Last updated: May 2026
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 greatly expanded its visa-free entry options in recent years to boost tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges.
This guide explains the current visa waiver policies for mainland China, including eligible countries, stay durations, entry requirements, restrictions, and other helpful schemes.
What Are China’s Visa Waiver Programs?
China offers two main types of visa-free entry:
- Unilateral (temporary) 30-day visa-free policy: China unilaterally allows citizens of certain countries to enter visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy has been expanded and extended multiple times and currently covers around 50 countries. It is mostly valid until December 31, 2026 (with some variations).
- Bilateral (mutual) visa exemption agreements: Permanent or long-term agreements with specific countries that allow visa-free entry, often for similar purposes and durations.
Important note on stay duration: The vast majority of these policies allow a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. However, a few older bilateral agreements permit longer stays (e.g., up to 90 days for San Marino, and in some cases for Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Always confirm the exact limit for your nationality.
Eligible purposes across both programs generally include tourism, business, family/friend visits, exchanges, and transit. These policies do not allow employment, long-term study, or paid activities.
Unilateral 30-Day Visa-Free Policy (Temporary)
Ordinary passport holders from the following countries can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for the purposes listed above.
Europe (35+ countries): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
Asia: Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Saudi Arabia.
Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.
Key expiration details (as of May 2026):
- Brunei: No expiration date (ongoing unilateral policy).
- Russia: Valid until September 14, 2026.
- Canada and United Kingdom: Effective from February 17, 2026, until December 31, 2026.
- All other listed countries: Valid until December 31, 2026 (subject to possible further extensions).
Bilateral / Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements (Often Permanent)
These are separate standing agreements and are not subject to the temporary unilateral expiration dates above.
Many also allow 30-day stays, though a few permit longer periods. Examples include:
- Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (some allow 90 days within a 180-day period)
- Belarus, Serbia
- Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia
- United Arab Emirates, Qatar
- Kazakhstan, Maldives, Georgia, Seychelles, Mauritius, and others (full list evolves; check official sources for your nationality)
San Marino: Traditionally allows up to 90 days under its bilateral agreement.
If your country has a mutual visa exemption agreement, it is generally more stable long-term than the unilateral policy.
Entry Requirements and Practical Tips
To use any visa-free entry:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from China.
- You should have a confirmed onward/return ticket.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds and accommodation if requested.
- Entry is possible at most major airports, seaports, and land borders, though some smaller ports may have restrictions.
Restrictions:
- You cannot work, study long-term, or engage in paid activities.
- Stays cannot usually be extended (you must leave China before or on the 30th day).
- Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans.
- Multiple entries may be allowed under some policies, but each stay is limited to 30 days (or the specified duration).
Other Popular Visa-Free Schemes
- Hainan Province 30-day visa-free: Separate policy for 59 countries (includes the US, UK, Russia, and many others not on the main unilateral list). Limited to stays entirely within Hainan.
- 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit: Available at many major airports and ports for citizens of 55+ countries when transiting to a third country/region. Highly useful for stopovers.
These are niche but valuable options—check if they apply to your itinerary.
Final Advice
China’s visa waiver programs make travel easier than ever for eligible nationalities.
Whether you’re coming for a quick business trip, family visit, or leisure, these policies remove a major barrier.
Policies evolve quickly, so treat this as a starting point. For the most accurate and up-to-date list, visit the Chinese National Immigration Administration website or contact your local Chinese diplomatic mission.