Do citizens of Pakistan need a visa for China?
Last verified 9 October 2026 against official Chinese government sources.
Visa required
Yes — as of 9 October 2026, ordinary passports from Pakistan are not covered by any of China's visa-free or visa-free transit policies. You need to apply for a visa (for tourism, the L visa) before you travel.
All visa-free routes for passports from Pakistan
| 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 |
Which visa to apply for
- Tourism: L visa. Business: M visa. Visiting family: Q or S visa. Work: Z visa. Study: X1/X2 visa.
- Apply at the Chinese embassy, a consulate or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center that covers where you live.
- Online forms and requirements are at visaforchina.cn — book well ahead of peak seasons.
- Even passing through China to another country needs a visa (or staying airside within 24 hours, where your airport allows it).
Rules can change — China has added new countries to its visa-free lists several times since 2023. We check official sources regularly and will update this page if Pakistan is added.
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 Pakistan need a visa for China in 2026?
Yes — as of 9 October 2026, ordinary passports from Pakistan are not covered by any of China's visa-free or visa-free transit policies. You need to apply for a visa (for tourism, the L visa) before you travel.
Can citizens of Pakistan use China's 240-hour visa-free transit?
No. Pakistan 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.