Important: re-check before you travel

This guide summarises official information published by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the National Immigration Administration (NIA) and Chinese embassies and consulates, as of 7 October 2026. Visa policy can change at short notice. It is not legal advice and not a visa decision. Before you book, check the latest notice from the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country, the MFA’s China Consular Services website (cs.mfa.gov.cn) or the NIA (nia.gov.cn), and confirm with your airline. The final decision on entry is made by the border inspection officer at the port.

What is China’s 30-day visa-free entry policy?

Since late 2023, China has gradually introduced unilateral visa-free entry (单方面免签) for ordinary passport holders from a growing list of countries. “Unilateral” means China grants it without requiring a matching agreement from the other country.

According to the MFA’s FAQs on Visa-free Entry into China (published 21 July 2026), holders of valid ordinary passports from the listed countries can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchanges, or transit, and stay for no more than 30 days.

This is a different scheme from 240-hour visa-free transit, which applies to travellers passing through China on the way to a third country or region and has its own country and port lists. If you are only transiting, read our guide to China’s visa-free transit rules.

Which countries qualify in 2026?

The MFA FAQ lists 50 countries. The NIA publishes the same list grouped by region (its version is dated 17 February 2026):

• Europe (35): France, Germany, Italy, the 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, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom
• Oceania (2): Australia and New Zealand
• Asia (7): Brunei, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain
• Americas (6): Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and Canada

If your country is not on this list, you will normally need a visa, unless you qualify for visa-free transit or a separate mutual visa exemption agreement between China and your country. The MFA publishes those agreements separately, so check the China Consular Services website or your local Chinese embassy.

How long does the policy last?

This is the most time-sensitive part for anyone planning a trip around the turn of the year. According to the MFA FAQ:

• Brunei: no end date has been set.
• Russia: in effect until 31 December 2027.
• The other 48 countries: in effect until 31 December 2026.

Embassy notices, for example from the Chinese Embassy in the UK (1 December 2025) and the Consulate-General in Munich (19 August 2026), describe the extension as running until 24:00 on 31 December 2026.

As of 7 October 2026, we have not found an official announcement about what happens after that date. Past extensions were announced through MFA and embassy notices, so that is where any news will appear. If your trip starts or ends after 31 December 2026, keep checking, and consider applying for a visa if the timing is tight.

How the 30 days are counted

The MFA FAQ and the NIA list both say the stay is counted from 00:00 on the day after you enter, for 30 consecutive calendar days. For example, if you arrive on 10 November, day one is 11 November, and you count 30 calendar days from there. Overstaying is a violation of Chinese law. Leave yourself a margin and don’t plan to leave on the last possible day.

What the policy covers and what it doesn’t

Covered (MFA FAQ): business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchange visits and transit. The MFA also says this includes sports competitions, conferences and exhibitions, and study tours such as summer or winter camps, provided the stay is no more than 30 days. Tour groups and independent travellers both qualify. Minors follow the same rules as adults.

Not covered: the MFA states that the visa waiver does not apply to work, study, news coverage or similar purposes. If you are coming to take up a job, enrol in a degree course or report as a journalist, you need the correct visa before you travel.

Passport and entry requirements

• Ordinary passport only. Travel documents and temporary or emergency passports do not qualify (MFA FAQ).
• Validity: the passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay. Airlines may apply their own rules on validity, so check with yours.
• Supporting documents: the MFA recommends carrying proof that matches your purpose, such as an invitation letter, onward or return tickets and hotel bookings.
• No advance registration: you do not need to notify a Chinese embassy before travelling.
• Departure point: you can fly or travel to China from any country or region, not only your country of nationality.
• Ports: the waiver applies at all sea, land and air ports open to foreigners, unless laws, regulations or bilateral arrangements say otherwise.

At the border, officers check your passport and purpose. The MFA notes that entry can be refused if your purpose doesn’t match the policy or if other legal grounds for refusal apply.

Multiple trips, extensions and lost passports

• Multiple entries: the MFA says eligible travellers can use visa-free entry repeatedly, and there is currently no limit on the number of entries or total days. You must not, however, do things that don’t match your stated purpose.
• Staying longer than 30 days: plan for a visa in advance. If something reasonable happens after you arrive, such as illness, you can apply for a stay permit at a local public security exit-entry office.
• Lost passport: the MFA explains that border officers will verify your identity and entry record and any embassy documents. If everything checks out and you have not overstayed, you can leave on a replacement or emergency document.

After you arrive: practical steps

Visa-free entry gets you through the door. A few things make the next 30 days smoother:

• Accommodation registration: hotels register foreign guests automatically. If you stay in a private home, China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law requires registration with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Our guide to police temporary residence registration explains how.
• Payments: set up mobile payments before you fly with our Alipay and WeChat Pay guide for visitors.
• Connectivity: sort out a SIM or eSIM using our China SIM and eSIM guide.
• Trains: your passport is your ticket ID. Learn the basics in our 12306 booking guide.
• Arrival logistics: if you are landing in Shanghai, our Pudong airport first-arrival guide covers transfers into the city.

For questions about immigration rules while in China, the NIA runs the 12367 service hotline.

FAQ

Can US citizens use China’s 30-day visa-free entry?

The United States is not on the MFA’s 50-country list as of 7 October 2026. Check the separate 240-hour transit rules or apply for a visa, and confirm with the Chinese embassy.

Does the 30-day visa-free policy end on 31 December 2026?

For 48 of the 50 countries, the current period runs until 31 December 2026. Brunei has no end date, and Russia’s runs until 31 December 2027. Watch for official MFA or embassy announcements.

Is the day I arrive counted?

No. The 30 days start at 00:00 on the day after entry.

Can I work or study on visa-free entry?

No. The MFA says the policy does not cover work, study or news reporting.

Can I go in and out of China several times?

Yes, the MFA currently sets no limit on entries or total days. Each stay must still match an allowed purpose.

Bottom line

China visa-free entry in 2026 covers ordinary passport holders from 50 countries, for stays of up to 30 days counted from the day after arrival. It covers tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit, but not work, study or journalism. For most countries the current period ends on 31 December 2026, so anyone travelling around New Year should re-check official MFA, NIA or embassy notices just before departure. Lovely China, founded in 2025, welcomes corrections at [email protected].