Last updated: June 2025
Disclaimer: Visa policies and requirements can change without notice. This information is provided for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements with official sources before making travel arrangements. The author and website assume no responsibility for any issues arising from reliance on this information.
China has significantly expanded its visa waiver program in recent years, allowing citizens from dozens of countries to enter mainland China without obtaining a visa in advance.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about China’s visa-free entry policies, including eligible countries, duration limits, and important travel requirements.
What is China’s Visa Waiver Program?
China’s visa waiver program allows passport holders from eligible countries to enter mainland China for tourism, business, family visits, or transit purposes without obtaining a visa beforehand.
The program aims to boost tourism and strengthen international relations while simplifying travel procedures.
Eligible Countries and Duration
The following countries are currently enrolled in China’s visa waiver program.
The duration varies by country, with stays ranging from 15 to 30 days:
30-Day Visa-Free Entry
- Albania – 30 days
- Antigua and Barbuda – 30 days
- Argentina – 30 days (From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026)
- Armenia – 30 days
- Bahamas – 30 days
- Bahrain – 30 days (From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026)
- Barbados – 30 days
- Belarus – 30 days
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 30 days
- Brazil – 30 days (From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026)
- Chile – 30 days (From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026)
- Dominica – 30 days
- Ecuador – 30 days
- Fiji – 30 days
- Georgia – 30 days
- Grenada – 30 days
- Kazakhstan – 30 days
- Kuwait – 30 days (From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026)
- Malaysia – 30 days
- Maldives – 30 days
- Mauritius – 30 days
- Oman – 30 days (From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026)
- Peru – 30 days (From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026)
- Qatar – 30 days
- Samoa – 30 days
- San Marino – 30 days
- Saudi Arabia – 30 days (From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026)
- Serbia – 30 days
- Seychelles – 30 days
- Singapore – 30 days
- Suriname – 30 days
- Thailand – 30 days
- Tonga – 30 days
- United Arab Emirates – 30 days
- Uruguay – 30 days (From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026)
- Uzbekistan – 30 days
15-Day Visa-Free Entry
- Andorra – 15 days
- Australia – 15 days
- Austria – 15 days
- Belgium – 15 days
- Brunei – 15 days
- Cyprus – 15 days
- Denmark – 15 days
- Finland – 15 days
- France – 15 days
- Germany – 15 days
- Greece – 15 days
- Hungary – 15 days
- Iceland – 15 days
- Ireland – 15 days
- Italy – 15 days
- Liechtenstein – 15 days
- Luxembourg – 15 days
- Monaco – 15 days
- Netherlands – 15 days
- New Zealand – 15 days
- Norway – 15 days
- Poland – 15 days
- Portugal – 15 days
- Slovakia – 15 days
- Slovenia – 15 days
- South Korea – 15 days
- Spain – 15 days
- Switzerland – 15 days
Entry Requirements and Restrictions
Documentation Required
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservations or invitation letter)
- Sufficient funds for your stay
Permitted Activities
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and conferences
- Visiting family and friends
- Transit through China
Restrictions
- Cannot work or engage in paid activities
- Cannot extend your stay beyond the allocated period
- Must exit China before the visa-free period expires
- Cannot apply for other types of visas while in China under this program
Ports of Entry
Visa-free entry is available at most major international airports, land borders, and seaports throughout China, including:
- Major Airports: Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao’an, Chengdu Tianfu
- Land Borders: Most official border crossings with neighboring countries
- Seaports: Shanghai, Tianjin, Dalian, and other major ports
Important Notes and Limitations
No Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays cannot be extended under any circumstances.
If you need to stay longer, you must exit China and apply for an appropriate visa.
Re-entry Rules
After your visa-free stay expires, there may be waiting periods before you can re-enter China visa-free.
Check current regulations as these can change.
Transit Visa Policies
China also offers 10-Day Transit Without Visa Exemptions for travelers from 55 countries passing through certain cities.
These are different from the bilateral visa waiver agreements listed above.
Before You Travel
Verify Current Status
Visa policies can change frequently.
Always verify the current status of your country’s visa waiver agreement before traveling by checking:
- Your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate
- Official Chinese immigration websites
- Your government’s travel advisory services
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for all international travel.
Health Requirements
Check current health and vaccination requirements, which may vary based on your departure country and current global health situations.
Recent Updates
China has been actively expanding its visa waiver program, with several countries added in 2024 and early 2025.
The program reflects China’s commitment to facilitating international travel and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Contact Information
For the most up-to-date information and specific questions about visa requirements:
- Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your country
- China Immigration Service official website
- Your government’s travel advisory services
