Many attendees can enter China without a visa under one of the policies below. Check which route applies to your nationality before booking flights.
Do you need a visa?
Visa-free entry for short visits — about 50 countries
Citizens of around 50 countries — including most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru — may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, exchange and communication programmes, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days. Attending a congress and academic exchange falls within this scope. Most current schemes run until 31 December 2026; whether they are extended will be announced officially, so please check before travelling.
Visa-free transit — up to 240 hours (10 days), 57 countries
Citizens of 57 countries may enter China visa-free for up to 240 hours when in transit to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is one of the eligible ports of entry, and Chongqing is inside the allowed area of stay. The 240 hours are counted from midnight after entry. This route suits itineraries that continue to another country — for example, flying home via a third city.
Applying for a visa — other nationalities
If your nationality is not covered by the schemes above, apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in your country. For congress attendance, an F visa (exchange, visit or study programme) is the appropriate category; L (tourism) and M (business trade) visas also exist. The passport must be valid for at least six months with blank visa pages. Applications are submitted online and completed in person; processing times vary by posting, so apply several weeks ahead. In urgent cases, a port visa may be requested on arrival at certain ports of entry, including Chongqing (enquiries: 023-63961955).
Documents to carry
Bring your passport (the original, not a copy) to all check-ins. Keep a digital copy of your passport, visa or entry stamp, invitation letter and hotel address; if your passport is lost, report to the nearest police station at once and contact your consulate.
Invitation letter
A personal invitation letter for visa purposes can be issued to registered participants. It states your name and affiliation, the purpose of your visit, the congress dates and the hosting organisation. Request it from the secretariat (see the Contact page) after completing registration.
Accommodation registration
Hotels that accept international guests register your stay automatically — present your passport at check-in. If you stay in a private home or apartment, you (or your host) must register with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
Money & payments
Mobile payment — Alipay / WeChat Pay
China is a mobile-payment-first country. Download Alipay or WeChat, register with your foreign phone number and link an international card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club or Discover). Current published limits: CNY 50,000 per transaction and CNY 60,000 per year (roughly USD 7,000 / 8,500); transactions under CNY 200 are fee-free, larger ones carry a 3% service fee. These apps work for metro gates, taxis, restaurants and shops.
ATM withdrawal
International cards with UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB or American Express can withdraw Chinese yuan from bank ATMs, which operate 24/7. A typical single-withdrawal cap is CNY 3,000; your own bank's limits and fees may be lower or higher — check before travel.
Currency exchange
Exchange cash at airport or downtown bank counters and licensed exchangers (passport required). Licensed exchangers handle up to USD 5,000 equivalent per person per day and USD 50,000 per year. Small amounts usually need no appointment.
How much cash?
Carry a small amount of cash — a few hundred yuan is plenty. Card and mobile payment coverage is very broad, but some taxis, small eateries and street vendors may not accept foreign cards or foreign mobile wallets.
Practical tips
Electricity
220 V / 50 Hz. Type I sockets (three flat pins, Australian style) are standard, and many sockets also accept Type A (US two flat pins). Bring a plug adapter if needed.
Weather in June
Chongqing in June is hot and humid, typically 22–31 °C, with frequent rain. Bring light clothing, rain gear and comfortable shoes; congress venues are air-conditioned.
Drinking water
Tap water is not drinkable. Drink bottled or boiled water, which hotels provide.
Insurance & healthcare
Travel insurance with medical and emergency-evacuation cover is strongly recommended. Major hospitals in Chongqing have international departments; your hotel can assist in arranging a visit.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Fire 119 · Ambulance 120 · Immigration hotline 12367 (English service, 24/7).
Chongqing notes
A city of hills and stairs
Chongqing is built on steep terrain — expect slopes, long stairs and multi-level streets where "across the road" may mean several floors. Distances on maps can be deceiving; allow extra walking time.
Food
Local cuisine is famous for spicy "málà" flavour. Most restaurants can reduce the heat — ask for "wēi là" (mild). Vegetarian options are available in most places but less common than in Western cities.
Metro & taxis
The rail transit network is extensive, with bilingual signage and announcements. Taxis are metered; insist on the meter. The DiDi app offers an English interface and accepts international cards.
Connectivity
Some international internet services may not be accessible from mainland networks. International data roaming generally works as usual — consider activating it as a backup for maps and messaging.
Key facts verified on 27 October 2026. Entry, visa, payment and fee policies may change — always confirm with the National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn), the NIA hotline 12367 (English service, 24/7), or the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.