Entry & Visa
US citizens need a visa from an embassy or consulate to visit China.
Visa needed from an embassy or consulate
US citizens are not on China's 30-day visa-free list, so they need a visa. Visa-free transit of up to 240 hours (10 days) is open to US citizens continuing to a third country, and Hainan allows 30 days visa-free (not for work or study).
Checked 13 Oct 2026 against the official page: us.china-embassy.gov.cn
Rules change: always confirm on the official government site or with the embassy before you book.
Emergency numbers, plugs, health, apps, customs and the phrases you need, on two pages you can save or print.
Basic Chinese Phrases · Basic Chinese (Cantonese) Phrases · Basic Uyghur Phrases
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