China Visa RequirementsFor Netherlands passport holders
Since March 2024, China introduced a 15-day visa-free policy for Dutch passport holders for tourism, business, transit, and family visits. No visa is required for short trips.
Great news! Netherlands 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. Present a valid Dutch passport. Carry hotel bookings, a return ticket, and an itinerary. Download and register on the required Chinese travel apps before arrival where applicable. For stays beyond 15 days, apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy in The Hague or consulate in Amsterdam.
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
Netherlands to China: What You Need to Know
This is a significant recent change. Previously, Dutch citizens required a visa for China. The 15-day visa-free window allows single or multiple entries. For longer stays or other purposes (study, work, long-term business), a visa remains necessary.
Practical Tips
Direct KLM flights from Schiphol to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), and Chengdu operate regularly (10-11 hours). A VPN should be configured before arrival as many Western websites and apps are blocked in China. Keep paper copies of hotel confirmations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Dutch citizens need a visa for China?
Since March 2024, Dutch passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, transit, or family visits. For stays longer than 15 days, a Chinese visa must be obtained in advance from the Chinese embassy in The Hague or the consulate in Amsterdam.
How is China's 15-day visa-free policy applied in practice?
Present your valid Dutch passport at Chinese immigration. Ensure you have hotel bookings, a return ticket, and a clear itinerary. Keep digital and paper copies of all booking confirmations. The visa-free policy covers single or multiple entries, but each visit is limited to 15 consecutive days.
What apps and preparations should Dutch travellers make before visiting China?
Install and configure a VPN before entering China, as many Western services (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, most news sites) are blocked by the Great Firewall. Download WeChat and Alipay and link an international card where possible, as cash payments are declining in Chinese cities. Download offline maps.
Are there direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol to China?
Yes. KLM operates direct flights from Schiphol to Beijing Capital (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG), taking approximately 10-11 hours. Connections to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other Chinese cities are available via Beijing or Shanghai.