China Visa-Free Countries List 2026: 50 Countries, 30-Day Stay
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As of June 2026, citizens from 50 countries can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This is a unilateral visa exemption policy introduced by the Chinese government to promote tourism and business travel. Unlike the 240-hour transit policy, you do not need an onward ticket to a third country and can travel anywhere in China. See the complete list below by region.
Overview
China's visa-free entry policy allows ordinary passport holders from 50 countries to visit China without applying for a visa in advance. The policy applies to travelers entering for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes. All eligible nationalities receive a uniform 30-day stay. This was extended from the previous 15-day limit in November 2024.
This policy is separate from the 240-hour visa-free transit program, which requires an onward ticket to a third country and covers 55 nationalities.
Complete country list — 50 countries
Europe (35 countries) — 30 days
Applies to ordinary passport holders only. Diplomatic and service passport holders must verify separate arrangements with their local Chinese embassy. Source: NIA Official List ↗, updated February 2026.
| Country (Ordinary Passport Holders) | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Andorra | 30 days |
| Austria | 30 days |
| Belgium | 30 days |
| Bulgaria | 30 days |
| Croatia | 30 days |
| Cyprus | 30 days |
| Czech Republic | 30 days |
| Denmark | 30 days |
| Estonia | 30 days |
| Finland | 30 days |
| France | 30 days |
| Germany | 30 days |
| Greece | 30 days |
| Hungary | 30 days |
| Iceland | 30 days |
| Ireland | 30 days |
| Italy | 30 days |
| Latvia | 30 days |
| Liechtenstein | 30 days |
| Lithuania | 30 days |
| Luxembourg | 30 days |
| Malta | 30 days |
| Monaco | 30 days |
| Montenegro | 30 days |
| Netherlands | 30 days |
| North Macedonia | 30 days |
| Norway | 30 days |
| Poland | 30 days |
| Portugal | 30 days |
| Romania | 30 days |
| Russian Federation | 30 days |
| Slovakia | 30 days |
| Slovenia | 30 days |
| Spain | 30 days |
| Sweden | 30 days |
| Switzerland | 30 days |
| United Kingdom | 30 days |
Asia & Oceania (9 countries) — 30 days
Applies to ordinary passport holders only. Diplomatic and service passport holders must verify separate arrangements with their local Chinese embassy.
| Country (Ordinary Passport Holders) | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Australia | 30 days |
| Bahrain | 30 days |
| Brunei Darussalam | 30 days |
| Japan | 30 days |
| Kuwait | 30 days |
| New Zealand | 30 days |
| Oman | 30 days |
| Saudi Arabia | 30 days |
| South Korea | 30 days |
Americas (6 countries) — 30 days
Applies to ordinary passport holders only. Diplomatic and service passport holders must verify separate arrangements with their local Chinese embassy.
| Country (Ordinary Passport Holders) | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 30 days |
| Brazil | 30 days |
| Canada | 30 days |
| Chile | 30 days |
| Peru | 30 days |
| Uruguay | 30 days |
Note: This list reflects the unilateral visa exemption policy for ordinary passport holders as of June 2026. The list is subject to change. Always verify with your local Chinese embassy or consulate before booking travel. Source: NIA official list ↗.
Conditions and requirements
- Ordinary passport required: The visa-free policy applies only to holders of ordinary passports. Diplomatic, official, and service passport holders should check separate arrangements.
- Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, family visits, and transit are all permitted. Employment and study are not covered by this policy.
- Hotel registration: All foreign visitors must register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels handle this automatically. Private stays require self-registration at the local police station.
- No extension: The visa-free stay cannot be extended. Overstaying results in fines and potential entry bans.
- Return or onward ticket: While not always checked, you may be asked to show proof of departure within the permitted stay period.
Comparison with the 240-hour transit policy
Many travelers confuse the visa-free entry policy with the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. They serve different purposes and have different requirements.
| Feature | Visa-Free Entry | 240-Hour Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 30 days | 240 hours (10 days) |
| Onward ticket required | No | Yes (to a third country) |
| Travel area | Entire China | 24 provinces (cross-province allowed) |
| Eligible countries | 50 countries | 55 countries |
| Application | No application needed | No application needed |
Which should you use?
Choose Visa-Free Entry if you want to stay up to 30 days OR travel across all of China.
Choose 240-Hour Transit only if your country is NOT on the visa-free list above, but you qualify for transit and have a confirmed onward ticket.
FAQ
Is the visa-free entry the same as the 240-hour transit policy?
No. Visa-free entry allows a 30-day stay anywhere in China and you do not need an onward ticket to a third country. The 240-hour transit policy is for travelers passing through China on their way to another destination and restricts travel to designated provinces.
Can I extend my visa-free stay beyond 30 days?
No. Visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you overstay, you will face fines, detention, and possible entry bans. Always plan to leave China before your permitted stay expires.
Does Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan count as a third country for transit purposes?
For the 240-hour transit policy, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are considered third regions. For the unilateral visa-free entry policy, they are not relevant since you enter and leave China directly.