Travel Guidance

On November 20, 2025, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China introduced the online arrival card filling service for passports eligible for the visa free entry.

Before traveling to China, travellers can submit their entry information through official channels of NIA's website, government service platforms. Visa Free entry passport holders are required to complete either before travelling to China or upon arrival at an immigration inspection site. In not completed online, travellers can scan a QR code upon arrival or use self-service machines on entry point into China.

Online Arrival Card 

Please note there have been several fraudulent counterfeit websites requesting fees , the NIA service is free of charge and no fees should be requested for a visa free entry to China. More information can be found here: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c191530/content.html

Please note the inviting entity for Routes Asia is Informa Enterprise Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 
And contact number is T +86 21 61577288

The majority of delegates require a visa to travel to China. With the addition of Canada and the United Kingdom, a total of 48 countries and territories now benefit from a 30-day visa exemption through December 31, 2026. These countries can travel to China for 30 days for Tourism & Business:

30 Day Visa Free Entry (as of February 2026)

• 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, United Kingdom.
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand,
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, 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.

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/

Please note due to processing times for M visas Routes would recommend making your application at the latest 7-10 working days before your travel date. We have noted varying processing times dependant on the China embassy of application.

• 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 services - https://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)

Routes can no longer provide visa letters for Routes Asia 2026. If you have a query on an existing visa letter request, please contact the travel team routestravelteam@informa.com 

Please note that we cannot provide an official invitation letter issued by the Chinese government or any other related agency.

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