Do citizens of Laos need a visa for China?
Last verified 9 October 2026 against official Chinese government sources.
Visa needed — limited exceptions
Yes for most trips — citizens of Laos need a visa for mainland China in general. The exceptions are a 6-day stay with an organised tour group (Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan) and a 6-day stay with an organised tour group (Guilin City, Guangxi).
All visa-free routes for passports from Laos
| Route | Stay | |
|---|---|---|
| No | 30-day visa-free entry | Not available |
| No | 240-hour visa-free transit | Not available |
| No | Hainan 30-day visa-free | Not available |
| Yes | ASEAN tour group visa-free entry to Xishuangbanna (Yunnan) | Up to 6 days, tour groups only |
| Yes | ASEAN tour group visa-free entry to Guilin (Guangxi) | Up to 6 days, tour groups only |
ASEAN tour group visa-free entry to Xishuangbanna (Yunnan)
Area: Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan
- Ordinary passport of an ASEAN country.
- Tour group of 2+ people received by a Chinese travel agency; enter and exit as a group.
- Entry via Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port or Mohan Highway Port.
- Stay up to 6 days.
ASEAN tour group visa-free entry to Guilin (Guangxi)
Area: Guilin City, Guangxi
- Ordinary passport of an ASEAN country.
- Tour group of 2+ people received by a Chinese travel agency; enter and exit as a group.
- Entry via Guilin airport port.
- Stay up to 6 days.
Not covered by any visa-free route
Working, studying and journalism always require the matching visa, whatever your passport. Diplomatic and service passports follow separate rules.
FAQ
Do citizens of Laos need a visa for China in 2026?
Yes for most trips — citizens of Laos need a visa for mainland China in general. The exceptions are a 6-day stay with an organised tour group (Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan) and a 6-day stay with an organised tour group (Guilin City, Guangxi).
Can citizens of Laos use China's 240-hour visa-free transit?
No. Laos is not on the list of 57 countries eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit.
Can I work or study in China without a visa?
No. Every visa-free route covers short visits only — tourism, business meetings, family visits and similar. Work needs a Z visa and study an X1 or X2 visa, obtained before you travel.