Travel Restrictions: Chinese Citizens' Global Mobility

Chinese citizens are generally allowed to leave China, but there are some restrictions and requirements in place. To exit China, Chinese citizens must have a valid passport and a visa for their destination country. They may also need an exit permit from the Chinese government, especially if they are travelling to certain destinations. Chinese citizens with pending legal issues or who are considered a threat to national security may be prohibited from leaving the country.

Chinese citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 90 countries and territories, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. However, there are still some countries that require visas for Chinese citizens, and the process can vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the individual's circumstances. For example, Chinese citizens travelling to the United States for short-term stays will need an approved B1 or B2 visa, while those travelling for long-term stays will need a valid visa.

Visa requirements for Chinese citizens

Visa-Exempt Destinations:

Chinese citizens can enter several countries without a visa, with varying durations:

• Thailand: Permanently visa-free since March 1, 2024.
• Singapore: Visa-free from February 9, 2024.
• Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Maldives, and Armenia: Mutual visa exemption.
• Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and San Marino: European countries with mutual visa waivers.
• Barbados, the Bahamas, Ecuador, Dominica, Grenada, and Suriname: Visa exemptions in the Americas.
• Mauritius and Seychelles: African countries with mutual visa-free entry.
• Fiji and Tonga: Oceanian countries with visa exemptions.
• Malaysia: Visa-free until December 31, 2024.
• Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica: Unilateral visa-free entry in the Americas.
• Oman, South Korea's Jeju Island, Uzbekistan, Iran, Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, and Georgia: Asian countries with visa exemptions.
• Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, French Polynesia, and Kiribati: Oceanian countries with unilateral visa-free entry.
• Gabon, Morocco, Mozambique, Tunisia, Zambia, Angola, and Benin: African countries offering visa-free entry.

Visa on Arrival:

Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in over 40 countries, including:

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Madagascar, Bolivia, Cook Islands, Palau, and Egypt.

Transit Visa Exemptions:

Chinese travellers are exempt from transit visa requirements in over 40 countries, including:

Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Cyprus, Slovakia, Hungary, and Italy.

Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS):

Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 (visitor) visas must update their biographical and travel eligibility information through the EVUS before travelling to the United States. This update is required every two years or when obtaining a new passport or visa, whichever comes first. EVUS enrollment is free of charge as of 2024.

Other Visa Requirements:

Chinese citizens intending to travel to Japan for short-term business, visiting relatives, or group tourism should refer to the website of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General for details. Individual tourists from China may obtain single-entry or multiple-entry visas, especially if they meet specific financial capability requirements or have previously visited Japan.

Chinese citizens travelling to the US

Chinese citizens are generally allowed to leave China, but there are some restrictions and requirements in place. To enter the US, Chinese citizens need a valid passport and a visa. Since 1 July 2024, Chinese citizens have been able to enter the US without a visa for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, or transit. However, holders of official and diplomatic passports will still need to apply for a visa before travelling.

Chinese citizens must obtain a valid passport and a US visa for the country they wish to travel to. They may also need to obtain an exit permit from the Chinese government, especially if they are travelling to certain destinations. Additionally, some individuals, such as those with pending legal issues or who are considered a threat to national security, may be prohibited from leaving China.

There may also be limitations on travel to certain countries, particularly those with strained diplomatic relations with China. Chinese citizens considering emigration may face additional hurdles, as the Chinese government has imposed restrictions on individuals who wish to renounce their citizenship or permanent residency. It is important for Chinese citizens to be aware of the specific regulations and requirements that apply to their travel plans to avoid any issues.

The US has implemented on-arrival screening for Mpox symptoms, and travellers no longer require a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. Chinese citizens should always carry identification and be prepared to show photo ID if asked. They must also register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arriving and each time they change their residential location.

It is important to note that entry and exit conditions can change at short notice, and Chinese citizens should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the US for the latest details on visas, currency, customs, and quarantine rules.

Chinese citizens leaving China

Chinese citizens are generally allowed to leave China, but there are certain restrictions and requirements in place. To exit the country, Chinese citizens must have a valid passport and a visa for their intended destination. They may also need to obtain an exit permit from the Chinese government, especially if they are travelling to certain destinations.

Some individuals, such as those with pending legal issues or who are considered a threat to national security, may be prohibited from leaving China. There may also be limitations on travel to certain countries, particularly those with strained diplomatic relations with China.

The process for obtaining an exit permit involves submitting an application to the appropriate authorities, and the required documentation may include proof of travel plans, a valid passport, and a visa for the destination country. The specific process and requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances, so it is important for citizens to allow ample time for their application to be processed.

In addition to these exit requirements, Chinese citizens should also be aware of any travel advisories or warnings issued by the Chinese government for their intended destination. Recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have also impacted international travel, with various countries implementing travel restrictions, health protocols, and other measures.

It is important for Chinese citizens to be well-informed about the specific regulations and requirements for their travel plans to avoid encountering issues or facing legal repercussions and travel restrictions.

Chinese citizens travelling to Japan

Chinese citizens are required to have a visa to enter Japan. The type of visa will depend on the purpose and duration of the visit.

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is the most common type of visa for Chinese citizens visiting Japan. This visa allows visitors to stay in Japan for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. Chinese citizens need to apply for this visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate and provide the following documents:

• Return tickets or proof of onward travel
• Proof of sufficient funds for the trip
• List of travel plans
• Passport valid for at least 90 days from the date of leaving Japan
• Completed visa application form
• Visa fee

The processing time for a tourist visa is approximately 5 working days, but Chinese tourists are advised to apply as early as possible to allow for extra processing time. The visa fee is typically around 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa and 6,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa, payable in renminbi.

Visas for Chinese Tourist Groups

For group tourism, special visas are available through approved Chinese travel agencies. These visas allow group visits for up to 15 days. Travel agencies usually arrange these visas on behalf of their clients.

Visas for Individual Tourists Residing in China

Individual tourist visas are also obtainable through approved Chinese travel agencies. There are two types of individual tourist visas: single-entry and multiple-entry. Visitors with this type of visa do not need to be accompanied by anyone.

Work or Long-Term Stay Visa

For those who wish to stay in Japan for longer than 90 days or intend to work in the country, a work visa or long-term stay visa is required. The Japanese government offers various types of work visas for different professions, including professors, artists, journalists, business managers, and medical professionals.

Other Types of Japan Visas

Chinese citizens can also apply for other types of visas, such as the general visa, specified visa, and start-up visa, depending on their specific needs and purposes.

Chinese citizens travelling to the UK

Chinese citizens are generally allowed to leave China, but there are some restrictions and requirements in place. To enter the UK, Chinese citizens must have a valid passport and a visa. They may also need to obtain an exit permit from the Chinese government.

Chinese citizens who wish to visit the UK must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This visa allows Chinese citizens to stay in the UK for up to 180 days per entry and must be used within six months of the issue date. The actual length of stay is determined by the immigration officer and is based on the purpose of the trip and supporting documents. The visa application process requires biometric information to be collected and all necessary documents to be submitted.

Chinese students make up the largest proportion of the UK's international student population. Chinese citizens who wish to study in the UK will need to apply for a Student Visa, allowing them to live in the UK for the duration of their studies. To be eligible, they must have an offer to study at a registered UK educational facility, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and prove they can financially support themselves.

Chinese citizens who want to move to the UK to join their partners have several visa options: a Spouse Visa, an Unmarried Partner Visa, and a Fiancé Visa. These visas allow Chinese citizens to stay in the UK for up to 30 months and can be extended.

To work in the UK, Chinese citizens need to apply for a work visa. The Skilled Worker Visa is open to anyone with a job offer for an eligible skilled role, meeting specific requirements such as salary thresholds and English language proficiency.

Frequently asked questions