China entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can visit China for tourism or business without a visa for up to 30 days. This policy is valid until December 31, 2025, and applies only to direct entries from Switzerland. Ensure your passport meets the 6-month validity rule and you have a return ticket ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in China. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within your stay, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from China | Immigration officers at Chinese airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear digital version on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation for your first few nights. If staying with friends or family, bring a copy of their invitation letter and their residence permit. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed amount, but around 500 CNY per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Visa-free policy expires December 31, 2025
This visa-free arrangement is temporary. Check the Chinese embassy website before booking if you're traveling after that date. The policy may be extended, but don't assume it will be.
Keep your departure card safe
The small departure card you receive on arrival must be handed back when you leave. Lose it and you'll have to fill out a form and wait at immigration — avoid the hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months beyond entry date), print or screenshot your return ticket and first night hotel booking. Download a local eSIM or buy a SIM card at the airport.
2
Arrive at Chinese immigration
At major airports like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport, boarding pass, and printed documents ready.
3
Present documents and answer questions
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
Once approved, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. Keep the small arrival card (if given) with your passport. You're free to enter China for up to 30 days.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost1,200 CNY (~$170 USD)
Requires application at Chinese embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 60 days
Validity6 months or 1 year
Cost2,400 CNY (~$340 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months to 1 year
Cost1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) for single entry
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) plus processing 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, depending on course
~1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and financial proof. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur Visa)
1 year, renewable
~2,400 CNY (~$340 USD) plus investment
For investors with significant capital (minimum ~$500,000 USD) in approved sectors. Requires business plan and government approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 10,000 CNY (~$1,400 USD). Avoid overstaying. | 500 CNY (~$70 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 30 days or multiple entries. | 1,200 CNY (~$170 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within validity period. | 2,400 CNY (~$340 USD) |
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
Swiss 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 144 hours in certain cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
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
High PM2.5 levels in major cities, especially in winter. Consider masks and air purifiers.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet and Yunnan. Acclimatize gradually and consider medication.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is very low in urban areas but exists in rural southern regions (e.g., Yunnan, Hainan). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard tourist itineraries.
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, Beijing
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Efficient service for visa extensions. Online appointment recommended.
Practical information for CH 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 = 6.81 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 are up. Overstaying can result in fines of 500 CNY per day, detention, or a ban. If you need more time, apply for a proper visa before travel.
You need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy or visa application center before you travel. The visa can allow stays of 30, 60, or 90 days depending on what you request and your itinerary.
No, the visa-free policy applies only to direct entries from Switzerland into mainland China. If you fly to Hong Kong or Macau first, you'll need to check their separate visa policies. Once in Hong Kong or Macau, you can take a ferry or flight to mainland China, but you'll need a visa unless you qualify for the 144-hour transit policy.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Chinese immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, you'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at immigration. Fill it out in English or Chinese. Keep the departure stub with your passport — you'll need to hand it in when you leave.
No, the visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business visits, or family visits. You cannot work, study, or engage in any paid activity. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa (Z visa for work, X visa for study).
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined 500 CNY per day (up to 10,000 CNY total), may be detained, and could be banned from re-entering China for 1–5 years. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.