China: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
China requires a visa for most nationalities to enter, although in recent years it has expanded unilateral visa exemption policies for short stays and visa-free transit of up to 144 hours in several cities, applicable only to certain passports. The currency is the yuan or renminbi (CNY), and the main language is Mandarin Chinese; English has limited use outside international hotels and major tourist areas.
Medical care for foreigners is concentrated in hospitals or international wings of major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where direct payment or proof of insurance is required before starting treatment. Emergency numbers vary by service: 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire department.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa, although China has expanded unilateral exemption policies and visa-free transit for certain passports.
Health & travel insurance: Hospitals for foreigners in major cities have a good standard, but require direct payment or proof of insurance before treatment.
Visa and exemption policies
The traditional Chinese visa process requires presenting an itinerary, accommodation booking, and sometimes an invitation letter, depending on the purpose of the trip. China has been adding countries to a unilateral visa-exemption list for short tourism or business stays, and offers visa-free transit of up to 144 hours in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou for passengers with a confirmed international connection. These policies change over time, so the current status should be checked for the traveler's specific passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Confirmed onward or return travel ticket.
- Accommodation registration with local police, usually handled by the hotel.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Chinese public hospitals prioritize Mandarin-speaking patients and can be hard to navigate without local support; private hospitals or international wings in major cities offer service in English, but charge high rates and require payment or proof of insurance before treating the patient.
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Currency, payments, and connectivity
The currency is the yuan or renminbi (CNY); mobile payment (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominates daily commerce and some small businesses no longer accept cash. Several foreign internet platforms are blocked, so it's worth planning access to email, maps, and messaging before arriving.
When to travel
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most stable weather in most regions. The Golden Week national holidays (early October) and Chinese New Year concentrate massive internal travel and higher transportation and lodging prices.
Travel checklist for China
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to China.
- Check the visa requirement for China based on your passport: Most nationalities need a visa, although China has expanded unilateral exemption policies and visa-free transit for certain passports.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Hospitals for foreigners in major cities have a good standard, but require direct payment or proof of insurance before treatment.
- Save China's emergency number: 110 (police) / 120 (ambulance) / 119 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Yuan or Renminbi (CNY)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all nationalities need a visa to enter China?
Most do, although China has expanded unilateral visa exemption for short stays to certain passports and allows visa-free transit of up to 144 hours in some cities.
What number do I call for a medical emergency in China?
120 for ambulance, 110 for police, and 119 for fire department.
Do Chinese hospitals provide service in English?
General public hospitals rarely do; private hospitals or international wings in major cities do offer service in English, at higher rates.
Can I pay with a foreign card in China?
More and more businesses accept international cards or mobile payments linked to foreign accounts, but it's advisable to carry some cash in yuan as backup.
