China entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Latvian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and transit. No visa needed for stays under 30 days.
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 full 30 days you plan to stay in China. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | 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 of your flight out of China ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $500 USD available. Immigration rarely asks for it, but budget airlines flying into China sometimes do at check-in. | Recommended |
Overstaying is expensive
Overstaying even one day can cost 500 CNY per day in fines. Multiple overstays can lead to a ban from entering China for up to 5 years. Set a reminder to leave before day 30.
Internet access in China
Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many other sites are blocked. Install a reliable VPN before you arrive — it won't work if you try to download it in China. eSIMs from Airalo work well and activate on landing.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chinese immigration
At major airports like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, or Guangzhou Baiyun, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. Join the queue for visa-free entry.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel address. Answer clearly — they speak basic English at major airports.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day stay. Check the stamp says '30 days' before walking away. If it says less, ask politely for correction.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel for goods over 5,000 CNY.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (≈ $65 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (≈ $98 USD)
Good for frequent travellers.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay60 days, extendable
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost€100 (≈ $109 USD)
Requires invitation from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100–€200 (≈ $109–$218 USD) plus processing
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
€60–€100 (≈ $65–$109 USD)
For enrolled students at Chinese institutions. Requires admission letter and JW201/JW202 form. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur)
1–5 years, renewable
€200–€500 (≈ $218–$545 USD)
For investors with significant capital (typically >$500,000 USD) in approved sectors. Requires business plan and government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 30 days, extendable once. | €60 (≈ $65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, max 30 days per entry. | €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
Latvia 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 countries may be eligible for 72-hour transit without visa at select airports.
- Some airports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) offer 144-hour transit without visa for certain nationalities, but Latvia holders typically need a visa for longer transits.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
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, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists only in remote rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan provinces; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travellers.
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 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions and residence permits.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Practical information for LV 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 expire. Overstaying can result in fines of 500 CNY per day and a ban from re-entry.
You need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy or visa center before your trip. That allows stays up to 90 days. The visa-free option is only for 30 days.
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. Hotels handle it for you.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies at all international airports, land borders, and seaports. Just make sure you have a valid passport and return ticket.
Contact your embassy (Latvian Embassy in Beijing) immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need a police report for the loss. Expect delays of 2-5 days.
No, Latvian passport holders get visa-free access to Hong Kong (90 days) and Macau (30 days) separately. But if you enter China visa-free, then go to Hong Kong, you cannot re-enter China visa-free — you'd need a new visa or a fresh visa-free entry from outside.
No. China does not offer visa on arrival for Latvian citizens. You must leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.