Venue & Travel

Visa-free access for foreign tourists to China falls into two main categories: Unilateral Visa Exemption (implemented voluntarily by China) and Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders (reciprocal visa waivers between two countries). Both policies are only valid for tourism, business trips, family visits and transit purposes, permitting a maximum single stay of 30 days. Holders are prohibited from taking up employment, pursuing long-term studies, conducting journalistic coverage or engaging in other restricted activities.

I. Unilateral Visa-Free Entry Granted by China (Total: 50 Countries, Latest Update 2026)

Policy Validity Period

• Brunei: Permanent visa exemption
• Russia: Visa exemption valid until September 14, 2026

• The remaining 48 countries: Visa exemption extended until December 31, 2026

  Full Country List

  Europe (35 countries)

  France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom

  Asia (7 countries)

  Brunei, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

  the Americas (6 countries)

  Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

  Oceania (2 countries)

  Australia, New Zealand

II. Additional Special Visa-Free Policies (Commonly Used by Tourists)

144-Hour / 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption

This policy applies to travelers from 55 countries including the United States, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Visitors transferring via Chinese ports of entry to a third country may stay visa-free for 6 to 10 days. Applicable ports include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Xi’an and other cities.

III. Important Reminders

1. Visa exemption does not guarantee entry. Travelers must hold a passport valid for more than 6 months beyond their departure date, round-trip flight tickets, hotel reservations and sufficient financial proof. Border inspection authorities reserve the right to deny entry.
2. During the visa-free stay period, it is strictly forbidden to work, run businesses, undertake paid employment, enroll in academic programs or conduct journalistic shooting. Relevant visas must be applied for in advance for these activities.
3. If you wish to stay longer than the 30-day limit, you must submit an application for a visa extension ahead of time.