China visa for Ireland citizens

Current status (verified May 2026)

Irish ordinary passport holders are eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry to mainland China for tourism, business, family visit or transit. Ireland was included in the 2024 expansion of the visa-free programme.

What you need at the border

• Passport valid 6+ months beyond intended stay.
• Onward ticket.
• Hotel reservation or address.
• Digital health and customs declaration.

Note for dual UK–Irish passport holders

Irish citizens who also hold a British passport may use either document; both are visa-free. Using the Irish passport provides no practical advantage over the UK passport in this context since both carry 30-day visa-free entry.

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 Dublin.

Hong Kong and Macau

Irish passport-holders are visa-free for Hong Kong (90 days) and Macau (90 days). Mainland entry is a separate immigration event.

Practical notes

Dublin–Beijing and Dublin–Shanghai connections typically route via European or Middle Eastern hubs. Some travellers connect via London or Amsterdam on code-share services.