China entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy runs through 2026 and covers tourism, business, and family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for at least the full 30 days you plan to stay in China. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers at Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou enforce it strictly. | 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 showing you leave within 30 days. Budget airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Chinese immigration rarely asks for it, but airlines sometimes request proof of where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely check this for Bulgarian passport holders, but it's smart to have proof. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter China. If it's even one day short, you may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Check your passport now.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers sometimes ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready — don't rely on having mobile data to pull it up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or save your return ticket, and have your first night's accommodation address ready. Also download a local eSIM or buy a SIM card at the airport.
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'. Have your passport and boarding pass out.
3
Go through immigration
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. They'll stamp your passport and you're in — no visa needed.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter China.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
CostCNY 140 (~$20 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Apply at Chinese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostCNY 210 (~$30 USD)
For frequent travellers. Must show travel history.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months
CostCNY 210 (~$30 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (employer usually pays)
For those with a job offer from a Chinese company. Requires work permit and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, depending on course
~$50 USD (application fee)
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur)
1–5 years, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For investors with significant capital (usually >$500,000 USD) in approved sectors. Requires business plan and government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or multiple entries. | CNY 140 (~$20 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries. | CNY 210 (~$30 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of CNY 10,000 (~$1,400 USD). | CNY 500 (~$70 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Bulgaria 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, New Zealand, or Schengen area may transit without visa for up to 72 hours 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 Yellow Fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities often have poor air quality; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Altitude sicknessModerate risk
In high-altitude areas like Tibet, risk of altitude sickness; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but exists in rural parts of Yunnan and Hainan. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard itineraries.
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
2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Busy office; arrive early. Online appointment recommended.
Practical information for BG 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 = 6.78 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 before the 30 days are up. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a proper visa (like an L visa) before you travel.
You'll need to apply for a visa in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate. The most common option is the L visa (tourist), which can be issued for 30, 60, or 90 days depending on your itinerary. Apply at least 2-4 weeks before your trip.
If you're staying in a hotel, they'll register you automatically. If you're staying in a private residence (like a friend's apartment), you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels handle this for you.
Yes, Bulgarian passport holders can visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 90 days and Macau for up to 30 days. But note: these are separate territories with their own immigration rules. If you fly into Hong Kong and then cross into mainland China, you'll need to meet mainland China's entry requirements (including the 6-month passport validity).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll likely be fined ¥500–¥2,000 per day overstayed, and you may be detained or banned from re-entering China for a period. Always leave on time.
If you're transiting through a Chinese airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you may qualify for the 24-hour or 144-hour transit visa-free policy depending on your nationality and route. Check with your airline or the Chinese embassy.
No, it's not officially required for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in China can be very high — a hospital visit for something minor can cost hundreds of dollars, and serious emergencies can run into thousands. Most travel insurance policies are cheap and cover this.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.