in China; long-term private affairs | Initial entry valid 30 days; must convert to residence permit | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Family |
| Short-Term Private Visit Visa (S2) Short-term visit to family members of foreigners working or studying in China | Up to 180 days | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Family |
| Non-Commercial Visit Visa (F) Exchanges, visits, study tours, lectures, scientific/technological/cultural exchanges, short-term advanced studies or internships | Typically up to 6 months; 30-90 days per stay | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Other |
| Crew Visa (C) Foreign crew members of international aircraft, trains, ships; motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport | Varies; typically matches crew schedule/rotation | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Other |
| Permanent Residence Visa (D) Permanent residence in China (Chinese Green Card) | Permanent; residence permit renewed every 5 or 10 years | $185 | Several months (reviewed by Ministry of Public Security) | Other |
| Short-Term Student Visa (X2) Study in China for 180 days or less | Up to 180 days | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Student |
| Tourist Visa (L) Tourism and sightseeing in China | Single entry: 30 days; Multiple entry: up to 10 years (US citizens), 30-90 days per stay | $185 | 4 business days (regular); 3 days (express); 2 days (rush) | Tourist |
| 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Tourism, business, family visits, transit — no visa required | Up to 30 days | $0 | Processed at port of entry on arrival | Tourist |
| 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Short-term transit through China without a visa | Up to 240 hours (10 days) | $0 | Processed at port of entry on arrival | Transit |
| Transit Visa (G) Transit through China en route to a third country | Typically up to 7 days | $185 | 4 business days (regular) | Transit |
| Work Visa (Z) Employment and work in China | Initial entry valid 30 days; must convert to residence permit (1-5 years) after arrival | $185 | 4 business days for visa; work permit pre-approval takes 15-20 business days | Work |
| Talent Visa (R) Highly skilled foreign professionals whose skills are urgently needed in China (Tier A talents) | 5-10 years validity; multiple entries; 90-180 days per stay | $185 | Expedited: 3 business days for work permit and residence permit after entry | Work |
Not Available:
Digital Nomad Visa — China does not offer a digital nomad visa. Working remotely on a tourist or business visa is technically illegal.
Retirement Visa — China does not offer a specific retirement visa category.
Source: Indian Bureau of Immigration
China Passport PowerVisa-free access & travel freedom
New
41
Visa Free
32
Visa on Arrival
18
E-Visa
Visa-Free Destinations (41)
Albania (30d), Antigua and Barbuda (30d), Armenia (30d), Bahamas (30d), Barbados (30d), Belarus (30d), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30d), Brunei (15d), Cambodia (14d), Cape Verde (30d), Dominica (30d), Ecuador (30d), Fiji (30d), Georgia (30d), Grenada (30d), Haiti (90d), Indonesia (30d), Iran (21d), Jamaica (30d), Kazakhstan (30d), Malaysia (30d), Maldives (30d), Mauritius (30d), Morocco (90d), Oman (14d), Qatar (30d), Saint Lucia (42d), Samoa (60d), San Marino (30d), Serbia (30d), Seychelles (30d), Singapore (30d), Solomon Islands (30d), Suriname (30d), Thailand (30d), Tonga (30d), Trinidad and Tobago (30d), Tunisia (90d), United Arab Emirates (30d), Uzbekistan (10d), Vanuatu (30d)
Visa on Arrival (32)
Bahrain (14d), Bangladesh (30d), Bolivia (90d), Burundi (30d), Comoros (45d), Cote d'Ivoire (30d), Djibouti (30d), Egypt (30d), Ethiopia (30d), Gabon (30d), Guinea-Bissau (90d), Jordan (30d), Laos (30d), Lebanon (30d), Madagascar (90d), Marshall Islands (30d), Micronesia (30d), Mozambique (30d), Myanmar (30d), Nepal (30d), Pakistan (30d), Palau (30d), Rwanda (30d), Saudi Arabia (30d), Senegal (30d), Sierra Leone (30d), Somalia (30d), Tanzania (90d), Timor-Leste (30d), Tuvalu (30d), Uganda, Zimbabwe (30d)
E-Visa Available (18)
Australia (90d), Azerbaijan (30d), Benin (30d), Cameroon (30d), Congo (Republic) (30d), Equatorial Guinea (30d), Guinea (90d), India (60d), Kenya (90d), Mali (30d), Mauritania (30d), South Africa (30d), South Sudan (30d), Sri Lanka (30d), Tajikistan (45d), Togo (30d), Turkey (30d), Zambia (90d)
Entry Requirements for ChinaWhat U.S. citizens need to enter
Gov DataPassport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry + 2 blank pages
Visa Required
No — 30 days visa-free
Currency Limit
Foreign currency cash over USD 5,000 equivalent must be declared; RMB cash over RMB 20,000 must be declared
US citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days (extended through Dec 31, 2026) or use the 240-hour visa-free transit when traveling to a third country. For longer stays, a tourist (L) visa must be obtained in advance. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. A mandatory Arrival Card must be completed upon entry. Passport must be valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.
- Biometrics
- Collected on arrival
- Arrival Card
- Required (electronic or paper)
- Return Ticket
- Required
- Proof of Funds
- No specific amount mandated, but sufficient funds for stay may be requested; hotel reservations and itinerary commonly required for visa application
- Prohibited Items
- Arms, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit currency, illicit drugs, poisonous substances, politically sensitive materials, disease-carrying animals/plants, used garments, most live animals, uncooked/cooked meat and dairy
- Customs
- Prohibited: arms/ammunition/explosives, counterfeit currency, illicit drugs, poisonous substances, politically sensitive printed/media materials, disease-carrying animals/plants, old/used garments, most live animals (except dogs/cats), uncooked/cooked meat and dairy products. Must declare electronics valued over RMB 5,000 and radio transmitters/receivers.
- COVID-19
- None. No COVID-19 test, vaccination proof, or health declaration form required as of 2026.
Immigration StatisticsChina nationals & U.S. immigration data
New
2.4M
In the U.S.
10.7M
Global Diaspora
25.4%
B1/B2 Refusal Rate
303K
Refugees Hosted
- Top Destinations
- United States, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, South Korea
- Top Origins
- South Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam, United States, India
- Annual Emigrants
- 10,000,000
- Net Migration Rate
- -0.1 per 1,000
- DV Lottery
- Not Eligible
Safety Overview — ChinaCrime, terrorism, and practical safety tips
Gov Data
7/10
Overall Safety Score
10 = safest
10 = safest
Petty Crime
Medium
Violent Crime
Low
Scams
High
Terrorism
Low
Natural Disasters
Medium
- Political Stability
- Mostly stable
- Women Travelers
- Safe
- LGBTQ+ Safety
- Exercise caution
- Emergency Number
- 110
Areas to Avoid
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (ethnic tensions, heavy security, restricted access), Tibet Autonomous Region (permit required, organized tours mandatory), border areas with North Korea/Myanmar/Laos/Vietnam (military presence, restricted access), remote mountainous regions (poor infrastructure, limited medical access)
Safety Tips
Source: U.S. Department of State
1. Use official taxis or the Didi app instead of unlicensed cabs to avoid overcharging. 2. Decline invitations from strangers offering free tea tastings, art exhibitions, or massage deals — these are common scams. 3. Keep valuables secure and be vigilant against pickpockets in crowded metro stations, markets, and tourist sites. 4. Download a VPN before arrival since Google, WhatsApp, and many Western apps are blocked. 5. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before traveling as many vendors prefer digital payment. 6. Carry your passport at all times — police may conduct random identity checks. 7. Register with the local police station within 24 hours if staying at a private residence. 8. Avoid photographing military installations, police, government buildings, and sensitive areas. 9. Purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. 10. Check air quality indexes before outdoor activities in northern cities, especially Beijing during winter.
Health InformationVaccinations, water safety, medical facilities
Gov Data Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), MMR, Varicella, Influenza, COVID-19, Polio, Tickborne Encephalitis, Pneumonia, Meningitis
Water & Food Safety
Tap water is NOT safe to drink. Use bottled or purified water only.
- Malaria Risk
- No risk
- Dengue Risk
- Yes — prevent mosquito bites
- Healthcare Quality
- Good — moderate cost
- Travel Insurance
- Strongly recommended
- Altitude Risk
- Yes — acclimatize gradually at high elevations
Common Health Risks
Air pollution (especially in major cities), foodborne illness, dengue (southern regions), altitude sickness (Tibet/western China at 4,000m+), hand-foot-mouth disease, avian influenza (rare)
Medical Evacuation
Evacuation to the US may cost $50,000+; international-standard hospitals concentrated in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou; rural areas may require evacuation to nearest major city first
Cost of Living in ChinaAverage costs in major cities (USD)
New
Meal
$3.70
Inexpensive restaurant
Rent (1BR)
$770/mo
City center
Transport
$28/mo
Monthly pass
Internet
$14/mo
Broadband
Gym
$28/mo
Membership
Coffee
$3.30
Cappuccino
Cost Index vs. United States (US = 100)
China
31
U.S.
100
Cost of living is approximately 70% lower than the United States.
- Budget Traveler
- $600/mo
- Mid-Range
- $1,250/mo
- Comfortable
- $2,300/mo
- Rent (Outside Center)
- $430/mo
- Utilities
- $70/mo
- Taxi per km
- $0.34
Work & Employment in ChinaWork permits, salary requirements, and in-demand jobs
New
Foreigner's Work Permit (Category B — Professional Talent)
Points score 60-85; OR bachelor's degree + 2 years relevant experience; OR salary >= 4x local average wage. Age under 60 (strict enforcement from 2026).
Foreigner's Work Permit (Category C — Ordinary Workers)
Points score below 60; short-term workers (under 90 days); interns under government quota programs. Subject to government quotas and local labor market needs.
Foreigner's Work Permit (Category A — High-Level Talent)
Points score 85+; OR salary >= 6x local average wage; OR Nobel laureates, national academy members, professors at top-200 universities, Fortune 500 senior management, participants in 1,000 Talents Plan
In-Demand Occupations
Source: Official government immigration portals
Study in ChinaTop universities, tuition, and student visa
New
#14
Peking University
Beijing
#17
Tsinghua University
Beijing
#30
Fudan University
Shanghai
#49
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai
#50
Zhejiang University
Hangzhou
#103
Nanjing University
Nanjing
#133
University of Science and Technology of China
Hefei
#177
Tongji University
Shanghai
#186
Wuhan University
Wuhan
- Student Visa
- X1 (long-term, >180 days) / X2 (short-term, ≤180 days) — $185 (X1: up to 5 years (residence permit); X2: up to 180 days)
- Avg. Tuition
- $6,000/year (international students)
- Work While Studying
- Yes — 8 hours/week
- Post-Study Work Visa
- Yes — No formal visa; master's+ grads can apply for Z visa within 1 year; some cities offer 6-month search
- Language
- Mandarin Chinese (increasing number of English-taught programs available)
- Academic Year
- Starts September
Scholarships
Source: QS World University Rankings 2026, official education portals
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — fully funded for undergrad, master's, and PhD at 280+ universities. Covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and monthly stipend (CNY 2,500-3,500/month). ~15,000 scholarships awarded annually. Types: Bilateral Program, Chinese University Program, ASEAN Program, Great Wall Program.
Local Laws & Customs — ChinaLaws visitors must know
Gov Data- Drinking Age
- 18
- Alcohol Restrictions
- No strict public drinking ban but public intoxication is frowned upon. Drinking culture is strong at business and social gatherings. Enforcement is relaxed.
- Drug Laws
- Extremely strict. Smuggling, trafficking, or manufacturing 50g+ heroin/meth or 1,000g+ opium can carry the death penalty. Possession of any illegal drugs can result in detention, imprisonment, or deportation for foreigners. Mandatory drug testing can be imposed on suspected users.
- Photography
- Military installations, government buildings, and border areas are strictly prohibited. Some cultural/religious sites restrict photography. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in minority communities.
- Dress Code
- No legal dress code; modest dress recommended at religious sites and government buildings
- LGBTQ+ Status
- Legal
- Death Penalty
- In force
- VPN Legal
- No — restricted
- Tipping
- Not customary and generally not expected. Tipping can even be considered rude in some contexts. High-end international hotels may accept tips.
Important Customs
Source: U.S. Department of State
Remove shoes when entering homes. Use both hands to give/receive business cards. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism). Avoid giving clocks, white flowers, or items in sets of 4 as gifts (associated with death). 'Ganbei' toasts are common at dinners. Set up WeChat/Alipay as cash is rarely accepted in many establishments.
Digital Nomad Guide — ChinaRemote work, connectivity, and coworking
New
Internet
165 Mbps
Community
3/10
Affordability
7/10
Quality
6/10
No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa
China does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers use a tourist or business visa.
- Best Cities
- Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xiamen, Sanya, Hangzhou, Kunming
- Tax Obligations
- China taxes residents on worldwide income. Tax residency triggered after 183 days in a calendar year. IIT is progressive 3-45%. Foreign-sourced income may be exempt if not a Chinese tax resident for 6 consecutive years (the '6-year rule'). Remote workers earning from foreign employers while physically in China may owe Chinese tax.
- Coworking
- Widely available
Citizenship & Residency — ChinaPathways to long-term residency and citizenship
New-
Naturalization 5 years of residence required. Mandarin Chinese.
-
Marriage Spouse of citizen can apply after 5 years of residence.
-
By Descent Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) — at least one parent must be a citizen.
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Renunciation
- Allowed
Additional Notes
Source: Official government citizenship portals
Naturalization is exceptionally rare — only 1,448 naturalized persons in the 2010 census out of 1.34 billion. China does NOT recognize dual nationality; acquiring Chinese citizenship requires forfeiting all other nationalities. Eligibility categories for permanent residence: high-level talent, major investors, family reunion with Chinese citizens. Often called the world's hardest citizenship to obtain.
Emergency Contacts
New
Us Consulate
U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou
+86-20-3814-5775
No. 43 Huajiu Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou
china.usembassy-china.org.cn →
Us Consulate
U.S. Consulate General Shanghai
+86-21-8011-2400
9th Floor, Westgate Mall, No. 1038 West Nanjing Road, Shanghai
china.usembassy-china.org.cn →
Us Consulate
U.S. Consulate General Shenyang
+86-24-2322-1198
5th Floor, Maoye Tiandi Shopping Center, No. 52 Shisi Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang
china.usembassy-china.org.cn →
Us Consulate
U.S. Consulate General Wuhan
+86-27-8563-2800
Wuhan Minsheng Bank Building, 396 Xinhua Road, Jiang'an District, Wuhan 430015
china.usembassy-china.org.cn →
Us Embassy
U.S. Embassy Beijing
+86-10-8531-3000
55 Anjialou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600
china.usembassy-china.org.cn →
Transportation — ChinaGetting around in China
New| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital International Airport | PEK | Beijing |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport | PKX | Beijing |
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport | PVG | Shanghai |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | SHA | Shanghai |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | CAN | Guangzhou |
| Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport | SZX | Shenzhen |
| Chengdu Tianfu International Airport | TFU | Chengdu |
| Kunming Changshui International Airport | KMG | Kunming |
| Xi'an Xianyang International Airport | XIY | Xi'an |
| Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport | HGH | Hangzhou |
- Driving Side
- Right
- IDP Required
- No
- Rail Network
- Available — Excellent
- Metro Cities
- Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi'an (54 metro systems total)
- Ride-sharing
- DiDi, Wanshun, Shouqi, Meituan Dache
- Road Quality
- Good
- Taxi Cost
- $0.40/km
- Ferry Routes
- Yangtze River ferries, coastal ferries between mainland and islands (Hainan, Zhoushan), cross-strait services to offshore islands
Economy — ChinaEconomic indicators and tax information
$19.40T
GDP
5.0%
GDP Growth
5.1%
Unemployment
1.3%
Inflation
- GDP per Capita (PPP)
- $29,191
- Industries
- Manufacturing, electronics, semiconductors, automotive (incl. EVs), steel, chemicals, textiles, agriculture, construction, services, e-commerce, AI, renewable energy (solar/batteries)
- Exports
- Electronics/semiconductors, electrical machinery, vehicles (EVs), lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, ships, steel, textiles, furniture, plastics
- Imports
- Crude oil, integrated circuits, iron ore, natural gas, soybeans, copper, agricultural products, advanced equipment
- Trade Agreements
- RCEP (15 Asia-Pacific nations), China-ASEAN FTA, China-South Korea, China-Australia, China-New Zealand, China-Singapore, China-Pakistan, China-Chile, China-Peru, China-Switzerland, China-Iceland, China-Georgia, China-Mauritius, China-Serbia, China-Nicaragua (23 FTAs with 30 partners total)
- Income Tax
- 3-45% progressive (7 brackets)
- Corporate Tax
- 25% standard; 15% high-tech; 10% software/IC; 5% small enterprises
- GST / VAT
- 13% standard; 9% reduced; 6% services
- Corruption Index
- 43.00/100 (Transparency International)
- Ease of Business
- #31 (World Bank)
Geography & Practical Details
- Region
- Asia
- Capital
- Beijing
- Area
- 9,706,961 km²
- Population
- 1,408,280,000
- Timezone
- UTC+08:00
- Languages
- Chinese
- Calling Code
- +86
- Drives On
- Right
- ISO Code
- CN