China Visa-Free Entry 2026: Policies & Top Itineraries
China offers several visa-free entry options for eligible countries. Including the 30-day visa-free entry, the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, and the Hainan visa-free policy. In this guide, we will outline all current visa-free policies and share recommended itineraries to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to China.
Temple of Heaven in Beijing
30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Entry
China has implemented a 30-day visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 50 countries. Travelers from these countries can enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
The 50 eligible countries include:
- 35 countries in Europe: France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Denmark, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Finland, Slovakia, Monaco, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Norway, Iceland, Russia, and Latvia.
- 7 countries in Asia: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, South Korea, Brunei, and Japan.
- 2 countries in Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
- 1 country in North America: Canada
- 5 countries in South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
29 Countries with Mutual Visa-Free Agreements
Currently, China has mutual visa exemption agreements with 29 countries for ordinary passport holders. These agreements generally allow visa-free stays of up to 30 days.
The 29 countries are:
- Asia (11 countries): Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Maldives, Uzbekistan, and Armenia.
- Europe (6 countries): Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Russia, and San Marino.
- North America / The Caribbean (5 countries): Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Grenada.
- Oceania (4 countries): Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.
- South America (2 countries): Ecuador and Suriname.
- Africa (1 country): Seychelles.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
Travelers from 55 eligible countries can enjoy up to 10 days of visa-free stay in designated regions of China when transiting to a third country. This policy allows seamless short-term entry without the need to apply for a visa in advance.
These 55 countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and others. For more details, please refer to the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy.
Hainan Visa-Free Policy
The Hainan visa-free policy allows citizens of 59 countries to enter Hainan without a visa for up to 30 days. Eligible purposes of visit include tourism, business, visits, family reunions, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions (excluding work and study).
These 59 countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, etc. To learn more about this policy, please refer to the Hainan Visa-Free Policy.
Recommended China Visa-Free Travel Ideas
The buildings on the Bund in Shanghai
To help you save time, we've curated a selection of popular visa-free tour options. Explore the highlights of each itinerary and find the one that best fits your trip.
For Transit Tour in China
With the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, you can explore 24 regions and cities in China without a visa. To make the most of your time in China, review our recommended itineraries for an efficient and memorable transit tour.
For a Relaxing Visa-Free Vacation in China
If you are eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry policy, we recommend itineraries of 2 to 3 weeks. These trips let you explore both China's iconic cities and hidden gems, providing an authentic travel experience. Below are suggested itineraries covering the country's top highlights.
Tips for Visa-Free Entry
- Passport Condition & Markings Check: Ensure your passport is fully intact: free of water damage, tears, missing pages, peeling, or alterations. Crucially, it must NOT contain any unofficial souvenir, exhibition, cruise, or decorative stamps/stickers. Such markings are viewed as unauthorized alterations and may cause border delays or entry denial. Do not attempt to erase or remove them yourself; if present, contact your issuing authority and notify your travel consultant immediately.
- Temporary or emergency passports: Visa-free entry under China’s unilateral policy generally requires a valid ordinary passport. Temporary passports, emergency passports and other non-ordinary travel documents are generally not eligible. Contact your travel consultant immediately if your document type has changed.
- Complete the China Arrival Card: You are required to fill out an arrival card before entering China. We highly recommend completing the online version via the National Immigration Administration Website about 48–72 hours before arrival. If you cannot complete it online, you can easily fill out a paper form or use the self-service kiosks upon arrival at the port of entry.
- Special Travel Requirements (Tibet visiting): While you can enter China visa-free, a Tibet Travel Permit is still mandatory to visit Tibet. We can fully assist you with the application process if needed.
Discover China with Us
Beyond the itineraries above, China has even more to explore. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com. Our travel consultants will plan personalized visa-free tours that meet your schedule and needs.
