China Extends Visa-Free Entry Policy for 45 Countries Until December 31, 2026

List of Countries with Unilateral Visa-Free entry till end of 2026

Europe (33 countries):

France,

Germany,

Italy,

Netherlands,

Spain,

Switzerland,

Ireland,

Hungary,

Austria,

Belgium,

Luxembourg,

Poland,

Slovenia,

Portugal,

Greece,

Cyprus,

Slovakia,

Norway,

Finland,

Denmark,

Iceland,

Andorra,

Monaco,

Liechtenstein,

Bulgaria,

Romania,

Croatia,

Montenegro,

North Macedonia,

Malta,

Estonia,

Latvia,

Sweden

Oceania (2 countries):

Australia,

New Zealand

Asia (6 countries):

South Korea,

Japan,

Saudi Arabia,

Oman,

Kuwait,

Bahrain

South America (5 countries):

Brazil,

Argentina,

Chile,

Peru,

Uruguay

Note:

Citizens of the above countries holding ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, or transit for no more than 30 days. The duration of stay is calculated from 00:00 the day after entry.Individuals who do not meet the conditions for visa-free entry are still required to obtain a visa to China before their arrival.

Visa-free Policy Q&A

1. Q: Are there any special requirements for minors applying for visa-free entry into China?

A: Minors and adults are subject to the same conditions for visa-free entry into China.

2. Q: Can foreigners enter China visa-free to participate in sports events, exhibitions, study tours (summer/winter camps), etc.?

A: Foreigners who come to China to participate in sports events, exhibitions, study tours (summer/winter camps) and stay in China for no more than 30 days are eligible for visa-free entry, but they must hold a valid ordinary passport.

3. Q: Can tourist groups enter China visa-free?

A: Foreigners who meet the conditions for visa-free entry into China can apply for the visa-free policy, whether they are traveling with a tourist group or individually.

4. Q: Will Chinese border inspection authorities verify the purpose of coming to China, and if so, how? Besides a passport, do travelers need to carry other documents when entering China?

A: Foreigners whose purpose of coming to China falls under the visa-free policy (such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, or transit) will be allowed to enter after inspection by Chinese border inspection authorities in accordance with the law. For foreigners whose purpose of coming to China does not match the scope specified in the visa-free policy or who have other statutory grounds for being denied entry, border inspection authorities will make a decision to deny entry in accordance with the law. It is recommended to carry supporting documents consistent with the purpose of coming to China, such as an invitation letter, flight and hotel reservations. Foreigners coming to China for work, study, or news coverage are not eligible for visa-free entry.

5. Q: Are there any requirements for the type and validity of entry documents?

A: Foreigners must hold a valid ordinary passport to come to China, and the validity period must meet the needs of their travel in China. Foreigners holding documents other than ordinary passports, such as travel certificates, temporary or emergency documents, are not eligible for the visa-free policy to enter China.

6. Q: Can travelers depart from a country other than their country of nationality?

A: Foreigners who meet the conditions for visa-free entry into China can depart from any country (region) outside China.

7. Q: Does the visa-free policy apply to entry methods other than air travel?

A: The unilateral visa-free policy applies to all land, sea, and air ports open to foreigners, unless otherwise specified by laws, regulations, or bilateral agreements. If entering China by self-provided means of transportation, travelers must also complete procedures for the entry and exit of self-provided means of transportation in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations.

8. Q: How is the 30-day stay period calculated?

A: The visa-free stay period starts from the day after entry and allows for a continuous stay of 30 calendar days.

9. Q: If the intended stay in China exceeds 30 days, can an extension be applied for?

A: Foreigners who intend to stay or reside in China for more than 30 days should apply in advance for a visa corresponding to the purpose of their visit at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. If a foreigner enters China under the visa-free policy and needs to extend their stay for valid and proper reasons, they should apply to the exit and entry administration of the public security organ for a stay permit.

10. Q: Is multiple entry allowed? Are there any requirements for the interval between entries? Are there any restrictions on the number of visa-free entries or the total number of stay days?

A: Foreigners who meet the conditions for visa-free entry into China can use the visa-free policy for multiple entries. Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of visa-free entries or the total number of stay days. However, travelers must not engage in activities inconsistent with the purpose of their entry.

11. Q: Do foreigners need to file an advance declaration with Chinese embassies or consulates abroad to apply for the visa-free policy to enter China?

A: Foreigners who meet the conditions for visa-free entry into China do not need to file an advance declaration with Chinese embassies or consulates abroad.

12. Q: If a foreigner who entered China visa-free loses their passport (which has been stamped by Chinese border inspection authorities after inspection), can they depart directly with an emergency travel document issued by the relevant embassy or consulate in China?

A: If a foreigner who entered China visa-free loses or damages their document and needs to use a new passport, emergency passport, travel certificate, or other entry-exit documents for departure, Chinese border inspection authorities will verify the traveler’s identity information, entry records, loss report, or supporting documents issued by the relevant embassy or consulate in China in accordance with the law. If the above documents are in order and the traveler has no illegal acts such as overstaying beyond the visa-free period, border inspection authorities will handle the departure procedures for them in accordance with the law.

If there are illegal acts under the jurisdiction of border inspection authorities, such as overstaying beyond the visa-free period, Chinese border inspection authorities will handle the case in accordance with the law and regulations. For other illegal acts not under the jurisdiction of border inspection authorities, the traveler must accept handling by the exit and entry administration of the public security organ or other relevant competent authorities, and then go to the border inspection authority to complete departure procedures with the relevant supporting documents.