China Visa RequirementsFor Switzerland passport holders
China offers Swiss citizens visa-free entry for up to 15 days for tourism, business, and transit, under a unilateral pilot policy launched in late 2023 and extended through 2025.
Great news! Switzerland 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. Entry is via designated international airports. Bring proof of onward travel and accommodation booking. For stays beyond 15 days or other purposes (study, work), a visa must be obtained at the Chinese consulate in Switzerland in advance. Check the Chinese embassy website for the latest policy status.
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
Switzerland to China: What You Need to Know
China's unilateral visa-free policy for Swiss nationals reflects the strong bilateral economic relationship: Switzerland was among the first Western countries to sign a free trade agreement with China (2014). The Swiss-Chinese relationship is further cemented by substantial Swiss investment in China and significant Chinese tourism to Switzerland. The policy is periodically reviewed and extended; travelers should verify current status before booking. It covers air entry at major international airports.
How to Get There
Fly from ZRH direct with Swiss International or Air China to PEK (Beijing) or PVG (Shanghai), approximately 10-11 hours. Connections via Gulf carriers or European hubs add 14-18 hours. China's high-speed rail (HSR) network is world-class for intercity travel.
Money & Banking
China uses the Renminbi (CNY/RMB). Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; link an international card to WeChat Pay before arriving. ATMs accepting foreign cards can be scarce outside major cities. Budget roughly CNY 300-600 (EUR 40-80) per day for mid-range.
Practical Tips
Download and register for the China National Immigration Administration app before arrival. Keep a digital and paper copy of your hotel bookings and onward tickets. VPN access is restricted in China; configure one before departure. Currency exchange is easy at major airports; carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Swiss citizens need a visa for China?
As of 2024-2025, Swiss citizens benefit from a unilateral visa-free policy for stays up to 15 days. Check current policy before booking as it is subject to review.
How long can Swiss passport holders stay in China visa-free?
Up to 15 days per visit under the current pilot policy. For longer stays, a Chinese visa must be obtained at the Chinese Consulate in Zurich or Geneva.
Does China visa-free access apply to Hong Kong and Macau as well?
No. Hong Kong and Macau have their own separate entry policies. Entering China visa-free does NOT give access to Hong Kong (and vice versa).
Should I use a VPN in China?
VPNs are technically restricted in China. Many popular Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked. Configure a VPN before arriving as downloading one in China is difficult.
What airports in China can Swiss visitors use for visa-free entry?
The policy applies to entry at major international airports including PVG (Shanghai Pudong), PEK (Beijing Capital), CAN (Guangzhou), CTU (Chengdu), and others. Verify specific ports at time of travel.
What is the China National Immigration Administration app and do I need it?
The CNAI app can speed up customs and health declaration on arrival. Downloading and registering before travel is recommended for a smoother airport experience.
Can Swiss nationals extend their visa-free stay in China?
No. The 15-day visa-free period cannot be extended domestically. To stay longer, you must exit China and apply for a proper visa at a Chinese embassy.