• While planning a trip to China, the visa topic always comes first and seriously. Please check with Chinese embassies in your countries or the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) that serves your residence area for your visa application details at your earliest convenience.
• We have compiled resources to assist international attendees in the process of obtaining a visa, and while we make every attempt to keep this page up-to-date, please note that regulations may change. To avoid any travel delays and disruptions, we recommend that all travelers read and follow the instructions in the guidance issued by the official websites of Chinese embassies in your countries carefully.

• International attendees can make payments via Alipay or WeChat by linking your international credit or debit cards. Once the cards are successfully linked, you can use Alipay or WeChat Pay to make payments to merchants across various sectors, including dining, shopping, transportation, and accommodation. This convenient and seamless payment method enables you to “pay like a local” in China, without the need to carry cash or open a Chinese bank account. FIND OUT MORE

List of Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies

As of February 17, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China has announced the following list of countries eligible for China’s unilateral visa-exemption policy:

Europe (35 countries): 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, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom

Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand

Asia (7 countries): Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea

Americas (6 countries): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

Note: International attendees of the aforementioned countries can, with ordinary passports, enter China visa-free for purposes of business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit, provided that their stay periods will not exceed 30 days. The duration of stay for every foreign national shall be calculated from 00:00 on the day following the day of entry.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Currently, China is implementing this policy for nationals of 55 countries including Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Nationals of these countries, who need to transit through China to third countries or regions, may enter visa-free through any of the designated 65 open exit-entry ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government and stay in the permitted areas for no more than 10 days, provided that they hold valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates. Foreign nationals covered by this policy may, within the designated areas, engage in activities like travel activities, business activities, visits, family reunions, etc., during their stay periods. Activities such as work, study, or news reporting still require prior approvals and appropriate visas.

Please see the requirements below: https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c183412/content.html

Necessary materials to apply for a Chinese “F” Visa

International participants may need a Chinese visa to enter China. It is suggested to apply for a “F” visa. To avoid uncertainty, participants will be advised to apply for the visa as early as possible (at least two months in advance).

1. A passport which is valid for at least six months following the date of submission, with an entire blank page available for the visa;

2. One Visa Application Form of the People's Republic of China, which is filled clearly with true, authentic, and complete information and signed by the applicant;

3. One recent 2-inch full-faced and bareheaded passport photo (the daily life photo, photo copy, or digital photo printed on ordinary paper shall not be accepted);

4. An invitation letter issued by the SOAL organizing committee;

5. Other materials related to the visa application, deemed as necessary by the visa officer;

6. For more accurate information, please contact the local Chinese Embassy in your country.

For more information, please contact the local Chinese Embassy in your country. Regarding invitation letter and other details, please feel free to contact the conference secretariat, Email: atto_conference@iphy.ac.cn.