Deep breath. Here's the answer.

As a US passport holder, you must apply for a visa before traveling to China for tourism. Visa-free entry and visa-free transit are permitted only in very specific, limited circumstances. Enter China on your US passport with a valid Chinese visa.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• China does not recognize dual nationality. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen or of Chinese descent, you may face additional scrutiny.
• The PRC government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including exit bans on U.S. citizens. You might only become aware of an exit ban when trying to leave.
• U.S. citizens may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime.
• Sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments could lead to detention and/or deportation.
• Possession of valid Chinese identity documents or entering on a Chinese-issued travel document can impede the U.S. government’s ability to provide consular services.

Before you travel

• ✓Apply for a valid PRC visa in advance through the PRC Embassy in the United States.
• ✓Ensure your US passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival and has at least 2 blank pages.
• ✓Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• ✓Keep your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa with you at all times.
• ✓Consult the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC.
• ✓Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and purchase travel insurance.
• ✓Do not consume drugs before or during your trip to China, even if legal elsewhere, as penalties are severe.

Common questions