Do you need a visa to travel to China?

All nations If holding an ordinary passport will need to apply for a visa to enter China unless meeting below visa exemption policy. 

53 nations covered by China’s 144 hours visa free transit policy

List of 53 Qualified Countries are below 39 Schengen Agreement Countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Belarus, Monaco

6 American Countries: the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

2 Oceania Countries: Australia, New Zealand

6 Asian Countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

Passengers have to hold air ticket to a third country with confirmed seat. Below country A and C should be different countries or regions out of Mainland China.  

* Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan can be the Destination A or C, so the route "UK-Shanghai-Hong Kong" is acceptable as the typical route "US-Hangzhou-Japan".

Passengers should inform the carrier when boarding and fill in an Arrival/Departure Card and apply for the 144-hour visa-free stay permit upon arrival.

Which ports does the policy apply to?

10 years trade / tour visa type

Citizens from US, Canada, UK, and Argentina holding a 10 years multiple entry Chinese visa, either for Tourist (L type) or Business (M type), can stay maximum 60 days in China without a visa needed. 

Visa Application and Type
Delegates can login to official website of the local Chinese embassy or consulate or China Visa Application Center to read the application requirements carefully and collect all required documents at least one month before the conference. There are a few steps to follow:

Step 1 - complete the China Visa Application Form & prepare required documents

Step 2 - submit the application & choose visa service

Step 3 - pay the visa application fee & pick up your passport & visa

For conference attendance purpose, delegates can select F type visa, which is for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities, or M type for business visa. if you’ve got difficulties to get a F or M type visa, you can also try with L type for tourism. 

How to apply for a visa invitation letter form conference organizer
The visa application requirements may differ depending on local Chinese embassies, but mostly you may need a visa invitation letter from the local organization, which can be applied in the process of registration. The letter will be sent upon receiving the full registration. Below travel information will need to be submitted when applying:

Full Name on Passport:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Nationality:
Passport Number:
Passport Expiration Date:
Intended Date of Entry:
Intended Duration of Stay (days):

Please note:  Delegates from the countries of Bangladesh, Ghana, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, Turkey, Pakistan, Sri Lanka may need the Confirmation Letter with barcode from Chinese authorized governing unity. Citizens in these countries are strongly suggested to contact the local Chinese embassy one and half month ahead for detailed requirements and contact the conference registration services for assistance. You will not need the E-version letter, so no need to purchase it online. 

General Information for Enter and Exit
Prepare necessary documents. A valid passport, visa. Usually the airline will give each passenger an arrival / departure card and a customs declaration form to fill out prior to arrival / departure. Your hotel confirmation letter is also recommended to bring with you when entry. 

More detailed information about visa can refer to:  

https://www.visaforchina.org/

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/visa.htm

Check the travel information in China to better prepare your trip. Here are some tips from the conference: 

https://accm12.medmeeting.org/Content/166725