With the significant expansion of visa-free entry and transit programmes since late 2024, China is once again opening its doors to the world, making it easier for international travellers to visit for tourism, business, family visits and short-term exchanges. As of March 2026, ordinary passport holders from 50 countries enjoy unilateral 30day visa-free entry, while 55 countries qualify for the upgraded 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit across an expanded network of ports and provinces.
This guide simplifies and clarifies the new and relevant policies for travel to China, reflecting the nation’s renewed commitment to fostering global connections.
Unilateral 30‑day visa-free entry (50 countries)
China’s unilateral visa-free entry policies have been updated to grant ordinary passport holders from 50 countries up to 30 days of visa-free travel. Permitted purposes include tourism, business, visiting family or friends, cultural exchange and transit. Most of these waivers are valid until December 31, 2026.
Latest additions:
- United Kingdom & Canada: Added to the unilateral visa-free list effective February 17, 2026, through December 31, 2026
- Sweden: Added effective November 10, 2025, through December 31, 2026
- Russia: Visa-free entry valid until September 14, 2026
Earlier expansions:
- December 1, 2023: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia
- March 14, 2024: Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg
Note: Travellers should be prepared to show proof of purpose upon arrival, such as hotel bookings, onward tickets or invitation letters, as border control authorities may verify eligibility.
Mutual visa-exemption agreements
In addition to unilateral policies, China maintains mutual short-stay visa-exemption treaties with 29 countries. This allows ordinary passport holders to enter for up to 30 days, depending on specific bilateral terms.
Examples include:
- Singapore: Stay up to 30 days (extended February 9, 2024)
- Thailand: Effective March 1, 2024
These arrangements are separate from unilateral waivers and may differ regarding permitted stay durations or passport type requirements.
Visa‑free transit policies
China allows eligible travellers to enter and stay in specified areas without a prior visa application when transiting to a third country.
240‑hour (10‑day) visa‑free transit
Since December 17, 2024, China has replaced its previous 72‑hour and 144‑hour schemes with a unified, highly flexible 240‑hour (10day) visa‑free transit policy.
- Eligible countries: 55 countries (with Indonesia added in June 2025)
- Entry ports: Initially launched with 60 open ports across 24 provinces and regions, expanding to 65 ports after November 5, 2025, in Guangdong
- Permitted movement: Travellers may move freely within the designated areas of the 24 participating provinces, encouraging multi‑city exploration
- Requirements: A confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region is strictly required
24‑hour visa-free transit
This policy allows all international travellers to stay within the city of arrival for up to 24 hours while transiting to a third country. Travellers must provide a connecting ticket and remain in the designated city during their stay.
Other visa-free arrangements
Cruise ship tourist groups (15 days)
Foreign tourist groups of at least two people, organised by China-registered travel agencies, may enter China visa-free for up to 15 days via cruise ports in 13 coastal cities (including Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Qingdao). Travel is permitted within Beijing and 11 coastal provinces/municipalities.
Hainan 30‑day visa-free entry (59 countries)
Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries may enter Hainan Province visa‑-free for up to 30 days. Permitted purposes include tourism, business and trade, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions‑ and sports events. Travellers must stay within Hainan Province and enter via an open port (e.g., Haikou Meilan Airport, Sanya Phoenix Airport).
Regional tour-group exemptions
- Hong Kong and Macao-organised tour groups may visit Guangdong or Hainan for up to 144 hours visa-free.
- ASEAN tour groups may enter Xishuangbanna (Yunnan) visa-free under specific regional rules.
Long‑term visa options in China
For those planning to stay in China for extended periods, student visas, work visas and entrepreneur visas cater to individuals who wish to study, work or conduct long-term business activities.
Student visas
- X1 visa (long-term study): Designed for students studying in China for over 180 days. Upon arrival, X1 visa holders must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit at the local Exit and Entry Administration Bureau within 30 days.
- X2 visa (short-term study): Intended for students studying for 180 days or less. No residence permit is needed, though extensions are possible if applied for 30 days before expiry.
Work visas
- Z visa: The standard employment visa requiring an invitation letter and an approved Foreigner’s Work Permit
- M visa: Issued for short-term commercial and trade activities
- R visa: Reserved for high-level and urgently needed talent, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry
Work permit categories
- Category A (high-level talents): Expedited, often paperless processing for individuals with significant achievements or high salaries
- Category B (foreign professionals): For professionals with a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience, or those meeting the points threshold
- Category C (ordinary foreigners): For entry-level or market-needed roles, subject to government quotas
Entrepreneur visa
China continues to pilot the entrepreneur visa (Private Residence Permit for entrepreneurship). This visa aims to attract skilled founders, allowing them to reside legally in hubs like Shenzhen while establishing their businesses (such as a WFOE) before officially sponsoring their own standard work permits.
Practical travel recommendations
To ensure a seamless entry into China, we recommend the following:
- Carry proof of purpose: Always have printed or accessible copies of hotel bookings, onward transit tickets or business invitation letters.
- Expect border checks: Border officers may verify your eligibility for visa-free entry upon arrival.
- Verify port restrictions: Especially for the 240‑hour transit programme, ensure your planned entry and exit ports are on the approved list for your designated travel zone.
- Stay updated: Policies are frequently adjusted. Check for the latest updates from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) or your local Chinese embassy. (The NIA multilingual hotline is 12367).
Conclusion
China’s visa programs have undergone their most significant expansion in decades. With 50 unilateral visa-free countries, 29 mutual exemptions and 240-hour transit access across an enlarged geographic area, China is actively lowering barriers to inbound travel. As the policy environment continues to evolve rapidly, travellers and businesses should monitor ongoing updates to maximise their opportunities in the market.
