China entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit. This policy is in effect for 2026 and covers tourism, business, and family visits. No visa application is needed before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in China. Airlines check this at check-in, and Chinese immigration will deny boarding if it expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from China | Immigration officers at major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they won't let you through without a confirmed departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Chinese immigration rarely asks for it, but hotels are required by law to register your stay with local police, so having the booking handy avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip. Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least ¥3,000 RMB per day of stay. I've never been asked, but a few travellers report being quizzed at entry. | Recommended |
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying your 30-day visa-free period by even one day can result in a fine of 500 CNY per day (about €65) and a possible ban from re-entering China. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Register with local police if staying privately
If you're staying with friends or family, your host must register you at the local police station within 24 hours. Hotels do this automatically. Skipping this step can lead to fines for both you and your host.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months beyond entry), print or screenshot your return ticket and hotel booking. Download a local SIM or eSIM so you have data on arrival.
2
Arrive at a Chinese airport
At major airports like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for visa-free entry.
3
Present your documents to immigration
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and be ready to show your return ticket and hotel booking if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're now in China for up to 30 days.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost1,200 CNY (~$170 USD)
Required for stays beyond 30 days or if visa-free is not used.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6–12 months
Cost2,400 CNY (~$340 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30–60 days, extendable
Validity3–12 months
Cost1,200–2,400 CNY (~$170–340 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in China. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable annually
~1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
~2,400 CNY (~$340 USD) plus investment
For investors with significant capital (usually >$500,000 USD) in a Chinese business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is 10,000 CNY (~$1,400 USD). Avoid overstaying. | 500 CNY (~$70 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or multiple entries. | 1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 6–12 months. | 2,400 CNY (~$340 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through China
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders can transit through China without a visa for up to 24 hours at most international airports, provided they stay airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen area may be eligible for 72-hour transit without visa in some cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
High levels of PM2.5 in major cities can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food or water; drink bottled water.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended except for remote rural areas near borders.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2, Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions or re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of stay.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handle visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.8 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave China before the 30 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, apply for a proper visa before you travel.
You need to apply for a visa (e.g., tourist L visa or business M visa) at a Chinese embassy or visa center before your trip. These can allow stays of 60 or 90 days. The visa-free policy is strictly for short visits.
If you stay in a hotel, they will register you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, your host must register you at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to do so can lead to fines.
The visa-free entry is single-entry. If you leave China (e.g., to Hong Kong or Macau), you'll need a new visa-free entry on return, which resets the 30-day clock. But you can only stay a total of 30 days per entry.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Chinese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. Some airlines are stricter than others, but it's not worth the risk.
No, Austrian passport holders can visit Hong Kong and Macau visa-free for up to 90 days. These are separate territories with their own immigration rules. You can enter them from mainland China without a visa, but you'll need to re-enter mainland China with a new visa-free entry.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. A hospital stay in China can cost hundreds of euros per day. Basic travel insurance covers medical evacuation, which can be critical in remote areas. Many policies cost under €50 for a trip.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.