China visa-free entry: who qualifies and for how long
Checked
Changed 2 times since , see changes.
Short answer
Ordinary passport holders from 50 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges or transit.
The current policy covers entries until 31 December 2026, 24:00. No extension had been announced as of 9 November 2026.
Not on the list (for example the US, India or Turkey)? Use 240-hour visa-free transit if you fly on to a third country, or apply for a visa.
| Fact | Value | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countries on the 30-day listordinary passports | 50 countries | National Immigration Administration | |
| Maximum stay per entryordinary-passport holders of listed countries | 30 days | National Immigration Administration | |
| 30-day visa-free: last entry dateordinary-passport holders of listed countries | 31 December 2026, 24:00 | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| Extension past 31 Dec 2026all | None announced as of 9 November 2026 | Lotso TravelSecondary source | |
| Permitted purposesvisa-free entrants | business, tourism, visiting family, exchanges, transit | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| Gulf four: last entry dateSA, OM, KW, BH ordinary passports | 31 December 2026, 24:00 | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| UAE: mutual visa exemptionUAE ordinary passports | In force since 16 January 2018 | China BriefingSecondary source | |
| Qatar: mutual visa exemptionQatar ordinary passports | In force since 21 December 2018 | China BriefingSecondary source | |
| 240-hour transit: eligible countrieseligible nationalities (incl. US, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE, Qatar) | 57 countries | Beijing Government (English) |
Which countries can enter China visa-free?
The National Immigration Administration list (17 February 2026) has these countries. It changes often, so check your country on the list before you book.
- Europe (35): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
- Asia (7): Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea.
- Americas (6): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.
- Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand.
How is the 30-day stay counted?
The count starts at 00:00 on the day after you enter. Entering on 1 March means day 1 is 2 March. Each entry gets its own allowance; there is no published limit on the number of entries.
What if my country has a separate agreement with China?
Some countries have their own mutual visa exemption with China, separate from the 30-day list. The UAE (In force since 16 January 2018) and Qatar (In force since 21 December 2018) are two examples. These agreements have no published end date, but the stay length should be checked with the embassy before you travel.
What if my country is not on any list?
If you are flying through China to another country or region, the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme covers citizens of 57 countries. Otherwise you need a visa from a Chinese embassy or visa centre.
What happens after 31 December 2026?
We don't know yet. Read book now or wait for what to do with trips planned for January 2027 or later. We will update this page the day a decision is announced.
What changed recently
Questions people ask
Do I need a visa for China with a UK passport?
Not for stays up to 30 days for tourism or business while the policy runs (until 31 December 2026, 24:00). Work, study and journalism still need the right visa.
Can US citizens go to China without a visa?
Not under the 30-day policy. US citizens can use 240-hour transit when flying on to a third country or region.
Does visa-free entry work for work or study?
No. The permitted purposes are business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit.
Is visa-free entry extended into 2027?
No extension had been announced as of 9 November 2026. See book now or wait.
Sources
- List of Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies, National Immigration Administration, retrieved
- Notice on the Extension of the Unilateral Visa-Free Policy, Chinese Embassy in the UAE, retrieved
- China visa-free 2027 and eSIM guide, Lotso Travel, retrieved
- China Visa-Free Travel - A Complete Guide, China Briefing, retrieved
- China Adds Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam to 240-hour Visa-free Transit Program, Beijing Government (English), retrieved