Travel Insurance China

Whether you need a visa to travel to China depends on your nationality and how long you intend to stay.

Citizens of 38 nations can travel to China for up to 30 days visa-free. This list includes countries like:

• Australia
• Ireland
• Thailand
• Singapore

There are no restrictions on the number of times qualifying visa-free travelers can enter China.

The United States and the United Kingdom are not on this list. Citizens of these countries and anyone wishing to visit China for more than 30 days must apply for a visa.

Some nations may also need a visa to transit through China. Citizens from 54 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, qualify to transit through China visa-free.

To apply for a visa, visit the website of your country’s Chinese embassy or consulate. You must provide documents like a valid passport, itinerary, and invitation letters.

When traveling, you should also bring supporting documents like invitation letters, flight tickets, and hotel reservations to prove the purpose of your visit to Chinese authorities.

China’s visa policies can change. Before planning your trip, we recommend you check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Visit our page on Chinese tourist visas for more information, including which nations’ citizens don’t need one. 

You should ensure that your routine vaccinations, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria, tetanus, and polio are up to date.

You should also consider additional vaccinations like hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. 

If you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is present, you will need to show a vaccination certificate upon entering China.

Consult a healthcare professional for specific recommendations.

China is generally a safe country for tourists to visit. Here are some things to be aware of:

Crime

It is unusual for tourists to be targeted by criminals in China. The most common issues experienced by tourists are:

• Drink spiking and sexual assault, especially to women traveling alone. 
• Scams in which a friendly person invites you to try tea or have a massage and then you are charged an extortionate fee.

Adverse weather and natural disasters

China experiences earthquakes, typhoons and flooding. Check local weather reports before traveling. Remember, your travel insurance won’t cover you for expenses caused by weather or a natural disaster that was forecast when you purchased the policy.

Road safety

China often has poorer quality roads and lower driving standards than countries such as the USA. In 2022 and 2023 around 60,000 people died in Chinese road accidents. 

We recommend you avoid driving while there and instead use public transport or hire a private driver. 

State laws

China is a one-party system with a low tolerance for breaking the law and political dissent. Breaking drug laws can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty, while speaking out against the government or traveling to politically sensitive areas puts you at risk of arrest.

General tips for staying safe in China include:

• Avoid demonstrations
• Don’t drink too much or use illegal drugs
• Stay with your guide or tour group
• Don’t use social media

No, tap water in China is unsafe to drink without boiling or filtering. Stick to bottled water, which is widely available.

China has a comprehensive transportation network, including:

• High-speed trains connecting major cities.
• Domestic flights for long distances.
• Metro systems in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
• Affordable taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi.

• Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering homes.
• Avoid discussing sensitive political topics.
• Learn basic Mandarin phrases; locals appreciate it.
• Using both hands when presenting or receiving items like business cards is considered polite.

While cash is still accepted, mobile payments using apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Foreign credit cards are not universally accepted, so carrying some cash in Chinese Yuan is essential.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are considered the best times due to mild weather. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters are cold, especially in northern regions.

Popular destinations include:

• The Great Wall of China.
• Forbidden City in Beijing.
• Terracotta Army in Xi’an.
• Li River and Yangshuo for natural beauty.
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (inspiration for the “Avatar” movie landscapes)