China entry requirements for Denmark passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 16, 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
Danish passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, valid through 2026 for tourism, business, or transit. No visa needed, but you must meet entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in China. Airlines at Copenhagen and other EU hubs may ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from China | Immigration officers at Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou Baiyun routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in China. Some officers at smaller ports of entry may ask to see where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 3,000 CNY (roughly 400 EUR) for a short stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it on hand. | Recommended |
Overstay penalties are strict
Overstaying even one day can result in fines and a record that may affect future visa applications. Set a reminder to leave before day 30.
Register with police if staying privately
Hotels handle registration automatically, but if you stay with friends or family, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours. Bring your passport and host's ID.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Book a return or onward ticket. Reserve your first night's accommodation. Download a local SIM or eSIM (e.g., Airalo) to get online immediately.
2
Arrive at Chinese immigration
At major airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, or Guangzhou Baiyun, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready. The officer will scan your passport, take a photo, and stamp you in.
3
Complete arrival procedures
After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You may be asked to fill a health declaration form (paper or digital). Keep your entry stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 16, 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
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3–6 months
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Chinese employer. Requires work permit and health check. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Up to 5 years, based on course length
~€60 (~$65 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Chinese institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
M Visa (Business) or R Visa (Talent)
1–5 years, renewable
~€90 (~$98 USD) plus investment
For investors or high-skilled professionals. Requires significant investment or recognized talent. Offers long-term stay and family benefits.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or multiple entries. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, max 30 days per stay. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ¥10,000 (~$1,400 USD). | ¥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
Denmark 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 transit without visa for up to 144 hours in certain cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai can have high PM2.5 levels; sensitive individuals should monitor air quality.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; ascend gradually and consider acetazolamide.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural parts of Yunnan and Hainan; prophylaxis not routinely recommended.
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, Beijing
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
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, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Popular for tourist visa extensions; arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for DK 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 = 6.82 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 expire. If you need to stay longer, apply for a proper visa (e.g., tourist or business) at a Chinese embassy before traveling.
Overstaying can result in fines (typically 500 CNY per day, up to 10,000 CNY), detention, and a possible ban from re-entering China. Always leave on time.
If you stay in a hotel, they register you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to do so can lead to fines.
No, the visa-free entry is single-entry. If you leave China (e.g., to Hong Kong or Macau), you cannot re-enter visa-free. You would need a new visa or a separate visa-free entry if you re-enter from a different country.
Always carry your passport (original, not a copy) and the entry stamp page. Police can ask for ID at any time. A photocopy of your passport is not sufficient.
No, it's not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be very high, and insurance covers emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Working or studying requires a proper work or student visa. Violating this can lead to deportation and a ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.