Travel Guidance

The majority of delegates require a visa to travel to China, In 2025 30 Day Visa Free Entry was introduced for 47 countries, these countries can travel to China for 30 days for Tourism & Business:

30 Day Visa Free Entry (as of October 2025)

• Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland (Netherlands), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand,
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain (effective June 9, 2025)

All passports must have at least 6 months remaining validity on their passport.

Any other country must apply for a M Visa (Business) – please see next section.

An M visa for China is a business visa for individuals engaged in commercial and trade activities, such as visiting clients or attending trade fairs. To apply, you typically need a passport, a digital photo, an invitation letter from our hosts, and potentially a copy of your previous Chinese visa. The visa's duration, number of entries, and length of stay are determined by the Chinese embassy. Visitors must apply for a visa online and then go in person to a visa for China Application Centre. https://www.visaforchina.cn/

• Before application requirements:
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and six months remaining validity.
• A digital photo that meets specific requirements.
• An invitation letter from our host in China – please see applicable section  
• A copy of your previous Chinese visa, if applicable.
• Other supporting documents, which may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific embassy.

Step 1 : Complete Online Application form –the official China Online Visa Application (COVA) system at https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/

Please make sure to complete all required fields accurately, list your name exactly as written in your passport, print the form single-sided, date and sign in blue or black in and sign both the declaration confirmation page and section 9.1A

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Passport: Original with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages
• Photo: Recent passport-style photo (48mm x 33mm) or digital upload
• White background only
• Taken within last 6 months
• No eyeglasses, jewellery, or headwear (except religious purposes)
• Routes Letter of Invitation
• Business Cover Letter from your employer – this must confirm your position & employment , state the purpose of your business travel and shows company support for the trip, it is recommended to be on company letterhead.
• Proof of Residency – this can be a copy of driver’s license or government ID or a utility bill. The name must be the same as the visa application and show current residence address matching visa application.
• Printed and completed application form

Step 3: Submit application

• Chinese Embassy/Consulate: Submit directly to the visa office
• Authorized Visa Service Centres: Use approved third-party serviceshttps://www.visaforchina.cn/
• Mail Submission: Some locations accept mailed applications (check local requirements)

Step 4: Pay processing fees directly with visa submission , please note processing fees varies by nationality and processing speed. Processing time for the visa is typically 4-7 business days (expedited options may be available)

Please note that Routes is not able to sponsor visa applications but we can supply a letter to support your visa process. Visa application is subject to local country rules and regulations and Informa Markets cannot be held responsible for any miscommunication or changes.

If you require a visa support letter, please request your letter at the following link: Visa Letter - Routes Events

Please note that a visa support letter will only be sent to confirmed registered delegates of Routes Asia 2026.  If you have any questions on entry requirements or travel to China please email routestravelteam@informa.com, for any registration or letter enquiries please contact routeseventregistration@informa.com

COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory for entry (as of 2024-2025)

Highly Recommended Vaccinations
Routine Vaccinations (Ensure Up-to-Date)
•    Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - Especially important due to global measles outbreaks
•    Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) - Adult booster if not current
•    Polio - Single adult booster recommended
•    Influenza - Annual vaccination
•    COVID-19 - Recommended for all international travel

Yellow Fever
Only required if:
•    Traveling from countries with risk for Yellow Fever virus transmission