Visa-Free Travel to China for Citizens of 15 Countries: Your Ultimate Guide to China Tibet travel

Visa-Free Travel to China for Citizens of 15 Countries: Your Ultimate Guide to China Tibet travel

Starting in 2024, Visa-Free Travel to China for citizens from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 15-30 days. This policy, will last long until December 31, 2025, which opens up a myriad of opportunities for tourists and business travelers alike. Here’s an expert guide to planning your trip to mainland China and Tibet under this new policy.

Understanding the Visa-Free Policy

China’s new visa-free travel to China policy is a significant development in the nation’s efforts to boost tourism and strengthen international relations. Besides, for the tourists who not only likes to travel to mainland China but also eagerly likes to travel to Tibet gives much more easier way to process the booking of their mainland China and Tibet trip. Here’s what you need to know:

Duration: The Visa-Free Travel to China s valid for 15-30 days, depending on the country of origin. All the countries that are mentioned above are given 15 days visa free to China except Singaporean. For the tourist who is holding a Singaporean passport can get 30 days visa free to China. The policy of visa free to mainland China can be also used the same policy to travel to Tibet.
Eligibility: This policy applies to citizens of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Purpose of Visit: The policy covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transits. However, activities like studying or working in China still require appropriate visas.
Entry Points: Visa-free travel to China and please make sure not bring special p entry is available at major international airports and select seaports and land crossings. Ensure you enter and exit through the designated points. To have more detailed information, you can consult your local tour operator in mainland China or Tibet.

Preparing for Your Trip

While you won’t need a visa, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are the steps to get ready:

Check Entry Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least more than six months beyond your planned stay and has blank pages for entry stamps. The best is you did not have any visa stamp of any of middle east countries before because sometimes, your entry might be rejected if you went to those countries before traveling to mainland China or Tibet.
Book Your Travel: Make flight reservations and consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Since China is a huge country, each provinces and cities peak seasons are quite much different so the best is to find a right local travel agent in mainland China or Tibet who can give you the right information of how to travel to mainland China and Tibet with the new policy of visa-free travel to China.
Travel Insurance: Though not mandatory, personal travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations, especially, if you are traveling to Tibet after your mainland China trip, it is possible that you might get high altitude sickness and you might need to return earlier than your Tibet trip as planed so for this reason, your personal insurance is very important. .
Health Precautions: To travel to mainland China or Tibet, you are not required vaccination anymore. They also don’t require any form that is related to the COVID or any other health related issue. If you need some normal medicine for your normal health issue, you can carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.
Language Preparation: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or download a translation app to help with communication. Many people might think that can use Google translation in China but it is not possible to use so if you are planting to travel on your own in mainland China, it is always better to buy a translating machine which might cost you around 200$ which is very useful when you visit a scenic spot or when you are going to a restaurant which can absolutely solve your problem.
Cultural Awareness: Familiarize yourself with Chinese customs and etiquette to show respect and avoid misunderstandings. The best is to consult a tour operator in mainland China or in Tibet who can give you the right information of entire China or you can also get some knowledge and information of China from google.

Top Destinations in China

China’s vast and diverse landscape offers something for every traveler. Here are some must-visit destinations:

Beijing

As the capital city, Beijing is a blend of ancient history and modernity. Key attractions include:

The Great Wall: Visit one of the world’s most iconic structures which dates back to the 7^th century. In the ancient time, when the Chinese was divided into different kinds of tribes, Beijing was quite often having war with other tribes, especially with nomad tribes like Mongolian. The total distance of the Great Wall is 21196Km.
The Forbidden City: Explore the historic palace complex. The forbidden city was the former imperial Palace and the winter Palace of Chinese Emperor and it is very interesting to visit the forbidden city as you can really explore the old culture of China and it’s emperor’s power and administration.
Tiananmen Square: Witness the symbolic heart of modern China. Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing and it is the main place where all the national important ceremony takes place.
Summer Palace: Enjoy the imperial gardens and lakes. The summer Palace is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Beijing with many small beautiful lakes and Gardens.

Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s largest city and a global financial hub. Don’t miss:

The Bund: Walk along the waterfront and view colonial-era buildings.
Shanghai Tower: Get panoramic views from one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Yu Garden: Discover classical Chinese landscaping and architecture.
Nanjing Road: Shop along one of the world’s busiest shopping streets.

Xi’an

Xi’an is famous for its historical significance and as the starting point of the Silk Road. Highlights include:

Terracotta Army: Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers.
City Wall: Rent a bike and tour the ancient city wall.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit this impressive Buddhist pagoda.
Muslim Quarter: Enjoy local snacks and unique cultural experiences.

Guilin

Guilin is known for its stunning karst landscape and scenic beauty. Key spots include:

Li River: Take a cruise to see the breathtaking scenery.
Reed Flute Cave: Explore this natural limestone cave with impressive formations.
Elephant Trunk Hill: Visit the city’s iconic landmark.
Longji Rice Terraces: Experience the picturesque terraced fields.

Chengdu

Chengdu is the gateway to southwestern China and famous for its laid-back lifestyle. Highlights include:

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: See pandas up close.
Jinli Ancient Street: Enjoy traditional Sichuan cuisine and shop for souvenirs.
Mount Qingcheng: Hike one of Taoism’s most sacred mountains.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System: Visit this ancient irrigation project.

Traveling Within China

China’s extensive transportation network makes it easy to explore the country:

High-Speed Trains: China’s bullet trains are fast, efficient, and cover most major cities.
Domestic Flights: For longer distances, domestic flights are a convenient option.
Buses and Subways: Public transportation in cities is reliable and affordable.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Apps like Didi Chuxing (similar to Uber) are widely used.

Cultural Etiquette

Respecting local customs will enhance your travel experience:

Greetings: A nod or slight bow is common. Handshakes are also acceptable.
Dining: Use chopsticks properly and avoid sticking them upright in your bowl.
Gifts: When giving gifts, present them with both hands. Avoid giving clocks, as they symbolize bad luck.
Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting temples or historical sites.

Cuisine to Try

Chinese cuisine is diverse and rich in flavors. Here are some dishes to try:

Peking Duck (Beijing): Crispy and flavorful roasted duck.
Xiaolongbao (Shanghai): Steamed soup dumplings.
Hotpot (Chengdu): Spicy and savory broth with various ingredients.
Dim Sum (Guangzhou): Small plates of dumplings and snacks.
Street Food: Explore local markets for snacks like jianbing (savory crepes) and roujiamo (Chinese burgers).

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Cash and Cards: While major cities accept credit cards, having some cash (Chinese Yuan) is useful for smaller transactions.
Connectivity: In all the big cities’ hotels have very good Wi-Fi access but if you are traveling in a remote area of China, Get a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device for internet access.
Emergency Numbers: Save important numbers like the local embassy and emergency services.
Local Apps: Download apps like WeChat for communication, Alipay for payments, and Baidu Maps for navigation. Since 2024, WeChat pay and Alipay are available with your international sim cards. You can download the App and follow the steps of the App to connect one of your bank cards so that you can also do the payment with your WeChat Pay and Alipay like local Chinese citizens which is very useful when you take a taxi or doing some shopping or eating food in a local restaurant.

Enjoying Chinese Festivals

Plan your trip around one of China’s many vibrant festivals for a unique cultural experience:

Chinese New Year: Celebrated nationwide with fireworks, parades, and family gatherings.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Enjoy mooncakes and lantern displays.
Dragon Boat Festival: Watch dragon boat races and taste zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

Shopping and Souvenirs

China offers a wide range of shopping experiences, from high-end malls to local markets. Popular items include:

Silk: High-quality silk products are available in Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Tea: Purchase fine Chinese tea from regions like Fujian and Yunnan.
Porcelain: Jingdezhen is famous for its exquisite porcelain.
Handicrafts: Look for traditional crafts such as paper-cutting and embroidery.

Environmental and Sustainable Travel

Be mindful of your environmental impact while traveling:

Reduce Plastic Use: Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
Respect Nature: Follow guidelines in natural reserves and parks.
Support Local Communities: Choose local guides and buy from local artisans.

Exploring Tibet with a Tibet Travel Expert

Tibet, known as the “Roof of the World,” offers a unique and spiritual journey for travelers. Here’s why you should consider visiting Tibet after your mainland China trip and some tips on how to plan your Tibet trip.

Key Attractions in Tibet

Lhasa: The heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality. Lhasa is the center of culture, Religion, politics and finance of Tibet Autonomous Region and the head quarter of Tibet Autonomous region.

How to get to Lhasa from mainland China？

You can travel to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chengdu and from those cities, there are daily flights from those cities and there are more than 30 flights from Chengdu to Lhasa as daily. If you are not looking for a direct flights, you can get to Tibet from more than thirty provinces from mainland China.

What you can visit in Lhasa?

- Potala Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural marvel and a spiritual beacon. It is also one of the seven wonders of the world and it is the spiritual heart of Tibetan people.
- Jokhang Temple: The most sacred temple in Tibet, attracting pilgrims from all over the region. The architect of the Jokang temple is very unique dates back to the 7^th century and it is also the UNESCO world heritage site.

Shigatse: The second-largest city in Tibet, known for its religious significance and the home to Mt Everest, the world’s highest snow mountain. Shigatse is also the homeland of barley which is the main food of Tibetan people.

- Tashilhunpo Monastery: The traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, it’s a significant religious site with stunning architecture and it is the largest monastery in the western part of Tibet and it is one of the six largest monasteries of Gelukpa school in Tibetan Buddhism.

Mount Everest Base Camp: For those seeking adventure, the base camp offers breathtaking views of the world’s highest peak. If you only have a short time of visiting Tibet including Everest Base Camp, we recommend you a 8 days Everest Base Camp tour. If you had more time, around more than two weeks’ time, we recommend you a great trekking to the eastern glacier of Mount Everest called Kangshung valley or Kartha trekking.
Namtso Lake: One of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, it’s renowned for its stunning blue waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains. Nowadays, you can easily take a day excursion from Lhasa as most part of the highway was finished.
Mount Kailash: One of the most beautiful and sacred snow mountain, the center of the universe, believed and worshipped by four different religions in the world, known as Buddhism, Hinduism, Bonism and Jewish. Mount Kailash is also the best destinations for the travelers who are looking for a great adventure.

Travel Tips for Tibet

Tibet travel Permits: Traveling to Tibet requires a special permit in addition to the Chinese visa. Work with a reputable local Tibetan travel agency to secure the necessary documentation as well as your trip payment.
How can you get Tibet travel permits: To travel to Tibet, if you are one of the citizens from above mentioned countries who are given visa free policy to China, you can use the same visa free policy to travel to Tibet but with this policy, you will still have to get Tibet travel permit. To get your Tibet travel permit, it takes around two weeks if you are traveling to normal non-restricted areas in Tibet such as Lhasa, Gyantse Shigatse, Everest Base Camp. If you plan to travel to Mount Kailash and other restricted areas, then you need between 20-30 days to get Tibet travel permit and other necessary Tibet permits for those special places.
Altitude: The high altitude can affect even the healthiest individuals. Spend a few days acclimatizing in Lhasa before venturing to higher elevations and drinking a lot of water is one of the most important things after you arrive in Tibet.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Tibet is from May to October when the weather is milder and most roads are accessible and if you are only planning to travel to the central Tibet such as Lhasa, Tsetang, the southern part of Tibet, Shigatse and Everest, the winter time is also possible to visit as the road condition and hotel condition is much better than 10 years back and you can get good hotels and heating systems with many hotels during winter time.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and always ask permission before photographing people. Make sure that you don’t wear the hat or cap while visiting the monasteries or temples. Make sure don’t step on the Buddhist books, prayer flags, especially don’t walk on someone’s legs which is very rude according to Tibetan tradition.

Advantages of Visa-Free Travel to China

The new visa-free policy presents numerous advantages:

Ease of Travel: Simplifying the entry process encourages more spontaneous and flexible travel plans.
Cost Savings: Travelers save on visa application fees, which can be substantial.
Tourism Growth: Increased tourism can lead to greater cultural exchange and economic benefits for China and the travelers’ home countries.

Sample Itineraries

15-Day Itinerary: Cultural and Historical Highlights

Day 1-3: Arrive in Beijing, visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. Day 4-6: Travel to Xi’an, explore the Terracotta Army and the ancient city wall. Day 7-10: Fly to Chengdu, visit the Panda Base and enjoy local cuisine. Day 11-15: End your trip in Shanghai, experiencing the Bund and Yu Garden.

30-Day Itinerary: In-Depth Exploration Including Tibet

Day 1-4: Start in Beijing, cover the main attractions. Day 5-8: Move to Xi’an for historical explorations. Day 9-11: Visit Chengdu and its surrounding areas. Day 12-20: Travel to Tibet, acclimatize in Lhasa, and explore major sites like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Visit Shigatse and Everest Base Camp. Day 21-30: Conclude your journey in Shanghai and the surrounding regions like Suzhou and Hangzhou.

18-Day Itinerary: Yunnan to Lhasa overland tour

From day 1-9: Start the trip from Yunnan and then drive overland towards Lhasa via Kawa Karpo snow mountain.

Day 10-18 Markham county, Ranwu lake, Nyingtri, the eastern forest region of Tibet and finally reach Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet.

8- Day Itinerary: Everest Base Camp 8 days tour

Day 1-3 Arrival in Lhasa, visiting the cultural sites of Tibet.

Day 4-8, visiting through Yamdrok lake, one of the four largest lakes in Tibet, Karola glacier, Gyantse, the old town of Tibet, Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, Mount Everest Base camp which is the best view point of Mt Everest.

14-Day itinerary: Mt Kailash Adventure tour

Day 1-4, sightseeing around Lhasa city, the capital city of Tibet.

5-14, Start Mt Kailash adventure tour through Gyantse, Shitse, Saga, Drongba, Mansarovar lake and three days Mount Kailash Kora.

Conclusion

The new visa-free travel to China policy offers a fantastic opportunity for citizens of 15 countries to explore China with ease. From historical landmarks and natural wonders to culinary delights and cultural experiences, China has something to offer every traveler. With careful planning and respect for local customs, your trip to China will be unforgettable. Once you are in mainland China, it highly recommend travel to Tibet as Tibet is very close to most of the mainland China cities. Pack your bags, plan your mainland China and Tibet itinerary, and get ready to discover the wonders of China!