China is a land of history, culture, and landscapes, and millions of visitors travel here every year. However, before you go, it’s important to learn about the visa process for China.
Depending on your nationality, where you arrive from, and how long you are staying, you may qualify for visa-free entry or special entry programs.
This article will show you how to take advantage of China’s visa-free policies and offer tips for planning your trip.
Which Countries Can Travel to China Without a Visa?
Today, China grants visa exemptions to citizens of a number of countries. These visa exemptions are typically issued for periods of 15–90 days, depending on the national and reason for the visit, and usually include tourism, business, or transit visits.
For instance, travelers from countries such as Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and Malaysia are allowed to visit China without a visa for a short time.
Recently, China has expanded this list to include some European countries under temporary visa-free arrangements, making travel even more convenient.
Other than bilateral visa exemption agreements, China has short-term visa-free transit policies in place for those transiting in major cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou) to explore on a long layover.
So who can actually visit China without a visa and what are the requirements? Let’s take a closer look at the current list of countries and the details of their visa exemption arrangements.
The visa-free policy of China
1. Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements
China has a number of visa-free arrangements with a handful of countries where citizens from both countries can visit the other without a visa for a limited period of time.
These agreements are usually based on bilateral reciprocity and are for short stays for tourism, business, or to visit family. At the beginning of 2025, Chinese citizens can travel to the following 27 countries visa-free:
Region | Countries |
|---|---|
Asia | Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei |
Europe | Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino |
Africa | Mauritius, Seychelles |
Oceania | Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands |
North America | Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas |
South America | Suriname |
2. Transit Visa Exemption Policies
24-Hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV)
If you’re transiting China, as long as you have a confirmed ticket to a third country, you can stay in China for 24 hours without a visa. Most international airports in China offer this exemption.
240-Hour Transit Visa Exemptions
For extended layovers, China’s transit visa exemptions are up to 240 hours (10 days) for passengers from 54 nations. Travelers are required to enter and exit through specific ports and remain in predefined zones.
The visa-free stay for 240 hours has also been expanded to 60 ports in 24 provinces. The following is a list of the 54 countries that are able to utilize China’s 240-hour visa-free transit:
Region | Countries |
|---|---|
European Countries | Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus |
American Countries | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Republic of Chile |
Oceania Countries | Australia, New Zealand |
Asian Countries | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar |
For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States:
http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/202412/t20241217_11495647.htm
3. 30-Day Visa-Free Policies
As of November 30, 2024, China was offering visa-free access to nationals of 38 countries for stays of 30 days. The policy is in place to increase tourism and improve international relations.
The following are countries eligible for 30-day visa-free entry:
4. Special Visa-Free Policies
Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Travelers from 59 countries can visit Hainan Island visa-free for a maximum of 30 days.
Travelers need to submit all necessary documentation — like passport information, flight plans, and hotel reservations— to an authorized Hainan-based travel agency at least 48 hours before their arrival. You can enter via any authorized port on the island.
Eligible Countries:
Region | Countries |
Europe (40) | Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom |
Americas (6) | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
Asia (11) | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar |
Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
6-Day Visa-Free Group Tours
ASEAN residents (from the ten ASEAN nations) can enter Guilin as part of a tour group without a visa for a short visit if they use one of China’s travel agencies.
Guests will enter and leave via Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and will need to stay within the Guilin city area for a maximum of six days.
Eligible ASEAN Countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
Visa-Free Travel in the Pearl River Delta for Group Visitors from Countries with Diplomatic Ties to China
Travelers with a standard passport from any of the countries that maintains diplomatic relations with China can travel to major cities in the Pearl River Delta region, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai, visa-free for up to six days.
To be eligible, the tour had to originate in Hong Kong or Macau and was booked through a licensed local travel company. The same deal exists for group tours that come and go via Shantou, but those tours are capped at the city.
15-Day Visa-Free Cruise Tour for International Travelers
Travelers arriving by cruise ship may stay for up to 15 days in China if they enter via Shanghai, Beijing, or other major coastal hubs, visa-free.
This policy applies to groups of two or more people, and all travel must be organized by a certified Chinese travel company. You can only enter from a cruise terminal in Shanghai and can only visit certain cities on the coast.
More detailed information about China's visa-free policy can be found at: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/visa-free-countries.html
Tips for Traveling to China
Visa: Visas are required for most nationalities so be sure to arrange yours before you arrive. Make sure to see if you can take advantage of the transit visa exemption 24h/144h or regional visa-free policy.
Language: The official language is Mandarin. Some English is spoken in urban centers, but learning a few Mandarin phrases is a good idea.
Money: The only currency used is the Renminbi (RMB). Most places also accept mobile payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay. Be sure to download and activate them before you arrive.
Etiquette: Respect the local culture. Shake hands firmly and steer clear of politics in conversation.
Public transit: The public transportation in China is cheap, easy and vast. Stick to the subway and use Didi Chuxing for taxis.
What to pack: China’s weather is different depending on the region you’re in. Bring clothing for the specific region as winters in the north are cold and the south is hot/humid.
Stay Connected: Many Western platforms and apps are banned or have their content censored. Use a VPN to keep in touch with friends and family back home.
Health and Safety: For the most part, China is safe. Just avoid unknown street food and keep your jabs up to date.
Pollution: Air quality can be a short (in some places), so check the forecast and take precautions.
Culture: Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the greatness that is China, whether via food or history. Dive deeper and go off the tourism trail.
FAQ
1. When should I go to China?
The spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit China because temperatures are more moderate.
2. What mobile apps do I need to download before visiting China?
WeChat and Alipay are super apps that people use to communicate, pay, and even book transit and activities.
3. What should I know about Chinese etiquette?
Respect goes a long way in China. Give people a good handshake, don’t yell, and pay attention to local customs. For example, never wear your shoes when going into someone’s house.
Conclusion
In the end, traveling to China can be an incredibly worthwhile experience, especially given all the visa-free and visa-friendly policies they have in place.
By understanding visa needs, when to visit, and local customs, you can make your trip go a little easier and be more enjoyable for yourself in the process.
Whether you’re there for business, tourism, or a layover on your way somewhere else, there are a few things you can do to guarantee you enjoy in this unique country.