If you’re a Chinese passport holder planning your next international getaway, understanding your visa privileges is essential for a smooth travel experience. The passport of the People's Republic of China is issued to citizens for international travel and grants them consular protection while abroad.

China currently issues biometric e-passports, which were first introduced for government use in 2011 and later extended to all ordinary citizens. These passports include a contactless chip that stores personal information, such as your name, gender, photo, fingerprints, and passport validity, meeting the security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This modernisation has improved identity verification and streamlined border processing for Chinese travellers.

Over the years, the number of people owning passports in China has grown rapidly. From just 2.86% of the population holding passports in 2012, the number jumped to around 120 million by 2016. Today, the figure continues to rise as more Chinese citizens take advantage of international travel opportunities.

As of 2025, Chinese passport holders can access 83 destinations without needing a traditional visa. This includes 42 visa-free countries, 29 countries that offer a visa on arrival, and 3 destinations that require only an electronic travel authorisation (eta). Based on this access, the Chinese passport ranks 61st globally, according to the most recent passport indexes.

However, travellers should also be aware that 149 countries still require either a physical visa or an electronic visa (eVisa) before entry. So, while the Chinese passport offers increasing global mobility, trip planning still involves checking each destination’s entry requirements well in advance.

Whether you're seeking scenic landscapes, cultural exploration, or business opportunities, knowing your visa privileges will help you travel smarter and with greater peace of mind.

Visa-Free Countries for Chinese Passport Holders

Here is the list of countries that provide visa-free access to the citizens of the People’s Republic of China:

1. Albania

2. Angola

3. Antigua and Barbuda

4. Armenia

5. Azerbaijan

6. Bahamas

7. Bahrain

8. Bangladesh

9. Barbados

10. Belarus

11. Benin

12. Bolivia

13. Bosnia and Herzegovina

14. British Virgin Islands

15. Brunei

16. Burundi

17. Cambodia

18. Cape Verde Islands

19. Comoro Islands

20. Cook Islands

21. Cuba

22. Djibouti

23. Dominica

24. Egypt

25. Ethiopia

26. Fiji

27. Georgia

28. Grenada

29. Guinea

30. Guinea-Bissau

31. Haiti

32. Indonesia

33. Iran

34. Iraq

35. Jamaica

36. Jordan

37. Kazakhstan

38. Kenya

39. Kiribati

40. Laos

41. Lebanon

42. Madagascar

43. Malawi

44. Malaysia

45. Maldives

46. Mauritius

47. Micronesia

48. Morocco

49. Mozambique

50. Myanmar

51. Nepal

52. Niue

53. Northern Mariana Islands

54. Oman

55. Palau Islands

56. Qatar

57. Rwanda

58. Samoa

59. Sao Tome and Principe

60. Saudi Arabia

61. Senegal

62. Serbia

63. Seychelles

64. Sierra Leone

65. Singapore

66. Solomon Islands

67. Somalia

68. Sri Lanka

69. St. Kitts and Nevis

70. St. Lucia

71. Suriname

72. Tanzania

73. Thailand

74. Timor-Leste

75. Tonga

76. Tunisia

77. Turks and Caicos Islands

78. Tuvalu

79. United Arab Emirates

80. Uzbekistan

81. Vanuatu

82. Zambia

83. Zimbabwe

Visa regulations can shift due to changes in diplomatic relations, security updates, or public health concerns. A country that welcomes Chinese travellers today without a visa may require one tomorrow, or new eVisa systems might be introduced. Similarly, countries may ease entry restrictions based on new bilateral agreements or global developments.

If you have a Chinese passport, it’s wise to double-check the visa requirements for your destination before planning your next trip, ideally on official government websites or trusted international travel resources. This ensures you won’t face unexpected surprises at immigration and can enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey.

VOA Countries for Chinese Passport Holders

Here is the list of countries that provide VOA to the citizens of the People’s Republic of China:

1. Bahrain

2. Bangladesh

3. Bolivia

4. Burundi

5. Cambodia

6. Cape Verde Islands

7. Djibouti

8. Ethiopia

9. Guinea-Bissau

10. Indonesia

11. Jordan

12. Laos

13. Lebanon

14. Myanmar

15. Nepal

16. Palau Islands

17. Qatar

18. Rwanda

19. Samoa

20. Sao Tome and Principe

21. Saudi Arabia

22. Senegal

23. Sierra Leone

24. Somalia

25. Tanzania

26. Timor-Leste

27. Tonga

28. Tuvalu

29. Zimbabwe

E-Visa Countries for Chinese Passport Holders

Here is the list of countries that provide an E-Visa to the citizens of the People’s Republic of China:

1. Botswana

2. Burkina Faso

3. Cameroon

4. Colombia

5. Equatorial Guinea

6. Gabon

7. India

8. Kyrgyzstan

9. Lesotho

10. Mauritania

11. Moldova

12. Montserrat

13. Pakistan

14. Papua New Guinea

15. Russian Federation

16. South Africa

17. Syria

18. Tajikistan

19. Togo

20. Türkiye

21. Uganda

22. Ukraine

23. Vietnam

ETA Requirement for Chinese Passport Holders

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a mandatory digital travel document required for Chinese passport holders visiting certain destinations. While it is not a traditional visa, an eTA acts as a pre-screening tool that must be completed online before your trip.

For Chinese citizens, countries such as Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka currently require an eTA for entry.

The application process is simple, quick, and much more convenient than applying for a regular visa. Travellers need to fill in basic personal information, provide travel details, and pay a small processing fee online.

Completing the eTA process ahead of time ensures a smoother arrival experience and helps avoid unexpected delays at immigration checkpoints, making your journey more seamless and stress-free.

While many destinations still require visas, Chinese passport holders can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a growing number of countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, it’s important to stay informed about current entry requirements. This includes checking your passport’s validity, having proof of sufficient funds, preparing onward or return travel documents, and knowing the maximum stay permitted in your destination country. Whether you're exploring vibrant cities in Southeast Asia, relaxing on tropical islands, or venturing further afield, advance planning is key to a seamless travel experience.

For up-to-date visa information and a hassle-free application process, platforms like Atlys can be valuable partners, offering reliable support tailored to the specific travel needs of Chinese citizens.