How to Visit China Visa Free as an American
If you’re an American military family stationed overseas, particularly in Korea or Japan, you’ve probably checked off a few popular travel spots: Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, maybe even Bali. But what about China?
Good news: In 2025, you can visit China visa-free! After years of tight border controls, China is open for tourism again and Americans can now visit visa-free for longer (under the right conditions). With its ancient wonders, modern megacities, unforgettable food, and rich cultural traditions, China offers one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Asia.
If you're an American traveler, especially if you're already living abroad in places like Korea, Japan, or Southeast Asia, 2025 might be the best time to visit.
But first, a critical disclaimer:
Most active-duty service members are not allowed to travel to China for personal or leisure travel under current DOD policies.
Even for dependents, it’s advisable to check with your service member’s chain of command before making any plans.
Also, if you or your spouse holds a security clearance, this kind of international travel may be discouraged or require additional reporting or approval.
When in doubt—ask first. Every command is different, and the rules can change quickly.
Visiting China as an American might feel intimidating at first. If you’re feeling uneasy traveling alone, consider inviting friends or family members that are visiting to go with you. My in-laws were planning to visit Korea and wanted to see Japan while they were here, so we opted to add Beijing onto that trip. Since my husband can’t travel to China, this made the idea of traveling to China with two young kids less daunting for me.
How can Americans Visit China Without a Visa?
Visa free requirements part 1
U.S. passport holders can now enter China visa-free for up to 10 days, but only if you're transiting between two different countries. You must be traveling from COUNTRY A - CHINA - COUNTRY B. For example, Korea to China to Japan. Rountrip from your current country is NOT allowed. Also, you’re supposed to stay within the province that you enter in.
Visa free requirements part 2
This 240-hour visa-free policy is available through December 31, 2025, and is valid for tourism, business, or family visits.
Top Reasons to Visit China in 2025
The Great Wall – Walk one of the world’s most iconic landmarks
Chengdu Pandas – Visit conservation centers and see pandas up close
Culinary Heaven – Explore regional flavors from Sichuan spice to Cantonese dim sum
Shanghai & Beijing – High-speed rail, skyscrapers, ancient palaces, and shopping
Festivals – Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn celebrations
Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
In front of the I heart Beijing sign at PEK airport
Here’s what you’ll need for a smooth visa-free arrival:
✅ Valid U.S. passport (with at least 6 months' validity)
✅ Confirmed onward flight to a third country (not round-trip) - it’s best if you book all your flights on one itinerary, even if they’re with different airlines. The immigration agent will ask to see this.
✅ Proof of hotel/accommodation in China - you’ll need to write this on your arrival card, but again, you’ll be asked to show proof to the immigration agent.
✅ Health & customs declaration - we filled this out on the plane
Tip: Print copies of all documents, boarding passes, and hotel bookings—paper is still king at many Chinese immigration points. You’ll also need to hold onto your departure slip that you fill out at immigration, in case it’s asked for when leaving the country. We flew into PKX and there was free Wifi if you need to pull these up on your phone.
One last tip: If you’re traveling to Europe from Korea, definitely check flights with layovers in China. A few years ago when we were traveling to Rome for Christmas, flights with layovers in Beijing were THE CHEAPEST for our family and would’ve fit the 3-country transit rule. Unfortunately, my husband cannot even have layovers in China so those weren’t an option for us.
Essential Apps for China Travel
On the plane with my girls headed to Beijing!
Because of internet restrictions and mobile-first culture, having the right apps before you go is key:
VPN – Install before arrival (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, etc.) to access Gmail, Google, Instagram, etc.
Alipay – Another dominant payment app, now foreigner-friendly (was seamless for me!!)
WeChat – For communication, scanning QR codes, and mobile payments
Pleco – Top-rated offline Chinese dictionary and translator
Dianping – China’s Yelp (for restaurant and attraction reviews)
Google Maps / Apple Maps - both worked for us when we visited in July 20025
According to the internet, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Gmail won’t work in China unless you're using a VPN. I didn’t have any issues but I did purchase an ESIM through Airalo before entering the country. This gave me peace of mind knowing that I would have a way to contact my husband in case of an emergency.
How to Pay in China (Without a Chinese Bank)
Cutest coffee holder from 7-11
China is largely cashless, but foreigners can now use international credit/debit cards on:
Alipay and WeChat Pay: Link your credit cards beforehand so you’re not scrambling at checkout
Apple Pay: Works in limited cases, mostly at international chains. I had no luck with Apple Pay, not even at 7-11.
Cash is still accepted in some places.
I downloaded Alipay and linked my Visa card before arriving in China. At my first transaction, I had to approve the purchase through my banking app and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without having internet and my ESIM. After that, I only had issues * occasionally * when I had to scan a QR code to pay. Everything else was seamless. I use Apple Pay pretty regularly in my daily life, and Alipay was instantaneous for me, it really put the few seconds Apple Pay takes to transit to shame.
What to Expect and How to Act
This young girl came up and asked if she could take a picture with London and Millie.
Tipping is not expected
English is limited outside of tourist areas
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or download a translation app
Public spaces can feel crowded and pushy - don’t expect Western personal space (and coming from someone who lives in Korea, I already feel personal space can be lacking sometimes but China took it to a whole other level)
Be mindful of sensitive topics like politics or criticism of the country
Bring your own tissues (public bathrooms may not supply any)
If you’re concerned with figuring out public transportation, book private tours that will pick you up instead of having to meet somewhere. This also requires you making sure that your hotel is within the 3rd or 4th ring of Beijing.
Book tours ahead of time! We booked this airport transfer from PKX for convenience upon landing in Beijing. Our driver spoke NO English. We booked this Great Wall private tour - our driver spoke conversational English and was very personable.
(Reiterated) Tips for Military Families & Government-Affiliated Travelers
My in-laws and nephew traveled to Beijing with me and the girls!
If you're stationed overseas or connected to the U.S. military, read this carefully before booking a trip to China:
Active-duty military members are generally not allowed to travel to China for personal trips under current DOD policy.
Spouses and dependents SHOULD check with their service member’s chain of command and get written approval.
Security clearance holders (including civilians and contractors) may need to report or avoid travel to China due to intelligence and cybersecurity risks.
Bottom line: If in doubt, ask before planning any travel.
Helpful Links & Resources
It should come as no surprise that my girls can find chicken nuggets and French fries anywhere!
2025 is a rare window where China is more accessible than ever for American travelers—no visa, just a well-planned itinerary and an adventurous spirit. If you're based in Asia or taking a multi-country trip, it's the perfect chance to walk the Great Wall, meet pandas, eat unforgettable dumplings, and explore one of the world’s oldest civilizations—without the visa red tape.
Between political headlines, language barriers, and internet censorship, China can feel like a destination wrapped in mystery and caution tape. I hope that my tips have eased your mind and made China seem more accessible to you and your family - even if you’re having to solo parent this trip!
We only spent 48 hours in Beijing, so if you have more tips for travelers, please drop them in the comments! Every bit helps!
