Visa Information for China

China Entry & Visa Guide

China’s entry rules have become much more flexible in recent years. Depending on your passport, you may not need a visa at all — or you can apply for a Tourist (L) or Short-Term Study (X2) visa with our school’s invitation letter.

1) 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of most European countries (including Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and others) can now enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.

  • Allowed purposes: tourism, business, visiting friends/family, exchanges, and transit.

  • Stay length: up to 30 days per entry.

  • Extensions: not usually available for visa-free entries.

👉 If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, it’s better to apply for a Tourist (L) or Study (X2) visa before coming.

2) Tourist Visa (L)

For those not eligible for visa-free entry, or who need more time:

  • Validity: usually 30, 60, or 90 days (varies by country).

  • Multiple entry options: available in some countries, useful if you plan to travel outside China and return.

  • Extension: normally possible once for up to 30 extra days, handled by the Exit-Entry Administration (PSB) in Guilin.

Documents required for an extension usually include:

  • Passport

  • Copies of your visa, entry stamp, and passport ID page

  • Passport photos (blue background)

  • Proof of accommodation/registration with the PSB

Processing normally takes about a week, and there is a small fee (amount depends on nationality).

3) Short-Term Study Visa (X2)

If you know in advance you’ll study for longer than 30 days, the best option is an X2 visa, valid for up to 180 days.

  • Requires our official invitation/admission letter.

  • Easier and safer than relying on visa runs or extensions.

4) Business Visas (M / F)

  • M visa: for business/trade activities.

  • F visa: for exchanges or visits (less common now).

  • Usually valid for up to 6–12 months, with single, double, or multiple entries.

  • Extensions inside China require official paperwork from a registered Chinese company and are more complex.

5) Extending Your Stay via Hong Kong

If you have 30-day visa-free entry, one option to stay longer is to briefly leave and re-enter China. The easiest route is a high-speed train to Hong Kong:

  • Route: Yangshuo → Guilin (30–40 min) → Shenzhen (3 hrs) → cross into Hong Kong.

  • Cost: around €26 for the Guilin–Shenzhen train, plus local transit.

  • Result: when you re-enter China, you receive a fresh 30-day visa-free stay.

⚠️ Keep in mind:

  1. Immigration officers have the final decision. Too many back-to-back “visa runs” may raise questions.

  2. You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (like a flight leaving China within 30 days).

  3. Policies can change at any time.

This option is convenient if you just need an extra month or two, but for longer stays we recommend applying in advance for a Tourist (L) or Study (X2) visa.

6) Transit Visa-Free (up to 240 hours)

In addition to the 30-day visa-free policy, many travelers can also transit in China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when flying through certain airports on the way to a third country. This can be useful for short training visits or layovers.

Our Support

  • We provide invitation letters to support Tourist (L) and Short-Term Study (X2) visa applications.

  • We help with local registration and give guidance if you want to extend your visa in Guilin.

  • We keep you informed about the latest rules affecting students.

Important Reminder

Chinese visa policies change frequently and differ by nationality and even by city.
Always check with your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate before making travel plans.

  • Official Visa Information: www.visaforchina.org

  • National Immigration Administration of China (NIA): current visa-free country list and entry rules

✨ Tip: If you think you might want to stay longer, apply for the longest possible visa from your home country before arriving. That way, you save time, stress, and extra travel costs.