Updated Visa Guidelines for International Visitors of RemaxWorld

With the event date (October 16–18, Zhuhai) approaching, organizers of RemaxWorld Expo released the updated Visa guidelines for international visitors. Tourists (L visa) and business travelers (M visa) should apply in advance through Chinese embassies or visa centers. The following outlines key application steps, exemptions and policy updates, based on official sources.

Tourist (L) and Business (M) Visa Requirements

Tourist (L) visa

Intended for sightseeing or private visits.
Applicants must submit a valid passport (≥ 6 months remaining, 2 blank pages), a recent photo, the completed online application form, and proof of travel plans.
Required documentation includes round-trip flight and hotel bookings *or* an invitation letter from a host in China (with the host’s identity and trip details).
Financial proof (e.g. bank statements) is often recommended.
Groups of 2 or more travelers can apply for an L‑group visa using a Chinese travel agency’s invitation.

Business (M) visa

Intended for commercial and trade activities (meetings, trade fairs, client visits).
Applicants need a passport and photo as above, plus a formal business invitation from a Chinese company or event organizer. The invitation letter should include applicant and trip details (purpose, dates, contacts) and be stamped by the inviting entity.
Additional required documents often include a copy of the inviting company’s business license and ID of its legal representative.
Providing a copy of any prior Chinese visa can facilitate multi-entry approvals.

Applicants for both L & M visas should complete China’s online visa application form and schedule an appointment at the nearest Chinese consulate or Visa Application Center.
Fingerprints are collected in person (applicants under 14 or over 70 may be exempt).
To encourage travel, Chinese consulates have reduced visa fees; currently most tourist/business visas are charged at only 75% of the previous rate (extended through 2025). Always check the latest fee schedule with your local Chinese mission.

Recommendation: Assemble all documents carefully and apply 4–6 weeks before travel to accommodate appointment scheduling and processing time.

Timeline and Processing

China Visa Application Centers report a normal processing time of around 4-5 working days once all materials are in order. An express service (typically 3 business days) is available in some locations and may require special documentation.
Because appointments can fill up and reviews may vary, travelers are advised to apply 4–6 weeks before the intended travel date.
Visa centers will not accept incomplete applications, so double-check requirements early. When submitting, expect to have your fingerprints scanned (at most centers) and pay the visa fee at time of application.

*Sources: Chinese Visa Application Service Center have been used to compile this advisory. Visitors should consult the visa office in their country for the most current information.Visitors should consult the visa office in their country for the most current information.

Visa-Free Entry and Transit Visas

China offers visa-free entry or transit to nationals of many countries. Please note that China’s list of visa-exempt countries is evolving; visitors should verify eligibility with official sources prior to travel.

RemaxWorld Expo organizing team has generated a comprehensive guide document for Visa-free entries and Transit visas, including countries available, policy requirements, explanations, etc.. Please click here to download.

15-Day visa-free stay

Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland can enter China for up to 15 days without a visa (for tourism, business, or visiting). These policies have been extended through Dec. 31, 2025.
Also, nationals of Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days (Nov. 8, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025).

30-Day visa-free stay

Additional countries enjoy short-term visa exemption. For example, as of Nov. 30, 2024, Japan and several Eastern European countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia) qualify for up to 30 days visa-free entry (effective through 2025).

Transit visas

Travelers transiting through China on the way to a third country may qualify for visa-free transit. Guangdong (through Guangzhou and Shenzhen airports) is among regions offering 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit for passport holders of 50+ countries.

Important: Regardless of visa waivers, all travelers must have passports and meet entry requirements (see below). For most expo attendees, a visa will still be required (unless from a visa-exempt country).

Border Entry and Exit Formalities

At Chinese immigration, visitors must present a valid passport and visa. The passport should have at least 6 months validity remaining and two blank pages. Upon arrival, immigration officers will stamp the passport with an entry date and the permitted length of stay. Biometric data (ten fingerprints and a facial photo) are now collected from most foreign entrants at automated kiosks in major airports and crossings. (Diplomats, transit-only travelers, and those under 14 or over 70 are exempt.) It is advisable to retain the airport receipt for verification at passport control.

On departure, present the same passport and visa to have the exit stamp. Overstays can lead to fines, deportation, or future visa denial.

Important Reminder

Visa policies can change. Travelers should verify requirements with the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate or the National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn) before planning their trip. The Expo’s organizing team will also provide updated visa bulletins, including any new rules or extensions announced by Chinese authorities.

Looking forward to seeing you soon in Zhuhai!