Travel Information for International Visitors

This page provides practical information for participants traveling to Guangzhou for The 1st ASCI-HK International Conference on January 9–10, 2027. Entry eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, travel route, and purpose of visit.

1. Regular Visa

Participants who are not covered by a valid visa exemption or who do not meet the transit requirements should obtain an appropriate Chinese visa before travel. The official visa guidance identifies the F visa category for academic exchanges and visits, but the responsible visa authority determines the appropriate category and supporting documents for each application. Please consult the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.

Application process:

1. Check the appropriate visa category and local document requirements through the China Online Visa Application portal, the responsible Chinese embassy or consulate, or the local Visa Application Service Center.
2. Complete the online application and upload the passport page, photograph, and required supporting documents.
3. After online review, follow the local instructions for submitting the original passport and any additional documents. An appointment, fingerprints, or an interview may be required.
4. Pay the applicable fees and collect the passport after the application is processed.

2. Current 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Arrangements

China currently permits eligible ordinary-passport holders from specified countries to enter visa-free for short stays that may include exchange visits. However, the current unilateral arrangements for many nationalities are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026, before the conference dates. Participants should not rely on these arrangements for January 2027 unless an extension is announced officially. Mutual visa-exemption agreements may have different validity periods and conditions. Check the latest Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free entry guidance.

Countries covered by the current unilateral arrangements, as of August 17, 2026:

• Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
• Asia: Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, the Republic of Korea, and Saudi Arabia.
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.

Validity relevant to this conference: Brunei's arrangement currently has no stated expiry date, and Russia's is published through December 31, 2027. The arrangements for the other 48 countries listed above are currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026, so their availability for January 2027 must be reconfirmed.

Entry process:

1. No advance visa application or declaration to a Chinese embassy or consulate is required.
2. Before departure, confirm that the policy remains valid for the travel date and that the traveler holds an eligible ordinary passport.
3. Carry documents supporting the purpose of the visit, such as the conference invitation, onward or return ticket, and accommodation reservation.
4. Complete the arrival card and present the passport and supporting documents for border inspection on arrival.

3. 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy may be suitable for eligible participants who are genuinely transiting through Mainland China to a third country or region. It is not the same as ordinary visa-free entry.

• The traveler must be a citizen of a country covered by the policy.
• The traveler must hold a valid international travel document with at least three months of validity and meet the entry requirements of the onward destination.
• The traveler must have confirmed onward travel to a third country or region within 240 hours. A simple return itinerary from Country A to Guangzhou and directly back to Country A does not meet the transit requirement.
• Guangzhou is an eligible destination under the policy, and qualifying travelers may stay within the permitted area in Guangdong Province.
• The 240-hour period is calculated from 00:00 on the day after entry. Admission remains subject to inspection and approval at the port of entry.

Eligible countries for 240-hour visa-free transit, as of August 17, 2026:

• Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the United States.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
• Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Application process:

1. Confirm that the traveler's nationality, entry and exit ports, permitted stay area, and full itinerary satisfy the policy.
2. Book confirmed onward travel to a third country or region within 240 hours and ensure that the traveler meets the onward destination's entry requirements.
3. At the eligible port of entry, present the valid travel document, confirmed onward ticket or itinerary, and completed arrival card to immigration inspection and request 240-hour visa-free transit.
4. After temporary entry is approved, remain within the permitted area and depart through an eligible port within the authorized period.

Typical Route Examples

• London → Guangzhou → Hong Kong
• New York → Guangzhou → Tokyo
• Paris → Guangzhou → Seoul
• Sydney → Guangzhou → Taipei
• Frankfurt → Guangzhou → Singapore

These examples are illustrative. Eligibility depends on the traveler's nationality, documents, confirmed itinerary, ports of entry and exit, and immigration inspection. Consult the National Immigration Administration policy and current list of eligible countries and ports. For itinerary-specific questions, contact the National Immigration Administration service hotline at 12367 within China or +86-12367 from overseas, and confirm carriage requirements with the airline or other transport operator before booking.

Arrival Card and Passport

Foreign travelers may complete the arrival card online before travel through official National Immigration Administration channels, or complete it at the port of entry. Online completion does not replace a visa or independently establish eligibility to enter China. Carry the passport used for the visa, booking, and transportation throughout the trip.