China Visa RequirementsFor Portugal passport holders
Portuguese passport holders receive 15-day visa-free entry to China under China unilateral exemption policy extended to EU member states. This exemption covers tourism, business, and transit visits.
Great news! Portugal 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 arriving by air, sea, or land for tourism, business meetings, transit, or visiting relatives. A valid Portuguese passport with at least 6 months validity is required. The 15-day limit is strictly enforced; do not overstay. For stays beyond 15 days, apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) through the Chinese Embassy in Lisbon before departure. Note: internet access in China is restricted; a VPN must be downloaded before arrival as VPN app stores are blocked inside China.
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
Portugal to China: What You Need to Know
China extended unilateral visa-free access to citizens of multiple EU countries including Portugal starting in late 2023, allowing stays of up to 15 days for tourism, business, transit, and family visits. This was a significant policy shift that opened China to European travelers more easily. China is the world fourth most visited country by area, home to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, karst landscapes of Guilin, and the modern skylines of Shanghai and Shenzhen. Portuguese travelers benefit from the shared history of Macau, a former Portuguese colony that returned to China in 1999 and retains Portuguese language, architecture, and legal influences. Flights from Lisbon to Beijing or Shanghai connect through hub airports; total journey is approximately 14-16 hours.
How to Get There
China is vast and best explored by combining two or three regions. High-speed rail (G and D trains) connects Beijing, Shanghai, Xi an, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and other major cities efficiently and affordably. Macau is a ferry or bridge ride from Hong Kong or Zhuhai. Hong Kong is a separate entry and destination accessible by high-speed rail from Guangzhou or by air. Consider extending to Japan, South Korea, or Vietnam from China.
Money & Banking
China uses the renminbi (RMB/CNY). Cash is still needed in some places but mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at major hotels but rarely at local restaurants and shops. ATMs in large cities accept foreign cards. Exchange money at airport banks or major bank branches for better rates.
Practical Tips
Download your VPN (such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN) before departure, as access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps is blocked in China. Use WeChat for messaging and payments inside China. Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate payments; link an international card in advance. Carry some cash (RMB) for smaller vendors. Beijing Metro, Shanghai Metro, and metro systems in Guangzhou and Chengdu are excellent. Mandarin Chinese is the official language; English signage is limited outside tourist areas and major hotels.