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NO VISA
IN ADVANCE
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NO THIRD-COUNTRY TICKET NEED
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INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
4
STAY DEPENDS
ON AGREEMENT
Countries with Mutual Visa-Free Entry to China
The following countries currently have mutual visa exemption arrangements with China covering ordinary passports. The official agreement list was updated on May 29, 2026.
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Albania
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Antigua and Barbuda
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- Grenada
- Suriname
- Fiji
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
What Is a Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement?
A mutual visa exemption agreement is an official bilateral arrangement between China and another country.
Travel to partner country wihout a visa
Mutual visa exemption should not be confused with China’s unilateral visa-free policy or the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Entry conditions, permitted stay and cumulative stay limits vary by nationality. Travelers should check the agreement applicable to their passport before departure.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT:
- A third-country ticket is not required.
- Eligible citizens of both countries may enter the other country without obtaining a visa in advance.
- Travelers may visit independently without joining a tour group.
- The permitted length of stay depends on the specific agreement.
- The policy normally applies to holders of eligible ordinary passports.
How Long Can You Stay in China?
The permitted stay is determined by the agreement between China and your country.
For many eligible nationalities, the standard allowance is:
- Up to 30 days per entry
- Usually subject to a cumulative stay limit, such as a maximum number of days within 180 days or one calendar year
Some agreements provide different limits. The permitted stay should therefore be checked according to the traveler’s nationality rather than applying one rule to all 29 countries.
What Travel Purposes Are Covered?
Mutual visa-free entry is generally suitable for short-term visits such as:
Tourism and sightseeing
Business meetings
Visiting family or friends
Cultural and educational exchanges
Attending conferences or exhibitions
Transit through China
A visa is normally still required for:
Employment
Long-term study
Permanent residence
Long-term family reunion
Professional journalism
WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD YOU PREPARE?
Although no visa application is normally required, travelers should carry:
A valid eligible ordinary passport
A return or onward ticket
Hotel reservations or accommodation details
A clear travel itinerary
Contact details for the host, company or tour operator
A business invitation letter, where relevant
Can You Travel Throughout China?
Eligible travelers may generally travel throughout Mainland China during their permitted stay.
This is different from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which limits travelers to designated regions.
However:
- Certain border areas and protected regions may require additional permits.
- Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration policies.
- Leaving Mainland China for Hong Kong or Macau counts as an exit.
- Returning to Mainland China is treated as a new entry and requires the traveler to remain eligible.
Mutual 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 route, nationality, port and regional requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to apply online before traveling?
Normally, no. Eligible travelers may enter China using a valid ordinary passport without completing a visa application beforehand.
Do I need to fly directly from my home country?
No. You may normally enter China from another country or region. Mutual visa-free entry does not require a direct flight from your country of nationality.
Do I need a ticket to a third country?
No. A third-country itinerary is a requirement of the 240-hour transit policy, not ordinary mutual visa-free entry.
You should still carry a return or onward ticket showing that you will leave China within the permitted period.
Are temporary or emergency passports eligible?
Not necessarily. Eligibility depends on the travel-document categories covered by the relevant agreement. Holders of temporary or emergency documents should confirm the rules before traveling.
Can I enter China more than once?
Generally, yes, provided that every visit meets the agreement’s conditions and any cumulative stay limit is respected.
Leaving China briefly does not necessarily reset a cumulative stay allowance.
Can I extend my visa-free stay?
Visa-free stays are not automatically extendable. Travelers who cannot leave on time because of an emergency or another justified reason should contact the local Exit and Entry Administration before the permitted stay expires.
Can I work while visiting China visa-free?
No. Travelers planning to work in China must obtain the appropriate visa and work authorization before starting employment.
Is visa-free entry guaranteed?
No. Visa exemption removes the need to apply for a visa in advance, but final admission remains subject to immigration inspection at the Chinese border.
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.