Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Entry: 2026 Guide
A current overview of the separate regional visa-free policy for foreign visitors entering Hainan.
Hainan has a separate 30-day visa-free entry policy for ordinary passport holders from 61 countries. This is a regional policy, not the same thing as China’s nationwide 50-country unilateral visa exemption.
What the Hainan policy allows
Eligible travelers may enter Hainan through open ports and stay within Hainan Province for up to 30 days for permitted short-term purposes such as tourism, business, visits and certain other activities. Activities requiring prior approval, such as work or study, still require the appropriate visa.
Eligible countries
The current NIA list contains 61 countries, including many European countries plus Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. The official list should be checked before travel because regional policy lists can change.
Hainan vs. nationwide visa-free entry
| Feature | Hainan regional policy | Nationwide unilateral visa-free |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible countries | 61 | 50 |
| Maximum stay | 30 days | 30 days |
| Travel area | Hainan Province | China-wide, subject to entry rules |
| Purpose | Short-term purposes listed by NIA | Business, tourism, family/friend visits, exchange, transit |
FAQ
Can I use the Hainan policy and then travel to mainland China without a visa?
Do not assume so. The Hainan policy is regional. Travel beyond the permitted area can require a separate legal basis for entry and stay.
Do I still need accommodation registration?
Yes. Foreign visitors still need to comply with accommodation registration rules applicable to their stay.