China visa-free policies
China offers two major visa-free policies for foreign visitors:
1， 240-hour transit visa-free policy (for travelers passing through to a third country/region)
2， 30-day unilateral visa-free policy (for tourists, business travelers, and visitors on family/friend trips).
Comparison of 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free and 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Policies
| Policy Type | Continent | Specific Countries | Core Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free | Europe | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway | Require valid third-country visa (if applicable) + confirmed onward ticket within 240 hours; must transit through designated ports to a third country, stay ≤10 days. |
| Americas | USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile | ||
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand | ||
| Asia | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar | ||
| 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free | Asia | Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia | For business, tourism, family visits, exchange, or transit purposes; stay ≤30 days; no third-country visa or onward ticket required. |
| Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia | ||
| Oceania | New Zealand, Australia | ||
| Americas | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay | ||
| Key Differences | Countries | - 240-hour exclusive: Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Belarus, Mexico, Qatar - 30-day exclusive: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Peru, Uruguay, Malaysia (only in 30-day policy) |
|
| Purpose | 240-hour: Transit to a third country 30-day: Direct visit to China (no transit required) |
||
| Documents | 240-hour: Onward ticket + third-country visa (if required) 30-day: Ordinary passport + proof of entry purpose (recommended) |
Last updated date: 2025/06/01
FAQ on 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Policies
Q1：Which 38 nationalities are eligible for the visa-free policy?
Nationals of 38 countries holding valid ordinary passports may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, family/friend visits, exchange, or transit.
The list includes:
Asia：Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia
Europe：France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, 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
Oceania：New Zealand, Australia
Americas：Brazil, Argentina, Chile
Stay limit: Up to 30 consecutive days without a visa.
Q2：Do visa-exempt foreign nationals need to declare their travel to Chinese embassies/consulates in advance?
No prior declaration is required. Eligible travelers may enter China directly without notifying Chinese diplomatic missions.
Q3：Will Chinese border authorities verify the purpose of my stay? What documents are needed besides a passport?
- Border inspection will verify that your purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business) aligns with visa-free criteria. Travelers with inconsistent purposes or restricted by law will be denied entry.
- Carry supporting documents (e.g., invitation letters, flight tickets, hotel bookings) to validate your entry purpose.
- Note: The visa-free policy does NOT apply to work, study, journalism, or similar purposes.
Q4：Are there special requirements for minor travelers eligible for visa-free entry?
Minors are subject to the same visa-free rules as adults. No additional requirements apply.
Q5：What are the document requirements for visa-free entry?
- A valid ordinary passport with validity covering your entire stay in China.
- Travel documents other than ordinary passports (e.g., temporary travel documents) are not accepted for visa-free entry.
Q6：How is the 30-day stay period calculated?
The stay period begins on the date of entry and expires at 24:00 on the 30th calendar day.
Q7：Does the visa-free policy apply to travelers departing from a third country?
Yes. Eligible nationals may depart for China from any country or region.
Q8：Does the visa-free policy apply to non-air travel (e.g., land, sea)?
Yes, it applies to all approved ports of entry (air, land, sea), unless otherwise specified by laws or bilateral agreements. For private transportation (e.g., personal vehicles), additional customs procedures for the vessel/vehicle may apply.
Q9：Does the visa-free policy cover tour groups?
Yes, both individual travelers and tour groups are eligible, provided they meet the criteria.
Q10：Can the visa-free stay be extended beyond 30 days?
- Travelers intending to stay over 30 days must apply for the relevant visa at a Chinese embassy/consulate before arrival.
- For unplanned extensions, apply for a stay permit with China’s exit and entry administration within the initial 30-day period.
Q11：Does the visa-free policy allow multiple entries? Are there restrictions on entry frequency or total stay days?
- Multiple visa-free entries are permitted.
- There is no current restriction on the number of entries or total days stayed, but activities must align with the declared purpose of entry.
Last updated date: 2025/06/01
FAQ on 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policies
Which 54 nationalities are eligible for the 240-hour transit visa-free policy?
54 nationalities, including:
Europe (40 countries): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway.
Americas (6 countries): USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico.
Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand.
Asia (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar.
Q2: What is the stay duration allowed under this policy?
Eligible travelers can stay in China forup to 240 hours (10 days)from the date of entry, calculated until 24:00 on the 10th calendar day.
Q3: What are the entry requirements?
- Hold a valid ordinary passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned departure date from China.
- Have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region, with a departure time within 240 hours of arrival in China.
- Obtain any required visas for the final destination (if applicable).
- Complete the Temporary Entry Foreigner Card at the border.
Q4: Which entry ports are valid for this policy?
Travelers can enter via 60 open ports in 24 provinces, including:
- Major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.
- Land/sea ports: Shenzhen Futian Checkpoint, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port.
Q5: Can I travel to multiple provinces during the 240-hour stay?
Yes. Eligible travelers can moveacross provinceswithin the 24 provinces/regions where the policy applies. For example:
- Travel from Beijing (Hebei) to Shanghai (Jiangsu) to Guangzhou (Guangdong) within 10 days.
Q6: Do I need to register my accommodation?
Yes. You must register your accommodation within24 hours of arrivalat:
- Your hotel (which will handle registration automatically).
- Local police station (if staying in private accommodation).
Q7: What if my plans change and I need to stay longer than 240 hours?
- If extending within China, apply for a stay permit at a local Public Security Bureau before the 240-hour period expires.
- Overstaying without approval may result in fines or visa restrictions.
Q8: Does this policy apply to tour groups or only individual travelers?
Both individuals and tour groups are eligible, provided they meet the nationality and document requirements.
Q9: Can I enter China from any country, or only directly from my home country?
You can depart for China from any country or region, not just your home country. For example, a US citizen traveling from Japan to China is eligible.
Q10: What documents should I carry to prove my travel purpose?
Onward ticket (e-ticket confirmation is acceptable).
Hotel bookings or itinerary plans (recommended for verification).
Proof of accommodation (if staying in private homes).