Dreaming of visiting China without a visa? Thanks to a strengthened open-door policy, China now allows citizens of many countries to travel without a visa. Unilateral exemption, bilateral agreements, or transit: here’s everything you need to know for a hassle-free trip.
In this article:
- Unilateral visa exemption: visa-free entry for short stays in China
- Permanent visa exemption agreements: a strengthened partnership with 30 countries
- Visa-free transit for up to 240 hours: a privilege granted to 55 countries
- 30-day visa exemption in Hainan: an island open to the world
- Visa exemption for cruise groups in China
In a context of strategic reopening after the pandemic, China is stepping up measures to attract foreign visitors. Visa exemptions, bilateral agreements and transit facilities are shaping a new, internationally-oriented welcome policy.
Unilateral visa exemption: visa-free entry for short stays in China
As part of a policy of greater openness, China launched a unilateral and temporary initiative at the end of 2023 to facilitate entry into its territory for nationals of certain countries, without visa requirements.
This measure allows these travelers to stay in China without a visa for 30 days for tourism, business, family or friendly visits, exchanges, or transit. The length of the visa-free stay is calculated from the day after entry and lasts for 30 consecutive calendar days.
The visa exemption applies to travelers from eligible countries arriving in China by air, sea, or road open to foreign travelers.
No prior formalities are required, although travelers must have a passport valid for at least the duration of their intended stay and may be asked to provide proof of stay or return flight upon arrival in China.
Foreign nationals eligible for the visa exemption may enter China without a visa multiple times. The Chinese authorities explain that currently, “there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but those who enjoy visa-free travel to China shall not engage in activities inconsistent with their purpose of entry.”
Countries eligible for unilateral visa exemption for China
It is important to note that this unilateral visa exemption for China, although already in force, is granted on a temporary basis and applies according to separate periods:
Until December 30, 2025:
- Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea and Switzerland.
Until May 31, 2026:
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Until June 8, 2026:
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Permanent visa exemption agreements: a strengthened partnership with 30 countries
Among the various opening-up policies implemented by China, bilateral visa exemption agreements occupy a special place.
Unlike unilateral exemptions, which are often linked to specific periods or diplomatic contexts, these agreements are the result of in-depth diplomatic cooperation between China and the signatory countries. They reflect a clear desire to strengthen long-term ties in the political, tourist and economic spheres.
These exemptions are designed to be permanent: they do not depend on temporary decisions, but are part of a relationship built on stability and reciprocity.
Countries eligible for visa exemption in China
Upon presentation of a regular passport, nationals of the following countries may visit China without a visa under well-established conditions:
90 days without a visa:
- Albania*, Armenia*, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, and San Marino.
60 days without a visa:
- Mauritius.
30 days without a visa:
- Antigua and Barbuda*, Azerbaijan* (as of July 16, 2025), Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus**, Brunei, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Georgia*, Grenada, Kazakhstan*, Maldives, Mongolia, Qatar, Samoa*, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands*, Suriname, Thailand*, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan*.
* 90 days within a 180-day period | ** 90 days within a calendar year
Visa-free transit for up to 240 hours: a privilege granted to 55 countries
Visa-free transit allows international travelers to stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in certain Chinese cities without having to apply for a visa in advance.
This scheme applies to those who are transiting through China between two different countries. This is a major advantage for globetrotters, business travelers, and passengers in extended transit.
The program allows entry into China via 60 arrival checkpoints and is limited to certain well-defined geographical areas, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, and other major cities.
Countries benefiting from China’s transit visa exemption policy
Travelers from the following countries can transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours upon presentation of an ordinary passport valid for at least three months at the time of arrival in the country and a confirmed onward ticket:
Europe:
- Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
Americas:
- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and United States.
Asia:
- Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates.
Oceania:
- Australia and New Zealand.
30-day visa exemption in Hainan: an island open to the world
Hainan Island, a showcase for Chinese tropical tourism, benefits from a special visa exemption scheme for nationals of 59 countries. This policy aims to strengthen Hainan’s role as a pilot free trade zone and international destination. This scheme allows stays of up to 30 days for various purposes.
Countries eligible for visa exemption for entry into Hainan:
- Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, South Korea, Croatia, Denmark, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Estonia, United States, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and Ukraine.
Permitted purposes of stay:
Visa-free entry to Hainan is permitted for tourist stays, business trips, personal or family visits, medical treatment, participation in trade fairs or exhibitions, and sports competitions. Work or study are not covered by this exemption.
Duration and conditions of entry:
- Travelers may stay for up to 30 days, starting at 00:00 on the day after their arrival.
- Arrival is possible through all international ports in Hainan: Haikou, Sanya, and Boao airports, as well as several seaports (Haikou, Sanya, Yangpu, etc.).
- Entry is possible by commercial flight, business charter flight or sea cruise, with no prior declaration required.
- Travelers must arrive from their country of origin, via a third country, or via Hong Kong/Macau.
- Visa-free stays are strictly limited to Hainan Province. To travel to other parts of mainland China, a visa application may be required.
Visa exemption for cruise groups in China
China offers a specific visa exemption policy for groups of foreign tourists arriving by cruise ship. This measure applies to groups of at least two people, organized and hosted by a travel agency registered in China. It aims to stimulate coastal and cruise tourism, while offering greater flexibility to international travelers.
Authorized ports of entry (13 port cities):
Groups can enter without a visa via the cruise ports of the following cities:
- Beihai, Dalian, Guangzhou, Haikou, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen, and Zhoushan.
Authorized area of stay and duration:
Cruise tourists may stay for up to 15 days in 12 authorized coastal regions, including:
- Special municipalities: Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin
- Provinces: Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hebei, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Shandong, Zhejiang
Additional conditions:
- The group must enter and leave China on the same ship.
- The itinerary must be planned in advance, with the ports of departure and arrival clearly established.
- The stay is limited to the areas mentioned, with no possibility of traveling inland.
