China travel guide for the Irish

Irish citizens need a visa for China for most stays, but a visa-free entry is available for tourism, business, or transit for up to 30 days, provided you meet the conditions. The rules change frequently, so check the latest official guidance before booking. If you need a visa, apply at the Chinese embassy or visa centre in Dublin well in advance.

For a first trip, plan 5–6 nights in Beijing or combine Beijing with Shanghai by high-speed rail. Settle your entry route, Alipay or WeChat Pay, and eSIM or VPN before you fly, because none of them can be fixed at the airport.

Irish citizens need a visa for China for most stays, but a visa-free entry is available for tourism, business, or transit for up to 30 days, provided you meet the conditions. The rules change frequently, so check the latest official guidance before booking. If you need a visa, apply at the Chinese embassy or visa centre in Dublin well in advance.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. You may also need to show proof of onward travel and accommodation. For visa-free entry, you must arrive and depart from designated ports and meet the specific conditions, which can change, so verify with the Chinese embassy or the National Immigration Administration.

For the most current rules, use the ETA and visa checker by passport and destination.

The Embassy of Ireland in Beijing is the main contact for Irish citizens in China. It provides consular assistance, including help with lost passports, arrests, and emergencies. For urgent help, call the embassy's 24-hour line.

If you are in another part of China, the embassy can direct you to the nearest consulate or honorary consul. Save the embassy's number and address before you travel.

Use the embassy tool to find the nearest Irish embassy or consulate.

A 10-day trip to China for one person typically costs €1,200–2,500, depending on your style. Flights from Dublin to Beijing or Shanghai cost €500–900 return (2026 estimate). Accommodation ranges from €20–40 per night for a hostel to €80–150 for a mid-range hotel. Food is inexpensive: €5–10 for a casual meal, €15–25 for a nicer dinner.

Internal transport is cheap and efficient. High-speed rail between Beijing and Shanghai costs about €70–90 for a second-class seat. Local metro rides are €0.30–0.50. Budget for attractions: the Forbidden City costs about €6, the Great Wall at Mutianyu about €6 plus transport.

See the full cost of travel in China for a detailed breakdown.

Direct flights from Dublin to Beijing or Shanghai are limited; most routes connect through a European hub such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Paris. Total travel time is typically 12–16 hours, including the connection. Airlines include Air China, China Eastern, and European carriers (check).

Book early for the best fares, especially for travel during Chinese holidays like the Spring Festival (January–February) and National Day (October 1–7), when prices rise and availability drops.

Use the flight-time and time-difference planner to plan your journey.

China uses plug types A, C and I, with a standard voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Irish appliances use type G plugs, so you will need a travel adapter. Most modern chargers are dual-voltage (100–240 V), but check your devices before plugging in.

Power outages are rare in major cities, but voltage fluctuations can occur in rural areas. A surge protector is a good idea for sensitive electronics.

Tipping is not expected in China. In restaurants, hotels, and taxis, a service charge is usually included, and rounding up the bill is not common. In high-end hotels or for exceptional service, a small tip may be appreciated but is never required.

In tourist areas, some guides or drivers may expect a tip, but it is not standard. If you are unsure, ask your hotel or tour operator.

In an emergency, dial 110 for police, 119 for fire, and 120 for ambulance. The tourist hotline is 12301. Operators may speak limited English; if possible, ask a local to help you call.

For consular assistance, contact the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel.