China entry requirements for Slovakia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Slovak passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is valid through 2026 and covers tourism, business, and transit. 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 at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound flight required within 30 days | Immigration officers at Chinese airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket showing departure within 30 days of arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in China. Officers occasionally ask for your first night's address during passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, cards, or bank statement | Have at least $500 USD equivalent in cash, a credit card, or a recent bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter China. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions.
Keep a digital copy of your documents
Save screenshots of your return ticket, hotel booking, and passport info page on your phone. If you lose your physical documents, these copies can help at the embassy or police station.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Fill out the arrival card
On the flight or at the airport, you'll receive a small arrival card. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Join the foreigner queue
At major airports like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN), follow signs for 'Foreign Passports' or 'All Passports'. The queue can be 20–45 minutes during peak hours.
4
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and if asked, your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
5
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (30 days). Check the stamp before walking away. You're now in China.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Slovakia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking. Apply at Chinese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Good for multiple visits. Same requirements as single entry.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30–60 days, extendable
Validity3–6 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company. For business purposes.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 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
~€80 (~$87 USD) plus school fees
For enrolled students at Chinese universities. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur)
1–5 years, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) plus investment
For investors with significant capital (minimum ~$500,000 USD). Requires business plan and government approval. Leads to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 30 days, extendable. Apply at Chinese embassy/consulate. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 6 months, max 30 days per stay. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine of ¥10,000 (~$1,400 USD). Avoid overstay. | ¥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
Slovakia 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 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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have periodic high pollution levels; wear masks if sensitive.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 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
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Expect queues.
Practical information for SK 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. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a proper visa (e.g., tourist L visa) at a Chinese embassy before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines of 500 CNY per day and possible detention.
If you stay in a hotel, they register you automatically. If you stay in a private residence (e.g., with friends or Airbnb), you must register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Bring your passport and the host's ID. Failure to register can lead to fines.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. If you can't show it, you could be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Always have a refundable or flexible return ticket booked.
Yes, the 30-day visa-free policy applies to all international airports, land borders, and seaports in mainland China. However, it does not cover Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan — those are separate territories with their own entry rules.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa for up to 24 hours. For longer transits, China offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy at many cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country and stay within the designated area.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Slovak embassy in Beijing (phone: +86-10-6532-1505) or the consulate in Shanghai. They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need to apply for a new visa at the Chinese exit-entry bureau if you plan to stay.
No, it's not required by law, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be very high — a simple hospital visit can cost 500–1000 CNY, and a serious emergency can run into tens of thousands. Insurance also covers trip cancellation and lost luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.