China visa for Austria citizens

Current status (verified May 2026)

Austrian ordinary passport holders are eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry to mainland China for tourism, business, family visit or transit. Austria joined the visa-free programme in the 2024 expansion.

What you need at the border

• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
• Onward ticket.
• Hotel booking or address.
• Digital arrival declaration.

Scope

Tourism, business meetings, family visits. Tibet requires the Tibet Travel Permit. Stays beyond 30 days need an L visa from the Chinese Embassy in Vienna.

Vienna as an eastern gateway

Vienna is well-positioned as a hub for Central and Eastern European travellers to China. Austrian Airlines and partner codeshares offer Vienna–Beijing and Vienna–Shanghai routes. The Austrian Embassy also serves a consular role for some passport-services cases in the region.

Hong Kong and Macau

Austrian passport-holders are visa-free for Hong Kong (90 days) and Macau (90 days). Mainland and SAR immigration are independent.

Standard L visa application

Applications for stays over 30 days go through the Chinese Embassy in Vienna or CVASC offices. Standard documentation applies: application form, photo, return ticket, hotel booking.