Unilateral Visa-Free Policy

Overview

China offers 30-day unilateral visa-free entry for citizens of 50 countries for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. This policy has been extended through December 31, 2026, providing unprecedented access for international travelers.

:::info Latest Update (February 2026): Canada and the United Kingdom have been added to the visa-free list, effective February 17, 2026. :::

Eligible Countries (50 Total, Updated 2026)

Europe (38 countries)

European Union (27): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Other European (11): Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia*, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom**

Asia & Middle East (7 countries)

Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea

Americas (6 countries)

Argentina, Brazil, Canada***, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia, New Zealand

Footnotes:

* Russia: Valid September 15, 2025 – September 14, 2026
** United Kingdom: Valid February 17, 2026 – December 31, 2026
*** Canada: Valid February 17, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Key Conditions

Condition	Requirement
Duration	30 days maximum
Purpose	Tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, transit
Passport	Ordinary passport with 6+ months validity
Exit	Must exit before 30-day period expires

Permitted Activities

✅ Tourism and sightseeing
✅ Business meetings and trade
✅ Visiting family and friends
✅ Cultural exchange programs
✅ Transit to third countries
❌ Employment or work
❌ Study or long-term residence
❌ Journalistic activities (requires special visa)

Entry Requirements

When entering China visa-free, prepare:

Valid passport (6+ months validity, at least 1 blank page)
Return or onward ticket (to a third country)
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Sufficient funds for your stay

:::tip There is no requirement to show proof of funds at immigration in most cases, but it’s recommended to have supporting documents ready. :::

How It Works

Check eligibility - Verify your country is on the list
Book travel - Purchase round-trip or onward tickets
Prepare documents - Passport, accommodation proof, travel insurance (recommended)
Complete customs forms - Arrival card will be provided on board or at immigration
Immigration inspection - Present passport and declaration form
Enter China - You’re allowed up to 30 days stay

Important Notes

No extension: The 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended under this policy
No conversion: You cannot convert this to a different visa type while in China
Accurate counting: Your stay begins the day after you arrive (day 1 = tomorrow)
Overstay penalties: Fines (¥500-10,000/day), deportation, and future visa bans

:::warning Mark your calendar! Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and being barred from future visa-free entry or visa applications. :::

Comparison with Other Visa Options

Feature	Unilateral 30-Day	240-Hour TWOV	144-Hour TWOV
Duration	30 days	10 days (240h)	6 days (144h)
Purpose	Tourism, business, visits	Transit only	Transit only
Third country	Not required	Required	Required
Countries	50	55	54
Ports	All ports	65 designated	38 designated

Pro Tips

Plan ahead: Book accommodation before arrival as proof of address
Keep copies: Photograph or scan all travel documents
Check port eligibility: If also using TWOV, verify your entry port is on the list
Monitor policy changes: This is a trial policy - check for updates before travel
Travel insurance: Highly recommended for international travel

144-Hour/240-Hour Transit Without Visa - For transit travelers
Tourist Visa (L Visa) - If you need longer stay
First-Hour Survival Guide - Essential arrival tips

Sources

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
National Immigration Administration (NIA) - nia.gov.cn
Chinese embassies and consulates