Comprehensive Guide to China’s Visa-Free Policies
Latest Policy Updates as of April 2026
Holders of ordinary passports may enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.
Countries that have signed mutual visa exemption agreements with China.
Countries eligible for the 240-hour transit visa-free policy.
Overview of China’s Visa-Free Policy System
The legal basis for China’s visa-free policies is Article 22 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, providing legal protection for various visa-free arrangements.
Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements
Reciprocal visa exemption agreements signed between China and other countries based on mutual benefit and equality.
Unilateral Visa-Free Policies
Unilateral visa-free treatment granted by China to citizens of specific countries without reciprocal arrangements.
Transit Visa-Free Policies
Including 24-hour and 240-hour transit visa-free policies for travelers transiting through China to a third country or region.
Regional Visa-Free Policies
Mainly including Hainan’s 59-country visa-free policy and visa-free arrangements for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao.
Unilateral Visa-Free Country Distribution
List of Mutual Visa Exemption Countries
As of February 2026, China has achieved full mutual visa exemption for ordinary passports with 29 countries, and has signed visa exemption agreements covering various types of passports with 158 countries.
| Region | Countries | Effective Date | Stay Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | UAE, Qatar, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia | 2018.01.16-2025.07.17 | 30 days |
| Europe | Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, San Marino, Albania, Belarus | 2017.01.01-2023.03.18 | 30-90 days |
| Americas | Barbados, Bahamas, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Ecuador, Suriname | 2017.06.01-2024.05.11 | 30 days |
| Oceania | Fiji, Tonga, Seychelles, Mauritius, Samoa, Solomon Islands | 2013.10.31-2024.05.11 | 30-60 days |
| Others | Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan | 2023.03.18-2025.07.16 | 30 days |
Detailed List of Unilateral Visa-Free Countries
China currently implements unilateral visa-free policies for 50 countries. Holders of ordinary passports from these countries may enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.
European Countries (35)
Policy Valid: Most until Dec 31, 2026
American Countries (6)
Valid until May 31, 2026 (South America) | Dec 31, 2026 (Canada)
Asian Countries (3)
Brunei (Permanent) | Japan & South Korea until Dec 31, 2026
Oceanian Countries (2)
Valid until Dec 31, 2026
West Asia & North Africa (4)
Valid until June 8, 2026
Eligible Purposes for Visa-Free Entry
Business
Business negotiations, trade inspections, exhibitions, and other commercial activities.
Tourism
Sightseeing, vacation, shopping, and other pure tourism activities.
Family Visits
Visiting relatives or friends in China. Invitation letters may be required.
Exchanges
Academic, cultural, sports events, exhibitions, and study tours.
Transit
Short stays while transiting through China to a third country or region.
Ineligible Purposes for Visa-Free Entry
Employment
Full-time, part-time, or paid work. Visa-free status does not allow working in China.
Study
Long-term study, language courses, or professional training programs.
Journalism
News reporting or media coverage, which requires special permits.
Residency
Visa-free policies are for short stays only; permanent residency is not permitted.
Latest Policy Updates (2025-2026)
February 17, 2026
China implements visa-free policy for Canada and UK passport holders (valid until Dec 31, 2026) for stays up to 30 days.
November 10, 2025
Sweden added to visa-free list (valid until Dec 31, 2026).
September 15, 2025
Visa-free trial for Russian passport holders (valid until Sep 14, 2026).
June 9, 2025
Visa-free trial for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain (valid until June 8, 2026).
June 1, 2025
Visa-free trial for 5 South American countries (valid until May 31, 2026).
December 17, 2024
Transit visa-free period extended from 72/144 hours to 240 hours (10 days).
Regional Visa-Free Policies
Hainan 59-Country Visa-Free
Effective Feb 9, 2024: 59 countries may enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days for business, visits, family, medical, exhibitions, or sports (excluding work/study).
Restriction: Limited to Hainan; apply for a visa to travel to other regions.
Cruise Ship Visa-Free
Foreign tour groups (2+) via cruise ships organized by Chinese travel agencies may enter visa-free at 13 ports for up to 15 days.
Ports: Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Xiamen, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Sanya, etc.
HK/Macao Tour Groups
Foreign tour groups from HK/Macao (2+) may enter the Greater Bay Area and Shantou visa-free for up to 6 days via registered travel agencies.
ASEAN Tour Groups to Yunnan
ASEAN tour groups (2+) may enter Xishuangbanna visa-free for up to 6 days via designated ports.
Practical Information & Tips
Official Resources
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Consular Affairs, MFA
http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/
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National Immigration Administration
https://www.nia.gov.cn/
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12367 Hotline
24/7 Service: +86-12367
Length of Stay Calculation
The 30-day visa-free period starts from the day after entry.
Example: Arrive Jan 1 → Valid until Jan 30
Extensions are not permitted. Apply for a visa for longer stays.
Important Warnings
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Policy Expiry
Verify policies 1 week before travel; some have expiration dates.
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Purpose Compliance
No work/study; violations may result in fines, deportation, or bans.
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Stay Limits
Do not overstay; violations affect future visa applications.
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Documentation
Passport valid 6+ months; prepare return tickets and hotel bookings.
Conclusion
China’s visa-free policy system is comprehensive, covering mutual exemption, unilateral visa-free, transit, and regional programs. As of April 2026, citizens of nearly 80 countries can visit China visa-free, demonstrating China’s commitment to high-level opening-up.
Note: Policies are dynamic and subject to change. Always verify official updates before travel. Visa-free entry does not permit unauthorized activities; comply with Chinese laws to maintain good immigration records.