China entry requirements for Lithuania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Lithuanian passport holders need a visa to enter China in 2026. You must apply at a Chinese embassy or visa application center before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take at least a week.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter China. Apply through the China Visa Application Service Center at visaforchina.cn. Processing takes 4–7 business days for standard applications. You must submit your passport in person or via an authorized agent.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Lithuanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from China. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave China before your visa expires. Immigration officers at major airports like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong routinely ask for this. A one-way ticket without a visa is a red flag. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in China ready. Immigration may ask for your first night's address. If staying with friends, the host must register your stay with local police within 24 hours. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself. There is no fixed minimum, but having at least 500 USD equivalent in cash or available credit covers most situations. Immigration rarely asks, but visa officers may request proof during application. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
You cannot get a visa on arrival in China. Start your application at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to allow for processing and any delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in China, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or visa center
Locate the nearest Chinese embassy or visa application center (e.g., in Vilnius or via the Chinese Visa Application Service Center). Submit your completed application form, passport, photo, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee (around €60–€100 depending on type and processing speed). Processing takes 4–7 working days for standard service.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, your application is reviewed. You may be called for an interview if needed. After approval, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct.
3
Prepare for arrival in China
Before you fly, save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking on your phone. At immigration in China (e.g., Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong), present your passport with visa and complete the arrival card. You may be asked for your return ticket and accommodation address.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Lithuania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Standard option for short visits. Must apply at Chinese embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity period.
Business visa (M visa)
Max stay30–60 days, extendable
Validity6–12 months
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Chinese company. Allows longer stays.
Student visa (X visa)
Max stayDuration of study, extendable
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€60–€90 (~$65–$98 USD)
For enrolled students. Requires admission letter from Chinese institution.
Work visa (Z visa)
Max stayDuration of contract, extendable
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€60–€90 (~$65–$98 USD)
Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
€60–€90 (~$65–$98 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign professionals with a job offer in China. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of study, renewable annually
€60–€90 (~$65–$98 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D Visa)
1–5 years, renewable
€60–€90 (~$65–$98 USD) plus investment
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $500,000 USD) in a Chinese business. Requires business plan and government approval. Offers long-term stay.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (S Visa for dependents)
1–5 years, renewable
€60–€90 (~$65–$98 USD) plus proof of pension
For retirees with a family member in China (e.g., child working or studying). Requires proof of relationship and financial self-sufficiency. Not a standalone retirement program.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries, typically valid for 6 months. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of ¥10,000 (~$1,400 USD). Avoid overstaying. | ¥500 (~$70 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Lithuania passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in China, unless they qualify for the 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy at certain airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- 24-hour visa-free transit at most international airports if staying airside and not leaving the transit area.
- 144-hour visa-free transit at select cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) for citizens of certain countries, but Lithuania is not included in the list.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionHigh risk
Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have frequent smog episodes; wear masks and monitor air quality.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)Low risk
Dengue risk in southern regions; malaria risk in rural areas near borders. Use insect repellent.
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, Beijing
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits. Expect queues; arrive early.
Practical information for LT 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 = 6.8 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
If you are transiting through China and staying airside (not passing immigration), you may be eligible for a 24-hour transit without a visa. For longer layovers, China offers 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit in certain cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). Check the specific city rules — you must have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the designated area.
Standard processing takes 4–7 working days. Express service (2–3 days) may be available for an extra fee, typically €30–€50 more. Rush service (next day) is sometimes possible but not guaranteed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You can apply for an extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office in the city you're in. Extensions are usually granted for up to 30 days, but you must apply before your current visa expires. The fee is around ¥160 (€20). Approval depends on your reason and documentation.
Your visa application will be rejected. You must renew your passport before applying. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced — count from your entry date into China.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Always have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you might be denied entry.
Not for the visa application itself, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be very high — a hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Some visa centers may ask for proof of insurance if you're applying for a long-stay visa.
You can fill out the application form online, but you must submit it in person at a Chinese embassy or visa application center (or via a travel agent). There is no fully online visa process for Lithuania passport holders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.