China

China requires a visa for most nationalities, though it has expanded its visa-free list to 30+ countries since 2023. Most Western travelers must apply for a tourist (L) visa from a Chinese embassy before departure.

Citizens of over 30 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Portugal, Luxembourg, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and others, can now enter China visa-free for 15–30 days. Citizens of the US, UK and Canada must apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese consulate. Applications require a completed form, passport photos, hotel bookings and return flight. The 144-hour transit visa-free policy applies at major airports.