You are eligible for visa free entry
Each single entry allows a stay of up to 30 days. The cumulative maximum is 90 days within any 180-day period. The 30-day count begins at 00:00 on the day following the date of entry.
You must hold a valid Albanian ordinary passport. No specific minimum validity beyond the intended stay is mandated under the agreement. However, carrying a passport with at least 6 months of validity is strongly recommended.
The exemption covers tourism, business, visiting relatives or friends, cultural exchanges, and transit. It does not apply to those intending to work — or study in China.
The visa waiver applies across all ports of entry open to foreign nationals, including air, sea, and land borders.
No prior visa application is needed — but border authorities may ask for the following upon arrival:
an arrival card for foreign nationals must be completed. This can be filled out in advance via China's official government portal, through WeChat or Alipay mini-programs—or by scanning a QR code at the port of entry. A paper version is also available on arrival.
a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing that you intend to leave China within the permitted stay window.
hotel reservations for the duration of the stay, or an invitation letter from a host in China if staying with a private individual.
while not always formally requested, immigration officers may ask for evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay.
visa-free entry does not permit employment (Z visa) — or study (X visa). These categories require a separate visa obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Albania before departure.
Overstaying your permitted period carries significant consequences. Fines start at 500 CNY per day, up to a maximum of 20,000 CNY. Detention of 5 to 15 days is possible — and re entry bans ranging from 1 to 10 years may also be imposed. If you need to stay longer for legitimate reasons, apply for a stay extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) at least 7 days before your permitted stay expires. Tourist visa extensions grant an additional 30 days and can be done once.
There is no restriction on the number of entries, provided the cumulative stay does not exceed 90 days within any rolling 180-day period.
Albanian citizens are also covered under Hainan Province's separate 30-day visa free policy, which allows entry specifically for tourism, business, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports events within Hainan only. Entry must be through one of Hainan's open ports. This is a regional policy distinct from the broader national visa exemption agreement.
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