Visa Guide

 

CICF 2025 Visa Guide

10-Day Visa-Free Transit (240 Hours) RECOMMENDED

This is likely the most convenient option for international conference attendees, allowing up to 10 days in China without a traditional visa. However, specific routing requirements must be carefully followed.

Key Requirement: You must have an onward ticket to a third country/region (different from your origin). Round-trip tickets are not permitted. Additionally, you must clear customs and formally enter your third destination—simply transiting through airport or seaport areas without passing through immigration is not allowed.

Travel Pattern Required

Your journey must follow this pattern:

Origin Country
↓
City in Mainland China
↓
Third Country/Region

Important: The third destination cannot be the same as your origin country. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate regions from mainland China.

Timing Calculation

The 240-hour period begins at 00:00 on the day after your arrival. For example, if you arrive on Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 AM, your visa-free period starts at midnight on Sunday, June 29, and you must depart by 23:59 on Tuesday, July 8.

Practical Route Examples

Convenient Options Using Nearby Destinations:
London → Shenzhen → Hong Kong
New York → Shenzhen → Tokyo
Paris → Shenzhen → Seoul
Sydney → Shenzhen → Taipei
Frankfurt → Shenzhen → Singapore

Pro Tip: Many attendees plan a short visit to Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Tokyo, or Seoul after the conference, making this an excellent opportunity to combine academic networking with leisure travel while satisfying the third-country requirement.

Eligible Countries (54 Total)

  • Albania
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia-Herzegovina
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Korea (South)
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • North Macedonia
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • UAE
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Ukraine
Important: Verify your specific route with your airline or Chinese consulate before booking, as routing rules can be complex.

Shenzhen Visa on Arrival (VOA)CONVENIENT

Perfect for attendees who can route through Hong Kong or Macau, this 5-day visa is processed upon arrival in Shenzhen and requires minimal advance planning.

Key Features

  • Duration: 5 days within Shenzhen Special Economic Zone only
  • Entry Points: Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, Luohu Port, Shekou Port, Huanggang Port, or Fuyong Port
  • Processing: On-site at immigration upon arrival
  • Payment: Cash only (RMB)

Visa Fees

  • Most countries: ¥168 (~$25 USD)
  • UK citizens: ¥314 (~$45 USD)
  • US citizens: ¥956 (~$135 USD)

Application Process

  • Complete the Special Economic Zone Visa Application Form upon arrival
  • Present your passport (minimum 6 months validity + blank page)
  • Pay visa fee in cash (RMB)
  • Have photo taken on-site
  • Receive approved visa in passport
Restrictions: This visa only permits travel within Shenzhen. Cannot be extended or used for multiple entries. Some nationalities may be ineligible.

Visa-Free Entry Programs SELECTED COUNTRIES

15-Day Visa-Free Travel (EU + Malaysia)

Valid until December 31, 2025

Eligible Countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry Programs

GCC Nations (Valid until June 8, 2026):

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
  • Kuwait
  • Bahrain
  • UAE
  • Qatar

South American Nations (Valid until May 31, 2026):

  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Uruguay

These programs allow entry for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit purposes.

Traditional Chinese VisaCOMPREHENSIVE

While requiring advance planning, traditional visas offer the most flexibility and longest validity periods. Particularly advantageous for frequent travelers to China.

Advantages

  • Flexibility: No routing restrictions or third-country requirements
  • Duration: 30 days to 6 months, depending on visa type
  • Multiple Entry: Options available for repeated visits
  • Long-term Options: US and UK citizens may qualify for 10-year multiple-entry visas

Application Process

  • Timeline: Apply at least one month in advance
  • Where: Chinese embassy, consulate, or Visa Application Service Center
  • Documents Required: Passport (6+ months validity), return ticket proof, hotel reservations, detailed itinerary
  • Assistance: Travel agencies can help with applications and expedited processing

10-Year Multiple Entry Visas

Special Opportunity: Citizens of certain countries (including US, UK, Canada, and Australia) who have previously visited China may be eligible for 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas, making this an excellent long-term investment for frequent academic travelers.
Recommendation: For academics planning multiple trips to China for research, conferences, or collaborations, the traditional visa route often provides the best value and convenience over time.

Important Notes:

• Passport must have minimum 6 months validity for all visa types

• Hong Kong and Macau visits typically don't require visas, but onward travel to mainland China does

• Visa requirements can change; always verify current information with Chinese diplomatic missions

• For questions specific to your situation, consult your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate

 

This guide is provided by the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance at Shanghai Jiao Tong University for CICF 2025 conference attendees. For the most current information, please consult official Chinese government sources.