China Visa RequirementsFor Romania passport holders
Romanian passport holders benefit from China's 2024 unilateral visa-free program for EU citizens. Romanians can visit China for tourism, transit, or business for up to 15 days without a visa. No prior application is needed.
Great news! Romania passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No advance visa application is needed. Simply travel with your valid Romanian passport. At Chinese immigration, declare the purpose of your visit and have proof of accommodation and onward travel. The 15-day stay begins on the day of entry. You cannot extend this visa-free stay within China; if you need more time, you would need to apply for a regular Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in Bucharest before travel.
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 Romanian Passport
Must be valid for the duration of the intended stay plus a reasonable buffer. Visa-free entry is only available with a Romanian passport (not Romanian ID card alone).
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from China within the 15-day visa-free period.
Accommodation Confirmation
Hotel booking or address of where you will stay. May be requested by immigration.
VPN App (Recommended) Recommended
Install a VPN on your devices before entering China to access Google, WhatsApp, and other blocked Western services.
Current Travel Situation
Romania to China: What You Need to Know
China introduced a unilateral visa-free policy in 2024 for citizens of several EU member states, including Romania. This allows Romanian passport holders to enter China for stays of up to 15 days without applying for a visa. The policy covers tourism, business, transit, and family visits. Direct and connecting flights link Bucharest to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
How to Get There
China is a natural gateway for onward travel to Southeast Asia. Consider combining Beijing or Shanghai with a brief visit to Hong Kong (separate entry requirements apply), Japan, South Korea, or Thailand. Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern all offer competitive fares on Chinese domestic routes.
Money & Banking
Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Exchange at Chinese airports or banks on arrival, or use Alipay (link your Visa/Mastercard before departure). ATM withdrawals in China are possible at Bank of China and ICBC ATMs with international cards. Notify your bank before travel. Carry some cash as many smaller vendors prefer mobile payments over cards.
Practical Tips
Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu are the main tourist highlights. The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and Giant Pandas are iconic attractions. Download VPN apps before arriving as Google, WhatsApp, and most Western social media are blocked in China. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods; foreigners can now link international Visa/Mastercard to Alipay for convenience. High-speed trains (bullet trains) connect major cities efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Romanian citizens need a visa for China?
No. Under China's 2024 unilateral visa-free policy for EU citizens, Romanian passport holders can visit China for up to 15 days without a visa.
How long can Romanians stay in China visa-free?
Up to 15 days per visit under the 2024 visa-free program. For longer stays, you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) at the Chinese Embassy in Bucharest before traveling.
Is the China visa-free policy permanent for Romania?
As of 2025, the policy is in effect but it is a unilateral measure by China and could be revised. Check the latest information before booking your trip.
What should I know about internet access in China?
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western social media and apps are blocked in China. Install a VPN app on your phone before departure to access these services.
How do I pay for things in China?
WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant payment methods. Foreigners can link an international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay before or after arrival. Some hotels and tourist sites accept cards directly. Carry some cash Yuan (CNY) as a backup.
Are there direct flights from Romania to China?
There are no scheduled non-stop flights from Bucharest to China currently. Common connections are via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Abu Dhabi (Etihad), Dubai (Emirates), or other European hubs.
Do I need a visa for Hong Kong if I visit China?
Hong Kong is a separate territory with its own entry requirements. Romanian citizens need a separate authorization for Hong Kong (see the Hong Kong route). You cannot enter Hong Kong on China's visa-free allowance.
What documents do I need to enter China visa-free?
A valid Romanian passport, proof of onward/return travel, and accommodation details. Immigration officers may also ask about the purpose of your visit.