China Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days under a bilateral visa exemption agreement that took effect in 2024. China is New Zealand's largest trading partner, making this access particularly significant.
Great news! New Zealand passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
NZ citizens are granted 15 days visa-free on arrival at Chinese international airports and ports (ordinary passports only). The 15 days begins from the day of entry. China's internet restrictions (the Great Firewall) block Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook: install and test a VPN on your devices BEFORE arriving in China, as downloading VPN apps is blocked once in-country.
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
Required Documents
Valid New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from China, such as a return flight booking or onward travel itinerary.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying in China.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover your expenses during your stay in China.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended for all international travel, covering medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to China: What You Need to Know
China granted New Zealand citizens 15-day visa-free access in 2024 as part of broader diplomatic normalization. China is NZ's largest trading partner with approximately NZD 30 billion in annual trade. For NZ travellers, China offers extraordinary experiences: the Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City, Shanghai's skyline, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and Guilin's karst landscapes. The 15-day window suits a focused city-based itinerary. For longer stays, a tourist L-visa must be applied for in advance from the Chinese Embassy in Wellington.
How to Get There
Air New Zealand flies Auckland-Shanghai and Auckland-Beijing directly (approximately 13 hours). Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern also serve the route. China's high-speed rail (G and D trains) connects major cities: Beijing-Shanghai 4.5h, Beijing-Xi'an 5h, Shanghai-Hangzhou 1h. The Hong Kong-mainland China rail link makes it easy to include both in one trip. The 15-day window suits a Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai itinerary comfortably.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Currently around 4.5-5.0 CNY per NZD. China is generally affordable for Western visitors. Street food costs CNY 5-20. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate in China: cash is becoming harder to use in many places. International credit cards are not widely accepted outside luxury hotels. Bring some CNY cash for emergencies.
Practical Tips
WeChat (messaging and payments), Baidu Maps (navigation), and Alipay (payments) are essential apps for China. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure if possible by linking a foreign card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for China?
NZ citizens have 15-day visa-free access to China under a bilateral agreement that took effect in 2024. This allows stays up to 15 days for tourism and business. For stays beyond 15 days, a tourist visa (L-type) must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Wellington before departure.
What websites and apps are blocked in China and how should I prepare?
China's Great Firewall blocks Google (all services including Maps, Gmail, Chrome), WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and most Western news sites. Install and test a working VPN on your devices BEFORE arriving in China: downloading VPN apps is blocked once you are in-country. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Astrill are commonly used by travellers.
How do I pay for things in China?
China is a near-cashless society dominated by WeChat Pay and Alipay (Ant Group). Many vendors, restaurants, and small shops only accept these mobile payment systems. Link your NZ Visa/Mastercard to WeChat Pay or Alipay before departure (requires a foreign card with NFC capability). International credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some tourist restaurants but not widely elsewhere.
What are the best cities to visit in China on a 15-day trip?
A Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai circuit is the classic itinerary: Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square), Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, Muslim Quarter food street), Shanghai (The Bund, French Concession, Pudong skyline). High-speed rail connects these cities efficiently.
What is the food like in China for NZ visitors?
Chinese food varies enormously by region. Beijing specializes in Peking duck and wheat-based dishes. Shanghai has xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and seafood. Xi'an is famous for hand-pulled noodles and the Muslim Quarter's halal street food. Spicy Sichuan cuisine (mala hot pot) is internationally renowned. Vegetarians can find good options in Buddhist temple areas.
How do I use the metro in Chinese cities?
Major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) have excellent metro systems with English signage and announcements. Buy single-journey tickets at machines (touch-screen with English option) or use the Alipay or WeChat metro mini-program for cashless entry. Line up and tap on entry. Subway maps are available in English at station entrances.
Do I need to register with Chinese authorities when staying in China?
Yes. Foreign visitors in China must register with local police within 24 hours of arriving at each new location. Hotels automatically register guests. If staying with a friend or in a private rental, you must register at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB). Failure to register can result in fines.