China Visa-Free Travel: Countries, Cities & How It Works (2026)

If you’re planning to travel to China and don’t want to apply for a visa, this article is worth a careful read.

In 2026, China’s entry policies will be further liberalized. There are three ways to enter the country visa-free: unilateral visa exemption, 240-hour transit visa exemption, and bilateral visa exemption. Let’s break them down one by one.

Unilateral Visa Exemption (50 Countries, 30 Days)

As of June 2026, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from the following 50 countries:

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, United Kingdom

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia, New Zealand

Asia (7 countries)

Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

The Americas (6 countries)

Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

Visa-Exemption Details

Permitted Purposes: Business, tourism, visiting family and friends, exchange visits, transit

Length of Stay: No more than 30 days

Validity Period:

• Brunei: No specified validity period
• Russia: September 14, 2026
• The remaining 48 countries: December 31, 2026

Individuals who do not meet the visa-free entry requirements must still obtain a visa prior to entry.

240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa Exemption

If you are transiting through China on your way to a third country, and your final destination is another country, you are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy (applicable at select ports of entry).

Eligibility Requirements:

• Hold a through ticket to a third country
• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay
• The city of entry must be an open port of entry

Scope of Activities: Activities are limited to designated areas and are not valid nationwide.

Target Audience: Short-term travelers on “multi-stop” itineraries—for example, those flying from Europe to Tokyo who wish to spend two days in Shanghai en route.

Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements

Some countries have signed bilateral visa exemption agreements with China, such as certain nations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and South America. You can check the “List of Bilateral Visa Exemption Agreements Between China and Other Countries” on the China Consular Services website (cs.mfa.gov.cn).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the 30-day stay calculated?
A: It is calculated as 30 consecutive calendar days starting from the day after entry.

Q: Can the stay be extended beyond 30 days?
A: Generally, no. If you need to stay longer than the permitted period, you must apply for a visa extension in advance; otherwise, you will be fined on a daily basis.

Q: Can I work or study under the visa-free policy?
A: No. Activities permitted under visa-free entry are limited to business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, and transit. Any activities requiring a work permit or student visa must be arranged in advance by obtaining the corresponding visa.

Q: Does the policy end at the end of 2026?
A: That is what the current announcement states. Whether it will be extended beyond 2026 will depend on subsequent notices.

Pre-Departure Confirmation

The list of visa-exempt countries and permitted lengths of stay are subject to change. Before departure, be sure to visit the official website of the National Immigration Administration of China or the website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country to confirm whether your passport-issuing country is still on the list.

Official Website for Online China Visa Applications: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/

Official Website of the China Visa Application Service Center: www.visaforchina.cn