PRACTICAL · TRAVEL PLANNING

How to Get to China: Flights, Visas, and Arrival Tips (2026)

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Getting to China in 2026 is easier than you think — and harder than you expect.

The flights are straightforward. The visa rules have changed significantly. And the arrival process is something you need to prepare for — not because it’s difficult, but because the digital ecosystem is completely different from what you’re used to.

This guide covers everything from booking your flight to clearing customs, so you land ready to start your trip — not scrambling to figure out where to go next.

Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

China has dozens of international airports, but most travellers arrive through one of these four gateways:

• Beijing Capital (PEK) / Daxing (PKX) — The northern hub. Best for Route 07 (Past & Future) and connections to the Silk Road.
• Shanghai Pudong (PVG) — The eastern hub. Best for Route 07 and connections to the southern coast.
• Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) — The southern hub. Best for Route 06 (The Diaspora Coast).
• Xi’an Xianyang (XIY) — The central hub. Best for Route 04 (The Silk Road).

Each ROAM route pack includes gateway flight recommendations for the most convenient airport to fly into and out of.

Visa Requirements: Who Needs One?

Visa rules have changed significantly in 2026. Here’s what you need to know.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry (EU Citizens & More)

China has extended its unilateral visa-free policy for citizens of 35 European countries through December 31, 2026. This means holders of ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and many others can enter China for tourism, business, family visits, or transit without a visa for stays of up to 30 days (increased from 15 days in early 2026).

What this means for your trip: If you’re an EU citizen (or from one of the other eligible countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada), and you’re staying for 30 days or less, you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance. You just show up with your passport.

240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit

If you’re transiting through mainland China to a third country or region, you may be eligible for the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. This allows you to enter and explore large parts of China without a visa, as long as you have an onward ticket to a destination outside of mainland China.

• Applies to citizens of 57 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations
• Valid at 65 ports across 24 provinces
• Stay up to 10 days (240 hours)
• You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region
• Valid third destinations include: Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or any other country outside mainland China

What this means for you: If you’re flying London → Beijing → Hong Kong, you can spend up to 10 days in mainland China without a visa. You’re not confined to one city — you can travel across the 24 eligible provinces.

What does NOT work: A round trip like London → Beijing → London does NOT qualify, because you’re returning to your origin, not transiting to a third destination. Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are valid third regions.

Full Tourist Visa (L-Visa)

If your country isn’t on the visa-free list, or you’re staying longer than 30 days, you’ll need a tourist visa (L-Visa). Applications are made at Chinese embassies and consulates. The process typically requires:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• A completed visa application form
• A recent passport photo
• Flight itinerary and hotel bookings
• Travel insurance

Plan ahead: Processing can take 5-10 working days. Apply at least a month before your trip.

Booking Flights: What to Know

China is well-connected to Europe, North America, and Asia. Here’s what to consider:

• Direct flights — Available from most major European hubs (London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. China Southern, Air China, and China Eastern offer direct routes from Europe.
• Connecting flights — Often cheaper. Common stopovers include Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific).
• Book early — Flights during peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week, summer) sell out quickly and prices surge.

When to Book

For the best combination of price and availability:

• Book 3-4 months ahead for peak season (June-August, September-October).
• Book 6-8 weeks ahead for off-season (November-March, excluding Chinese New Year).
• Avoid Chinese New Year — flights and hotels are packed, and prices skyrocket.

Arrival Checklist: What to Do When You Land

You’ve landed. Now what?

1. Get Your eSIM Working

If you’ve installed an eSIM before departure, turn on data roaming and select the eSIM for data. If you’re using a VPN, test it before you leave the airport. Some eSIMs (like Saily, Ubigi, and Holafly) bypass the Great Firewall — you’ll know within seconds if it’s working.

2. Connect to Airport WiFi (If Needed)

Most Chinese airports offer free WiFi. You’ll need to verify your identity with a SMS code — if you have roaming enabled, this works immediately. If not, you may need to use your eSIM data instead.

3. Get to Your Hotel

Metro — The cheapest option. Beijing and Shanghai have excellent metro systems that connect directly to the airport. The Beijing Capital Airport Express takes about 30 minutes to the city centre.

DiDi — China’s Uber. Use it for a reliable, metered ride. The app is in English and works with Alipay.

Taxis — Available at all airports. Have your hotel address in Chinese characters ready to show the driver (your ROAM route pack includes these).

What to Have Ready Before You Board

• VPN installed and tested — you cannot download it once you’re in China
• eSIM installed — install before departure, not at the airport
• Alipay and WeChat Pay set up — with your international card linked
• Printed hotel addresses in Chinese — your ROAM route pack has these
• Passport (with 6+ months validity) and visa (if required)
• Printed flight itinerary — for visa checks and hotel registration
• Travel insurance policy number — save it on your phone

What’s in the ROAM Chinese Digital Kit

The Chinese Digital Kit covers everything you need to do before you fly:

• Alipay & WeChat Pay setup — step-by-step with troubleshooting
• VPN setup — which protocols work in China in 2026
• eSIM setup — provider comparison and installation
• 12306 train booking — how to book as a foreign passport holder
• DiDi ride-hailing — registration and payment
• Troubleshooting playbook — for payments, connectivity, and more
• Pre-travel checklist — 14 tasks to complete before you fly

The Digital Kit is available on its own for €9 — or included free with every ROAM route pack.