China Visa RequirementsFor Germany passport holders
German citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days under a unilateral policy introduced in 2024. Germany was included in China's expanded visa-free program effective November 2024.
Great news! Germany passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No visa required for stays up to 15 days under current policy. For stays longer than 15 days, a Chinese visa (L for tourism, M for business) must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Berlin or consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Munich before travel. Passport must be valid at least 6 months.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Germany to China: What You Need to Know
China introduced a 15-day unilateral visa exemption for German citizens in November 2024 as part of its expanded free-visa policy covering EU member states. German nationals holding ordinary passports can enter China for business, tourism, transit, or family visits without a visa for stays up to 15 days. Entry is permitted at designated ports. This policy may be subject to change; always verify current status before travel. Germany and China have strong bilateral trade relations, with China being Germany's largest trading partner outside the EU.
Practical Tips
Register at your hotel within 24 hours of arrival; hotels handle this automatically. VPN access to Google, WhatsApp, and most Western social media is blocked in China; download a reliable VPN before departure. The yuan (CNY/RMB) is cash-heavy; WeChat Pay and Alipay now accept foreign cards in major cities. Translation apps with offline capability are essential. High-speed trains (CRH) connect major cities efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German citizens need a visa for China?
As of November 2024, German citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, transit, or family visits under China's unilateral visa exemption policy. For stays beyond 15 days, a Chinese visa (tourist L or business M) must be obtained in advance from the Chinese Embassy in Berlin or consulates in Frankfurt, Hamburg, or Munich.
How do I get a Chinese visa if I need to stay longer than 15 days?
Contact the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Germany. Required documents typically include a completed application form, passport photos, round-trip flight bookings, hotel reservations, and travel itinerary. Processing takes 4-5 business days. The tourist visa (L) is issued for single or double entry.
Will my mobile phone and apps work normally in China?
No. Google services (Maps, Gmail, YouTube), WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and most Western social media are blocked in China by the Great Firewall. Download and configure a reliable VPN before departing Germany, as VPN apps cannot be downloaded within China. WeChat and Alipay are widely used locally; both now support international bank cards.
What currency is used in China and how do I pay?
China uses the Chinese yuan (CNY, also called RMB). WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods and now accept international Visa/Mastercard in major cities. ATMs are available in cities but some do not accept foreign cards. Carry some cash for smaller towns and rural areas.