Business trip to China. How to prepare effectively?

A business trip to China is undoubtedly a great opportunity to establish valuable business contacts. The Asian market is still developing dynamically, so it is a good destination for delegations. At WorkTrips, we know very well that organizing business trips to such distant countries may seem complicated, but with the worktrips.com platform, you can plan such a trip in a few clicks. We simplify every stage of preparation, enabling you to focus on what matters most. Today, we will discuss in more detail the formalities you need to remember when visiting China.

Entry formalities to China

Do I need a visa to travel from Poland to China for business? According to the latest information, from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, Polish citizens with ordinary passports can visit China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. To travel without a visa, the purpose of the trip must include business, tourism, visiting family/friends, or transit through China to another destination country. For longer stays, a visa is required. The worktrips.com system is integrated with the Sherpa platform, so you can always check the current visa requirements, mandatory vaccinations, and health recommendations for over 200 countries when planning a business trip.

Matching the type of visa to the purpose of travel

Depending on the purpose and length of your entire trip, you can apply for different types of visas. These include:

• tourist visa (L) – intended for short recreational stays,
• business visa (M) – ideal for meetings and negotiations. It is worth remembering that this type of document requires an invitation from a Chinese company,
• an academic visa (F) - a good option for people who plan on academic exchange. In this case, an invitation from a Chinese university is necessary,
• a work visa (Z) – should be obtained if the aim is to work in China.

Required documents and visa application process

To obtain a Chinese visa, you must prepare the appropriate documents:

• passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months longer than the planned visa,
• completed visa form,
• a recent photograph (size 33x48 mm, white background, even lighting of the face),
• an invitation from a Chinese company or other entity - we mentioned this above - this is necessary in the case of a business or study visa).

You can apply for a visa online or in person at the China Visa Center in Warsaw. If necessary, you can ask WorkTrips specialists to help you obtain a visa. Please note that a Chinese visa does not entitle you to enter Hong Kong or Macau - these regions have different regulations.

Customs declaration and passport for business trip to China

If you plan to take cash ($5,000 or more) or other valuables, such as electronics, with you on your business trip to China, you must complete an entry customs declaration. When leaving China, you must also go through a similar procedure and complete an exit declaration.

Business trip insurance to China

Although health insurance is not mandatory in China, WorkTrips experts always recommend taking out an insurance policy. Medical costs in China can be high. In many cases, medical care must be paid for in advance in cash. It is therefore worth taking out insurance and making sure that it covers, above all:

• medical expenses in the event of an accident or unexpected illness,
• medical transport to Poland,
• compensation for lost luggage or canceled flights.

WorkTrips specialists can help you choose the right insurance policy that suits your individual needs. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount.

Prepare copies of important documents

When traveling to China on business, it is worth remembering to make copies of the most important documents, such as the passport, visa, and insurance policy. Store them in a different place than the originals - this can be useful in case of theft. Thanks to the digital circulation of documents on the worktrips.com platform, you can also store them safely, which is a great convenience in emergencies.

Take care of your health while traveling on business

If you are taking medication and need to take it with you, prepare a copy of the prescription and a doctor's note in English. Such a document may be useful in the event of a security check.

Moving around China for business purposes

During a business trip, during which you have to travel around China, always have a passport and a visa (if you have not used the possibility of visa-free travel). This is a document required to buy all tickets, e.g., bus tickets, and to check in at a hotel. To make your business trip smooth, it is best to plan it on the worktrips.com platform and book a hotel or return flights right away. This way, you will not have to worry about formalities during your trip. If you plan to travel around China by car, you should know that Polish or international driving licenses are not recognized in this country. To drive a car in this country, you must obtain a Chinese driving license, which requires passing an exam and having a residence permit for at least one year.

Business trip to China - useful tips

It is worth remembering that there are not many currency exchange offices in China, and exchanging currency (especially zlotys for Chinese yuan) can be quite difficult outside of airports. Therefore, a good solution before a business trip may be to exchange PLN for euros or dollars. It is also worth writing down your bank account number or credit card number and phone number. What's more, some messengers and internet portals are not available in China. It is therefore worth taking care of VPN in advance and downloading alternative applications, such as maps, which work without any problems in China.

Phone numbers that may be useful in China

• Emergency services: 120 (Chinese), 999 (English).
• Police: 110 and 12110 (emergency SMS), Traffic Police: 122, and Fire Department: 119 - available in Chinese.

The WorkTrips team can be your companion throughout your business trip. If necessary, you can count on the support of agents 24/7/365, always ready to solve your problems during the delegation.

Efficiently plan your business trip to China with worktrips.com

Preparing in advance for a long-distance Asian business trip will make you feel safe, and the formalities will not be stressful for you. Documents and formalities for entering China can be complicated and change frequently, but you can count on the support of WorkTrips specialists. With us, the entire business travel service is optimized, which means less bureaucracy and more time for achieving business goals. With the worktrips.com tool, you save time, optimize costs, and can enjoy travel without effort. Check how our solution works and see for yourself how much you can gain.

Source of information as of 02.06.2025: https://www.gov.pl/web/chiny/idp

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