Traveling to China from Austria visa-free

Traveling from Austria to China just got easier in 2024, thanks to new rules that allow Austrians to visit China without needing a visa. This big change is exciting for anyone from Austria who wants to see China's beautiful places, do business, or learn more about its culture. With no visa required, more people from Austria can now easily plan trips to explore China's rich history, stunning landscapes, and modern cities. This update in travel rules is great news for both countries. It will help more people visit each other's countries, share experiences, and understand each other better. Let's dive into what this means for travelers, how it might help tourism grow, and why it's important for bringing people from different parts of the world closer together.

Traveling to China from Austria visa-free details

From 14 March to 30 November 2024, Austrian citizens can travel to China without a visa for 15 days. This means that if you want to travel for business purposes, tourism, transit, or visiting relatives, you don't need to apply for a Chinese visa. 

This was announced on 7 March 2024 by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Keep in mind that if you are planning to stay any longer than 15 days you will need a visa, or if you are already in China and you’ll need more time to stay in the country, please apply for a visa.

This visa-free agreement is only for those who hold ornery passports, all other passport holders still need a Chinese visa to enter the country.

Also, if you are planning to visit Tibet, you still will need a TTP (Tibet Travel Permit). However, if you are planning to visit other regions in Tibet, you will need other special permits. 

• You will need an Alien’s Travel permit to visit the following places: Gyantse County, Shigatse Area, Shannan Region, Nyingchi Region, Ngari Region, and Chamdo Region.
• Military Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit will be needed if you are planning to visit military-sensitive areas in Tibet, such as Mount Kailash in Ngari Prefecture or Rowok Lake in Chamdo, require a Military Area Entry Permit. 

How to plan your trip to China

Planning a trip contains several steps. With this new information about traveling without a visa to China that first step is excluded, so we will continue with other steps for how to plan your adventure to have an amazing time without any stress.

Choose the regions in China that you want to visit

China is a vast country, even if you have more than 15 days, you still won't be able to visit all the attractions and beauty of nature, that’s why is better if you choose what you want to visit. 

If you want to visit historical and ancient attractions then you should consider booking a trip that involves visiting Beijing and Xi’an. Also, you can visit Pingyao Ancient Town in Shanxi, Langzhong Ancient Town in Sichuan, Lijiang Ancient Town in Yunnan, and Huizhou Ancient Town in Anhui are the best to discover the similarities and differences between the age-old buildings in different regions.

If you want to be amazed by modern living in China, then you should visit Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.

Nature lovers will love to visit  Jiuzhaigou Park, the mysterious Kanas Lake, the splendid Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, the Karst landscape of Guilin, the magnificent Mt Huangshan, the stunning Mount Siguniang and Minya Konka, the spectacular Zhangjiajie peaks.

To learn more about ethnic culture and all that mixed with trekking, you should book a trip to 

Guizhou, Yunnan, western Sichuan, Qinghai, and Tibet.

Best time to visit China

When you choose where to go in China, then you will know when to go there. Because every region in China has a different best time to visit. 

For example, big cities you can visit at any period of the year, but if you are planning to travel to Tibet, then the best time to do that is from late spring till easy autumn. 

Generally, the best time to travel to China is spring, summer, and autumn. However, in the summer expect that there will be more crowded than in winter.

Private or Group tour

Yes, this is also an important step when planning a trip to China. Both private and group tours have their pros and cons. 

Travel in private tours is more flexible compared with group tours. But if you like to make friends from all around the world, then a group tour can be the best choice for you.

Also, you can travel independently, but we do not recommend that. Exploring China on yourself isn’t the same when you do that with an experienced tour guide. 

If you still are in doubt about planning and traveling to China, here is our China Travel Guide, where you can learn all that you need on your first trip to China.

Final words

The exciting news for 2024 is that Austrians can now visit China without needing a visa for up to 15 days, from 14 March to 30 November. This change makes it much easier for people from Austria to see China’s amazing places, do business, or visit family. Whether you’re looking to check out China's ancient history, stunning nature, or modern cities, this new rule is a big help. It means planning a trip to China is simpler since you don’t have to worry about getting a visa for short visits. But, if you want to stay longer or visit certain areas like Tibet, you’ll need to get the right permits. This new way of traveling is great for bringing people from Austria and China closer, making it easier to share experiences and learn from each other. Remember, though, to enjoy your trip fully and stress-free, picking where you want to go in China and when is still key, as each place has its best time to visit.