CINAITA JournalChina travel planning
China travel in 2026: entry, payments and practical preparation
For travellers with an ordinary Italian passport: entry conditions, payment options, trains and choosing an itinerary. The published visa-free policy currently runs until 31 December 2026.
- Maximum visa-free days for eligible ordinary Italian passport holders
- 30
- Published policy expiry; recheck for a 2027 departure
- 31.12.2026
- Suggested payment methods to prepare as backups
- 2+
A first China trip starts with a few practical decisions: check your passport and purpose of travel, prepare ways to pay, and keep booking details consistent. Once these basics are settled, choose a route that leaves time to experience each place rather than spending every day in transit.
Check entry conditions before non-refundable bookings
Visa-free eligibility depends on the passport, purpose and length of stay, not just the departure airport.
Ordinary Italian passport
The published policy covers eligible holders of ordinary Italian passports for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business and other permitted purposes. The passport must remain valid for the intended stay; check each traveller’s document, purpose and duration.
Watch the policy expiry
The published policy expires at midnight on 31 December 2026. For a 2027 departure, check the embassy’s latest notice before confirming flights and payments.
Keep the purpose and itinerary clear
Keep accommodation, onward transport and main activities in one itinerary. Joining a group does not change individual entry requirements, and business meetings do not mean permission to work in China. Check the required procedures with the consulate for work, study, journalism or stays beyond 30 days.
References Chinese Embassy in Italy: visa-free extensionChinese Embassy: visa-free entry FAQ
Payments: keep a backup beyond your phone
Set up your services and check with your bank, while keeping an alternative. Acceptance varies by app, card and merchant.
| Method | Before departure | Keep ready |
|---|---|---|
| Bank card | Check overseas use, security messages, limits and emergency blocking. Look for acceptance signs and ask hotels or other suppliers in advance. | Keep a physical card with you. |
| Mobile payments | Follow the current Alipay or WeChat Pay instructions for supported overseas cards and complete the required checks. Availability, charges and limits depend on the app and card issuer. | Keep access to verification messages and backup battery power. |
| Renminbi cash | Keep a modest reserve in useful denominations for a flat battery or failed payment. Check the exchange point or ATM, charges and your card limits before using it. | Keep travel spending separate from business purchasing. |
References PBOC · Payment guide for overseas visitors to Zhejiang
Trains and accommodation: keep document details consistent
A city may have several stations, airports and meeting points.
Check the station before the departure time
Record the exact station, date and onward transfer in the itinerary. Allow a margin between a long-distance arrival, hotel change and an important booking.
Check every name and passport
The English 12306 service accepts valid foreign passports under the applicable rules. Travel with the document used for booking and check names and numbers rather than using nicknames.
Share your arrival details
Share flight or train details, the hotel address, arrival window and meeting arrangements. Plan any mobility, dietary or language needs before arrival.
References China Railway 12306: ticketing FAQ
How to choose a first China itinerary
These are planning approaches rather than fixed packages. Start with the experience, then discuss days and cities.
| Interest | Planning approach | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| History and cities | Choose a few priorities among Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai instead of adding hotel changes for more stops. Put reserved museums and sights into confirmed city days. | For first-time visitors interested in culture. |
| Scenery and a slower pace | Choose one region for scenery, old towns or local food. An extra night can be worth more than another city; discuss walking demands and weather alternatives with the group. | For families and groups with different preferred paces. |
| Travel with business meetings | Fix fairs and appointments first, then reserve separate sightseeing days. Factories, companies and markets have different arrangements; a possible detour is not a confirmed appointment. | For groups that want room for both travel and business. |
A shared itinerary everyone can use
Keep activities, bookings and contacts together so travellers and hosts use the same version.
Daily plan and meeting points
List main activities, local transport and meeting addresses, including a Chinese address saved offline. Separate fixed reservations from free time.
Roles and useful contacts
Assign reservations, transport coordination and language support. Include the hosts and service providers so travellers know whom to contact when plans change.
Confirm the scope before the quotation
Share the month, group size, interests and approximate budget. We prepare the route and coordinate services, confirming providers, availability, costs and cancellation terms item by item.
Practical questions
Can I book a 2027 trip assuming the 30-day visa exemption will apply?
The verified published policy expires on 31 December 2026. For a 2027 departure, check a new embassy notice before deciding on visa requirements and payments.
Do the same rules apply if members of our group have different passports?
Check nationality, document type, purpose and length of stay for each person. Information for ordinary Italian passports does not automatically apply to other documents.
How many cities suit a first China trip of around ten days?
Start by discussing two or three main bases, then adjust for arrival and departure points, travel time and the group’s pace. This is planning advice rather than a fixed package. For scenery, children or older travellers, fewer hotel changes can leave more complete visiting days.
Sources and updates
Policies, dates and admission arrangements can change. These are the sources checked for this article; review the relevant official pages before travel.