China30-Day Visa-Free Countries — Full2026 List
China now offers30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 38+ countries. No transit ticket required, no third-country rule — just book and fly. Here is the complete list and everything you need to know.
Peter Wilson
May 2026
14min readWhy This Is a Big Deal
Unlike the240-hour transit policy, the 30-day visa-free entry hasno restrictions:
- No onward ticket to a third country required
- No third-country rule — you can fly round-trip from your home country
- Enter through any international port (not just designated ones)
- Travel anywhere in China nationwide
- Purpose can be tourism, business visits, family visits, or transit
Complete Country List (2026)
The following countries have 30-day visa-free entry agreements with China. This list has been expanding rapidly since late 2023— countries marked with NEW were added in the most recent rounds.
The policy is currently confirmed throughDecember 31, 2025 for most countries, with extensions expected. Always verify with the National Immigration Administration before booking.
Europe (29 countries)
Asia-Pacific (5 countries)
Americas (2 countries)
Other (2+ countries)
Entry Rules and Conditions
The 30-day visa-free policy is much simpler than the 240-hour transit, but there are still rules you need to follow:
1 Valid Passport Required
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry. This is strictly enforced — airlines may deny boarding if your passport expires too soon.
2 30-Day Maximum Stay
You can stay up to 30 days from the date of entry. The clock starts on your arrival day (Day 1). If you arrive on June 1st, you must depart by June 30th. Overstaying results in fines of500 yuan per day.
3 Tourism and Business Only
The visa-free entry covers tourism, business visits, family visits, and transit. It does not cover employment, study, journalism, or long-term residence. For those purposes, you still need the appropriate visa.
4 Any International Port
Unlike the 240-hour transit, you can enter through any international airport, seaport, or land port in China. No restriction to designated ports.
5 Nationwide Travel
Once you enter, you can travel anywhere in mainland China with no regional restrictions. Take trains, domestic flights, or buses to any city or province.
6 Hotel Registration Required
You must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival at each location. Hotels handle this automatically. If staying at a private residence or Airbnb, you must register at the nearest police station yourself.
How to Enter China Visa-Free — Step by Step
The process is straightforward, but preparation matters. Here is what to do:
Confirm Your Eligibility
Check the country list above. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and blank pages for the entry stamp.
Book Your Flights
Book a round-trip or onward flight. Unlike the 240-hour transit, you can fly round-trip from your home country — no third-country ticket needed. Having a return flight helps at immigration, though it is not strictly required.
Book Foreigner-Friendly Hotels
Not all hotels in China can accept foreign guests. UseTrip.com and filter for foreigner-friendly properties. Having a hotel booking confirmation helps at immigration.
Set Up Digital Essentials Before You Fly
This is critical. China’s digital ecosystem is completely different from the West. Before boarding your flight:
- Download and configure aVPN — Google, WhatsApp, Instagram are blocked
- Activate an eSIM for China — you need data immediately upon landing
- Set up Alipay — China is nearly100 percent cashless
- Download essential Chinese apps — maps, translation, ride-hailing
Fill Out the Arrival Card on the Plane
Flight attendants will distribute arrival cards before landing. Fill it out completely with your passport details, flight number, hotel address in China, and purpose of visit (select “Tourism”).
Go Through Immigration
At the airport, go to the “Foreigners” immigration lane. Present your passport and arrival card. The officer will verify your nationality, check your passport validity, and stamp you in. The whole process typically takes 5to 15 minutes.
- You may be asked about your hotel and return flight — have confirmations ready
- Fingerprints will be collected (standard for all foreign arrivals)
- Your entry stamp will show the date you must depart by
Flying to China Visa-Free?
Get your VPN, eSIM, and payment apps set up before you board.
Open Digital Survival Kit →30-Day Visa-Free vs. 240-Hour Transit vs. Tourist Visa
China now has three main entry options for foreign tourists. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | 30-Day Visa-Free | 240-Hour Transit | Tourist Visa (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Stay | 30 days | 10 days (240 hours) | 30 to 90 days |
| Countries | 38+ countries | 55countries | All countries |
| Onward Ticket | Not required | Required (third country) | Not required |
| Third-Country Rule | No | Yes | No |
| Entry Ports | Any international port | Designated ports only | Any international port |
| Travel Area | Nationwide | Nationwide (most ports) | Nationwide |
| Cost | Free | Free | $60 to $140+ |
| Application | None — just show up | None — just show up | Embassy application required |
| Extendable | No | No | Yes (at PSB office) |
| Best For | Most travelers | Layovers and short stops | Long stays, repeat visits |
If your country is only on the 240-hour list: Use the 240-hour transit, but you will need a third-country ticket.
If you need more than 30 days: Apply for a tourist visa (L visa) before your trip.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Do This
- Have a return flight booked — while not strictly required, immigration officers may ask. A booked return flight makes entry smoother
- Carry a hotel booking confirmation — even if you plan to change hotels later, have at least your first night booked and printed
- Arrive with your digital tools ready — VPN installed, eSIM activated, Alipay set up. See our Digital Survival Kit
- Keep a photocopy of your passport — store it separately from the original. Hotels and police may ask for ID
- Track your 30-day countdown — set a phone alarm for3 days before your deadline as a reminder
- Use Trip.com for bookings — it is the most foreigner-friendly platform forflights, hotels, and trains
Do Not Do This
- Do not overstay — fines are 500 yuan per day (up to 10,000 yuan), and overstays are recorded in the system. This will affect future visa applications
- Do not assume you can extend — the 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended at a PSB office. If you need more time, you must exit China
- Do not skip hotel registration — it is legally required within 24 hours. Hotels do it automatically, but Airbnb and private stays require you to visit the police station
- Do not arrive without cash backup — while Alipay works almost everywhere, having500 to 1,000 yuan in cash is smart for emergencies
- Do not confuse this with the 240-hour policy — they have different rules, different country lists, and different restrictions
- Do not forget about the Great Firewall — without aVPN, you cannot access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, or most Western social media
Sample2-Week Visa-Free Itinerary
Here is a realistic 14-day itinerary using the 30-day visa-free entry:
- Day 1 to 3: Beijing — Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutong neighborhoods
- Day 4: High-speed train to Xi’an (4.5 hours)
- Day 5to 6: Xi’an — Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, city wall cycling
- Day 7: Flight to Chengdu (1.5 hours)
- Day 8 to 9: Chengdu — Panda Base, hotpot, Jinli Street, tea houses
- Day 10: High-speed train to Chongqing (1.5 hours)
- Day 11: Chongqing — Hongya Cave, Ciqikou, 8D city exploration
- Day 12: Flight to Shanghai (2.5 hours)
- Day 13 to 14: Shanghai — The Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, Pudong skyline, departure
Need help with logistics? See our complete visa-free trip planning guide and book train tickets for city-hopping.
Ready to Book Your China Trip?
Find flights, foreigner-friendly hotels, and high-speed train tickets.
Book Your Trip →Not on the List? Your Options
If your country is not on the 30-day visa-free list, you still have options:
Option 1: 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
55 countries qualify for the240-hour (10-day) transit policy. You will need a confirmed ticket to a third country, but it is still free and requires no visa application. This covers more countries than the 30-day list.
Option 2: Tourist Visa (L Visa)
Available to citizens of all countries. Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Costs $60 to $140+ depending on nationality, and processing takes 4 to 7 business days. See our complete tourist visa guide.
Option 3: Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free
59 countries can enter Hainan Island visa-free for up to 30 days, regardless of whether they are on the mainland visa-free list. This is a separate policy specific to Hainan Province. Great if you want a tropical beach trip.
Option 4: Hong Kong and Macau as Entry Points
Many nationalities can enter Hong Kong visa-free for 90 to 180 days. From Hong Kong, you can then apply for a China visa at the Chinese visa office in Hong Kong (often faster and easier than applying in your home country), or use the 240-hour transit to enter the mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter China multiple times using the 30-day visa-free policy?
Does the 30-day count start from midnight or from my arrival time?
Can I visit Hong Kong or Macau during my 30-day stay?
Do I need a return flight to enter?
Can I work or do business meetings during my visa-free stay?
What happens if I overstay?
Is this policy permanent?
Can I take domestic flights within China?
Visa and Entry Guides
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