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China Visa-Free Travel Guide

China has significantly expanded its visa-free policies. Here's everything you need to know about entering China without a visa.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

30 days

Citizens of these countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. This policy runs through December 31, 2025.

Eligible Countries

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg

Entry Ports

All international ports

15-Day Visa-Free Entry

15 days

Citizens of these countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 15 days. Some policies are permanent, others are temporary through 2025.

Eligible Countries

Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar

Entry Ports

All international ports

144-Hour Transit Visa-Free

144 hours (6 days)

Transit passengers can stay in designated regions for up to 144 hours without a visa. You must have an onward ticket to a third country (not the country you arrived from).

Eligible Countries

53 countries including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, all EU nations, and more

Entry Ports

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Wuhan, Tianjin, Harbin, and more

72-Hour Transit Visa-Free

72 hours (3 days)

Shorter transit visa-free option available at select ports. Must depart from the same city within 72 hours.

Eligible Countries

53 countries (same as 144-hour policy)

Entry Ports

Select airports including Changsha, Guilin, Kunming, and others

Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free

30 days

Foreigners from 59 countries can visit Hainan Island visa-free for up to 30 days. Must enter and exit through Hainan ports or travel as part of a tour group.

Eligible Countries

59 countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU nations, ASEAN countries

Entry Ports

Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and other Hainan ports

Cruise Ship Visa-Free

15 days

Foreign tourists arriving on cruise ships can stay visa-free for up to 15 days when traveling in tour groups organized by Chinese travel agencies.

Eligible Countries

All countries

Entry Ports

Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, Sanya, and other cruise ports

Important Tips

1.Always carry your passport and onward ticket proof — immigration may ask
2.Print your hotel booking confirmation and return flight details
3.Visa-free transit requires a confirmed onward ticket to a THIRD country (not your origin)
4.Register your accommodation within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this automatically)
5.Check the latest policy before travel — China frequently updates visa regulations
6.If you need more time, apply for a regular tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy
7.WeChat and Alipay may require Chinese phone numbers — set up before arrival
8.Download Amap (Gaode Ditu) for navigation — Google Maps doesn't work well in China

⚠️ Disclaimer

Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before booking travel. This guide is for informational purposes only and was last updated in July 2026.

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