Visa and visa-free entry to China

What you need to know

China has several entry systems, and the right one depends on your passport, travel purpose and itinerary.

These are separate policies.

30-day unilateral visa-free entry

As of October 5, 2026, China's unilateral visa-free policy covers ordinary passport holders from 50 countries for eligible visits of up to 30 days.

Permitted purposes currently include:

• tourism;
• business;
• visiting relatives or friends;
• exchange visits;
• transit.

Activities such as employment and long-term study still require the appropriate authorization.

Major eligible visitor markets

The current list includes countries such as:

• Canada (加拿大);
• United Kingdom (英国);
• Australia (澳大利亚);
• New Zealand (新西兰);
• France (法国);
• Germany (德国);
• Italy (意大利);
• Spain (西班牙);
• Japan (日本);
• South Korea (韩国);
• Brazil (巴西);
• Argentina (阿根廷).

Check the current official list for your passport rather than relying on an older travel article.

Current policy validity

Canada (加拿大) and the United Kingdom (英国) joined the current unilateral policy on February 17, 2026.

How the 30 days are counted

Under the current policy, the permitted stay is calculated beginning from the day after entry.

Do not plan around the final possible hour. Leave a reasonable departure buffer.

Bring the right passport

The unilateral waiver applies to eligible travelers holding a valid:

ordinary passport (普通护照).

Temporary, emergency or other travel documents do not automatically qualify.

Use the same valid passport throughout your trip where identity verification is required.

Keep basic trip evidence available

Immigration may ask about:

• purpose of visit;
• accommodation;
• length of stay;
• onward or return travel.

Keep your hotel details, itinerary and onward or return booking available offline.

Visa-free entry does not guarantee admission

A visa exemption means that an eligible traveler does not need to obtain a visa in advance for the permitted visit.

Immigration authorities still make the final decision at the border.

Hainan (海南) has a separate policy

Hainan Province (海南省) currently has a separate 30-day visa-free policy for eligible ordinary passport holders from 61 countries.

That policy has its own eligibility conditions, geographic limits and travel requirements.

Do not confuse it with nationwide 30-day visa-free entry.

Do not confuse visa-free entry with transit

30-day visa-free entry

China may be your actual destination.

For example:

Canada (加拿大) → China (中国) → Canada (加拿大)

may be possible for an eligible Canadian ordinary passport holder under the current unilateral policy.

240-hour visa-free transit

China must form part of an onward journey to a different country or region.

For example:

Canada (加拿大) → China (中国) → Japan (日本)

may qualify if all other transit requirements are satisfied.

The next chapter explains that system.

When you still need a visa

You may need the appropriate visa if you plan to:

• work;
• study under circumstances requiring a student visa;
• remain longer than the available visa-free period;
• conduct activities requiring prior authorization;
• enter when no exemption applies to your passport or itinerary.

Re-verify before travel

Before departure, confirm your passport remains eligible, the policy has not expired and your travel purpose is covered.

For official immigration guidance, use the National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局, NIA) or the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate.