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NO VISA
APPLICATION
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NO-PR-RESTRATION
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MUTIPLE ENTRIES ALLOWED
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TRAVEL ACROSS MAINLAND CHINA
COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR UNILATERAL VISA-FREE ENTRY TO CHINA
- 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
- the United Kingdom
- Brunei
- South Korea
- Japan
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Uruguay
Australia
New Zealand
HOW POLICY WORKS
HOLDING AN ORDINARY PASSPORT
STAY UP TO 30 CALENDAR DAYS
CURRENT POLICY RULES
Eligible Travelers
The policy applies to citizens of 50 designated countries holding valid ordinary passports
NOT ELIGIBLE
- Temporary passports
- Emergency travel documents
- Other non-ordinary travel documents
Entry conditions may still depend on passport type, travel purpose and individual circumstances. Travelers should confirm eligibility before departure.
How Long Can You Stay in China?
- The permitted stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following arrival.
- Multiple entries are allowed under the current policy.
- At present, there is no restriction on the number of visa-free entries or the total number of days spent in China within a year, provided each stay complies with the 30-day limit.
What Travel Purposes Are Covered?
• Tourism and sightseeing
• Business activities
•Visiting family or friends
• Cultural exchanges
• Transit through China
• Conferences and exhibitions
• Sports events
• Study tours, summer camps and winter camps
A visa is normally still required for:
Employment
Long-term study
Permanent residence
Long-term family reunion
Professional journalism
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND TRAVEL CONVENIENCE
No Departure Restrictions
Eligible travelers may depart from any country or region. There is no requirement to travel directly from their country of nationality.
No Port Restrictions
Visa-free travelers may enter China through any international airport, seaport or land border crossing that is open to foreign nationals.
Once admitted, they may generally travel throughout Mainland China. Unlike the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, there are no regional travel restrictions under this unilateral visa-free policy.
No Pre-Registration Required
Travelers are not required to apply for pre-approval or register with a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. They may board using a valid ordinary passport, subject to airline and immigration requirements.
RECOMMENDED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
A return or onward ticket
Hotel reservations or accommodation details
A business invitation letter
POLICY VALIDITY
The current policy validity is as follows:
Brunei
No announced expiration date
Russia
Valid through December 31, 2027
Other 48 countries
Valid through December 31, 2026
UNILATERAL VISA-FREE ENTRY VS. OTHER VISA-FREE POLICIES
China’s 240-hour transit policy applies only when the traveler is transiting China on the way to a third country or region and meets the applicable route, nationality, port and regional requirements.
STAYING LONGER THAN 30 DAYS
Travelers intending to remain in China for more than 30 days should apply for the appropriate Chinese visa before traveling.
If unexpected circumstances require a longer stay after arrival, travelers should apply for a stay permit or extension through the local Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau before the authorized stay expires.
Failure to comply with China’s immigration regulations may result in penalties or other legal consequences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long will the visa waiver be effective?
The policy has no announced expiration date for Brunei ordinary passport holders. For Russia, it remains effective until December 31, 2027. For the other 48 countries, it remains effective until December 31, 2026.
Are there additional requirements for minors?
No. Minors and adults are subject to the same visa-free entry requirements.
Does the visa waiver apply to sports events, conferences, exhibitions and study tours?
Yes. Eligible ordinary passport holders may use visa-free entry for sports competitions, conferences, exhibitions, study tours, summer camps and winter camps, provided the stay in China does not exceed 30 days.
Does the visa waiver apply to tour groups?
Yes. Eligible travelers may enter China visa-free whether they travel independently or as part of a tour group.
Will Chinese border inspection officers check the purpose of visit?
Yes. Border inspection authorities may examine whether the stated purpose matches the visa-free policy. Travelers are advised to carry supporting documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and hotel reservations.
What passport type is required?
Travelers must hold a valid ordinary passport. Temporary passports, emergency documents, travel documents and other non-ordinary passports are not covered by this policy.
Can travelers depart from a third country?
Yes. Eligible travelers may depart for China from any country or region outside Mainland China.
Does the policy apply to entry by sea, road and air?
Yes. The policy applies at sea, road and air ports open to foreign nationals, unless laws, regulations or bilateral arrangements provide otherwise.
How is the 30-day stay calculated?
The 30-day period is calculated from 00:00 on the day after entry and lasts for 30 calendar days.
Can the visa-free stay be extended?
Travelers who plan to stay for more than 30 days should apply for the appropriate visa before travel. If a justified need arises after entry, they should apply to the local Exit and Entry Administration for a stay permit before the authorized stay expires.
Are multiple entries allowed?
Yes. Eligible travelers may enter China multiple times. At present, there is no restriction on the number of entries or the total days of stay, but each entry must comply with the policy and the traveler must not engage in activities inconsistent with the stated purpose of entry.
Is advance declaration to a Chinese embassy or consulate required?
No. Eligible travelers do not need to make an advance declaration to a Chinese embassy or consulate before entering China visa-free.
CHECK YOUR VISA-FREE ELIGIBILITY
Not sure whether your passport qualifies or how long you may stay?
Easy Explore China can help you:
Confirm the policy applicable to your nationality
Check the permitted duration of stay
Review your entry and exit route
Prepare your travel itinerary
Arrange hotels, transportation and private tours
Design a tailor-made journey across China
Important Notice！
Visa and immigration policies may change. Eligibility may also depend on passport type, nationality, travel purpose, length of stay and individual circumstances.
This page is intended for general travel-planning information and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Travelers should verify the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate, China’s National Immigration Administration, or their airline before departure.