China has introduced major updates to its visa-free travel policies, making it easier than ever for international travelers to visit the country. In 2026, China now offers several visa-free entry options, including 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of 50 countries, 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit for travelers from 55 countries, and a 24-hour visa-free transit policy available to travelers from all countries. These policies allow tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers to explore China without applying for a traditional visa in advance, greatly simplifying travel planning.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry Policy (2026)

One of the most significant updates to China’s immigration policy is the 30-day visa-free entry program. Under this policy, citizens from 50 countries can enter China without a visa for short-term visits.

Travelers holding ordinary passports may visit China for the following purposes:

Tourism
Business activities
Visiting relatives or friends
Cultural exchange or visits
Transit

The maximum stay is 30 days, and the permitted stay period starts from 00:00 on the day after entry into China.

Activities such as employment, journalism, or long-term study are not covered under the visa-free policy and still require an appropriate visa.

China Visa-Free

Countries Eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Europe (35 countries)

France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Switzerland
Ireland
Hungary
Austria
Belgium
Luxembourg
Poland
Slovenia
Portugal
Greece
Cyprus
Slovakia
Norway
Finland
Denmark
Iceland
Andorra
Monaco
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Romania
Croatia
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Malta
Estonia
Latvia
Russia
Sweden
United Kingdom

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia
New Zealand

Asia (7 countries)

Brunei
South Korea
Japan
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain

Americas (6 countries)

Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Peru
Uruguay
Canada

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Another important visa-free option is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows travelers to stay in certain regions of China for up to 10 days without a visa.

This policy is available to citizens from 55 countries who are transiting through China to a third country or region.

Travelers must hold:

A valid international travel document (passport)
A confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region
A fixed travel itinerary

Eligible travelers can enter China through 65 designated ports across 24 provinces and stay in the permitted regions for up to 240 hours (10 days).

During the visa-free transit stay, travelers can participate in activities such as:

Tourism
Business meetings
Visiting relatives or friends
Cultural exchanges

Activities that require special approval, such as employment, academic study, or journalism, still require a visa.

Countries Eligible for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Europe (40 countries)

Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Monaco
Russia
United Kingdom
Ireland
Cyprus
Bulgaria
Romania
Ukraine
Serbia
Croatia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Albania
Belarus
Norway

Americas (6 countries)

United States
Canada
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Chile

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia
New Zealand

Asia (7 countries)

South Korea
Japan
Singapore
Brunei
United Arab Emirates
Qatar
Indonesia

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

China also offers a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from all countries worldwide.

Under this policy, international travelers transiting through China can stay in the country for up to 24 hours without a visa, provided they meet the following conditions:

Hold a valid international travel document
Possess confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region
Remain within the port area or designated transit zone

This policy applies to passengers traveling by:

International flights
International cruise ships
International trains

If travelers wish to leave the airport or port area during the 24-hour transit period, they must apply for a temporary entry permit from the immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Key Differences Between China’s Visa-Free Policies

China’s visa-free entry system now consists of three main categories.

30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Available to citizens of 50 countries for tourism, business visits, and short-term travel.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Available to citizens of 55 countries who are transiting to a third country.

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Available to travelers from all countries for short layovers.

Each policy has different requirements and permitted activities, so travelers should choose the option that best fits their itinerary.

Important Things Travelers Should Know

Before traveling to China using visa-free policies, visitors should keep several practical points in mind.

Passport validity

Most airlines require passports to be valid for at least six months before travel.

Onward travel requirement

Transit visa-free travelers must show proof of onward travel to a third country or region.

Accommodation registration

Foreign visitors must register their address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels usually complete this process automatically.

Travel restrictions

Some regions in China require additional permits. For example, visiting Tibet requires a special travel permit arranged through a licensed travel agency.

Planning Your Visa-Free Trip to China

With the expansion of visa-free travel policies in 2026, visiting China has become much more convenient for international travelers. Whether exploring major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or Chongqing, or experiencing cultural and natural attractions across the country, these policies offer greater flexibility for short-term travel.

For travelers planning to explore more remote regions such as Tibet or western China, professional travel agencies like China Dragon Travel can assist with travel permits, transportation arrangements, and customized itineraries to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.