How Does the Visa-Free Regime Work?
Starting in 2025, citizens of Uzbekistan may enter mainland China without a visa for short trips with a clear purpose, such as tourism or business. The visa-free regime does not apply to employment, education, or long-term residence. In such cases, a visa must be obtained in advance through an embassy.
What Are the Length of Stay Rules?
The rules are straightforward: up to 30 days per single trip and no more than 90 days total within any six-month period. The number of entries is not limited — only the total number of days spent in China is counted.
Example:
January 1–30 — 30 days
February 15–March 16 — another 30 days
April 1–30 — another 30 days
Total: 90 days.
From May 1, visa-free entry would no longer be permitted because the 90-day limit has been reached. Once enough time passes and the January days fall outside the six-month window, those days become available again. However, each individual stay must still not exceed 30 days.
It is important not to confuse mainland China with Hong Kong and Macau. The visa-free regime for Uzbek citizens does not apply there — separate visas are required.
What Documents Are Checked Upon Entry?
Even under the visa-free regime, border officers may verify the purpose of your visit and your intention to leave China on time. You should carry the following documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)
- Arrival/Departure (Migration) card
What Is the Arrival Card and How Should It Be Completed?
Upon entering China, Uzbek citizens must complete a migration card, even when entering visa-free. It is filled out before passport control, either on paper or via an electronic terminal at the airport. An online option is also available, but the paper version is often more reliable.
The card includes the purpose of travel, address of stay in China, and length of stay. In practice, it confirms that your trip is short-term, permitted, and that you do not intend to work, study, or overstay.
Use only permitted purposes: “Tourism” for tourist visits and “Business” for business travel. Indicate the first hotel or host as your address — the hotel name and city are sufficient. Phrases such as “I will decide on arrival” may lead to additional questioning.
When stating your length of stay, indicate the actual planned duration. Do not write “30 days” if you intend to stay only 7–10 days.
Is Registration Required After Entry?
Uzbek citizens must register at their place of residence within 24 hours of entering China. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to 500 yuan per day (approximately 1,700–1,800 UZS per yuan equivalent rate applied).
Hotels automatically handle registration. If staying in a rented apartment, the visitor must register independently at a local police station or online. Procedures vary by city. If you change accommodation or re-enter China, including via Hong Kong or Macau, registration must be completed again.
How to Travel from Tashkent to China?
Direct flights operate from Tashkent to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hainan. Airlines including Uzbekistan Airways, Air China, and China Southern Airlines provide regular services. One-way fares typically range between 2.6 and 2.9 million UZS.
Direct and charter flights to Sanya (Hainan Island) are also available, especially during high season, usually 1–2 times per week. One-way fares generally start from around 2.8 million UZS.
Which Apps Are Essential in China?
Many familiar international services do not function in China. It is advisable to install and set up the following apps before departure:
- WeChat — communication and payments
- Alipay — mobile payments
- Baidu Maps or Amap — navigation
- DiDi — taxi services
- Translator — for menus, signs, and communication
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram are blocked. If access is required, install a VPN before traveling.
How Do Payments Work in China?
China’s payment ecosystem differs significantly from many countries. UnionPay is the national payment system and widely accepted for terminal payments and cash withdrawals. Visa and Mastercard are accepted mainly in large hotels and tourist areas.
The most common payment methods are Alipay and WeChat Pay, which operate via QR codes and are accepted almost everywhere. Daily life in China is inconvenient without mobile payments.
For reference, 1 Chinese yuan is approximately equal to 1,700–1,800 UZS, depending on exchange rates. Exchanging US dollars in China can be time-consuming and limited to major banks. Airport exchange offices are available but may offer less favorable rates.
What Happens If You Overstay?
Overstaying in China, even by one or two days, constitutes a violation of immigration regulations. Consequences may include fines (up to 500 yuan per day), a record in the immigration system, complications with future visas, deportation, or a temporary entry ban.