Visa-Free Travel to China for German Citizens in 2026

Categories: China Travel Essentials, 未分类

Complete Travel Guide (Updated January 2026)

If you are a German passport holder planning a trip to China, good news:
You can currently enter China without a visa.

This guide explains who qualifies, how the visa-free policy works, what to prepare before departure, and what to expect when entering China, based on the latest official policies and real-world travel experience.

1. Visa-Free Entry Policy for German Citizens – Key Overview

According to the latest announcements from the National Immigration Administration of China and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, German citizens holding an ordinary passport are eligible for unilateral visa-free entry into China.

Who can enter China without a visa?

German citizens traveling for the following short-term purposes:

  • Tourism & sightseeing

  • Business activities

  • Visiting family or friends

  • Cultural or exchange visits

  • Transit through China

Length of stay

  • Up to 30 consecutive days per entry

  • The stay is calculated from the day after entry

Policy validity

  • Valid until December 31, 2026

Important limitations

Visa-free entry does NOT apply to travelers coming to China for:

  • Employment or paid work

  • Long-term residence

  • Study programs

  • Journalism or media activities

  • Any activity requiring prior government approval

2. Pre-Departure Checklist (Highly Recommended)

Although a visa is not required, proper preparation is essential. Border officers and airlines may still request supporting documents.

2.1 Passport requirements

  • Must be a German ordinary passport

  • Passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date
    (not always written in law, but widely required by airlines and border control)

2.2 Flight ticket

  • Strongly recommended to prepare:

    • A round-trip ticket, or

    • A confirmed onward ticket to a third country

  • Airlines often require proof of onward travel before boarding

2.3 Accommodation & itinerary

  • Hotel reservation or accommodation booking in China

  • A basic travel plan (cities, dates, activities)

These documents help demonstrate that your visit is genuinely for tourism.

3. Money, Payments & Travel Insurance

Cash & cards

  • Bring a small amount of RMB cash (1,000–2,000 CNY) for emergencies

  • International credit cards (Visa / Mastercard / UnionPay) are accepted at:

    • Hotels

    • Shopping malls

    • Larger restaurants

Mobile payment in China

China is largely cashless. Most locals use Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Foreigners can use them, but:

  • Card binding may take time

  • Some features are limited

👉 Recommendation:
Carry at least one physical international credit card as backup.

Travel insurance

Highly recommended:

  • Medical coverage

  • Emergency treatment

  • Trip delays or cancellations

4. Mobile Internet & Useful Apps

Internet access

Options include:

  • International roaming (check your German carrier)

  • Local Chinese SIM card (passport required for registration)

Recommended apps to install before arrival

  • Alipay or WeChat (payments, taxis, services)

  • Google Translate or Baidu Translate

  • Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps

5. Entry Procedure in China (Including Electronic Arrival Card)

Important update: Electronic Arrival Card

Since November 20, 2025, China has introduced an Electronic Arrival Card system.

All foreign travelers — including visa-free visitors — must complete arrival information.

Step 1: Complete the Electronic Arrival Card (recommended)

You may fill it out:

  • Before departure

  • During your flight

  • Upon arrival (less convenient)

Official platforms:

You will need:

  • Passport details

  • First accommodation address in China

  • Entry purpose (select Tourism)

  • Flight information

👉 Save a screenshot or QR code after submission.

Step 2: Arrival & immigration inspection

  • Follow signs for Arrivals

  • Queue at the Foreigners immigration lane

  • Present:

    • Passport

    • Electronic Arrival Card (QR code or confirmation)

Border officers may ask for:

  • Return or onward flight ticket

  • Hotel reservation

  • Travel plan

Once approved, your passport will be stamped with an entry seal.

6. During Your Stay in China – Important Rules

Accommodation registration

  • Hotels handle registration automatically

  • Staying at a private residence or Airbnb:

    • You must register at the local police station within 24 hours

Stay duration

  • You must leave China no later than 24:00 on the 30th day

  • Example:
    Entry on January 1 → Departure no later than January 30

Carry identification

  • Always keep your passport (or a clear photo copy) with you

Respect local laws

  • Follow Chinese laws and public regulations

  • Do not engage in activities inconsistent with your declared travel purpose

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to register with a Chinese embassy in advance?

No. German citizens eligible for visa-free entry do not need any prior registration.

Is the electronic arrival card mandatory?

Yes. All foreign travelers must complete it. You may do so online in advance or upon arrival.

Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?

Visa-free stays cannot be extended by default.

  • If you plan to stay longer, apply for a visa before departure

  • In emergencies, apply for a stay permit at a local immigration office before your stay expires

Can I enter China visa-free multiple times?

Yes. There is currently no limit on the number of visa-free entries.
However:

  • Each stay must not exceed 30 days

  • Your activities must match your declared purpose

8. Emergency & Useful Contacts

  • German Embassy / Consulates in China
    (Record contact details before travel)

  • China Emergency Numbers

    • Police: 110

    • Fire: 119

    • Ambulance: 120

  • China Immigration Service Hotline: 12367
    (Multilingual service, including German)

  • Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Line: +86-10-12308

Final Advice from TravelGoNative

Visa-free entry makes traveling to China easier than ever — but preparation is still essential.

If you want:

  • A customized itinerary

  • Reliable accommodation advice

  • Local transport planning

  • English-speaking guides

  • Real support while traveling in China

👉 TravelGoNative helps you travel China independently, confidently, and legally.