Your Ultimate Guide to China Visa-Free Travel in 2025/2026
Planning a trip to China but dreading the visa application process? You're in luck! China has significantly expanded its visa-free policies, making it easier than ever for travelers from dozens of countries to explore its stunning landscapes, bustling cities, and rich history without the need for a traditional visa.
From unilateral visa exemptions to multi-city transit policies and regional visa-free zones, understanding the options available can seem complex. This guide breaks down every major visa-free policy for 2025 and 2026, giving you the detailed information you need to plan a seamless and unforgettable journey. We'll cover everything from the new 30-day visa-free access to transit rules, and special regional exemptions in places like Hainan and the Pearl River Delta.
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30-Day Visa-Free Policy: A game-changer for tourists from numerous countries.
240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit Policy: Ideal for travelers passing through China to a third country.
Visa-Free Policies in Hong Kong and Macau: Separate rules for China's special administrative regions.
Special Regional Visa-Free Programs: Policies for specific areas like Hainan and the Pearl River Delta.
Other Visa-Free Travel Facilitations: Information for APEC cardholders and permanent residents.
1. The 30-Day Visa-Free Policy: A Game-Changer for Travelers
This is arguably the most impactful visa-free policy for tourists, offering a direct, hassle-free way to enter and explore most of mainland China. As of late 2024 and extending into 2025 and 2026, China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for citizens of numerous countries, allowing for a 30-day visa-free stay for purposes of tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
Who is eligible for the 30-day visa-free policy?
Until December 31, 2025: If you are a citizen of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Brunei, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, or Croatia, you can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay.
From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026: Nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026: Citizens from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain are granted a 30-day visa-free stay.
From September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026: Citizens of Russia can also visit China visa-free for up to 30 days.
Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand continue to enjoy mutual visa exemption agreements with China, allowing for a 30-day visa-free stay.
Key things to know:
This policy applies to those with ordinary passports.
The 30-day period begins on the day after you arrive.
While a visa is not required, it's wise to have documents supporting your purpose of travel, such as a return flight ticket and accommodation reservations.
This policy offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to create your own itinerary and explore major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an without being tied to a specific tour group.
2. The 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit Policy
The visa-free transit policy is a fantastic option for travelers passing through China on their way to another country. It's often referred to as the 240-hour (10-day) Visa-Free Transit (TWOV) and is available to citizens of 55 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
How it works:
You must be transiting through China to a third country or region. For example, your flight path could be Los Angeles -> Beijing -> London. You cannot use this policy for a round trip from your home country (e.g., New York -> Shanghai -> New York).
The stay period has been extended from the previous 144 hours to 240 hours, which is a full 10 days. The clock starts at 00:00 (midnight) on the day after your arrival, giving you a total of nearly 11 days to explore.
Eligible Countries: The policy is available to citizens of a large number of countries across Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Asia. This includes but is not limited to:
Europe (39 countries): Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
The Americas (6 countries): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and the United States.
Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand.
Asia (6 countries): Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
Where can you visit?
The permitted areas for visa-free transit have been expanded to 24 provinces and municipalities across China, giving you a huge amount of flexibility. You can travel across provinces within the designated areas. Some of the most popular cities for visa-free transit include Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Chongqing, Guilin, and more.
How to apply for a temporary entry permit:
The process is straightforward. When you check in for your flight, inform the airline staff that you intend to use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Upon arrival in China, proceed to the designated "transit without visa" lane at the immigration counter. You'll need to present your passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
Recommended Visa-Free Transit Tours:
6D5N Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Mini Small Group Tour
8-Day Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Tour: Explore China’s Cultural Gems
Kunming Dali Lijiang Luguhu Xishuangbanna 10 Days 9 Nights Small Group Tour
3. Visa-Free Policies in Hong Kong and Macau
For most nationalities, Hong Kong and Macau have their own visa-free policies that are separate from mainland China. These are excellent destinations to visit on their own or to use as a gateway to mainland China.
Hong Kong: Citizens of approximately 160 countries can enjoy visa-free entry, with stays ranging from 7 to 180 days. U.S. and Canadian passport holders can stay for up to 90 days, while UK nationals are permitted up to 180 days. For more detailed information, please see Hong Kong's visa policy on our website.
Macau: Entry is visa-free for citizens of about 38 countries, including those from the EU, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with a permitted stay of up to 90 days. British nationals can stay for up to 6 months. For more, see Macau's visa policy on fanketravel.com.
Travelers can use these special administrative regions to their advantage. For instance, you could fly into Hong Kong, explore the city, and then travel to a mainland city like Shenzhen using one of the other visa-free policies, such as the Pearl River Delta exemption.
4. Special Regional Visa-Free Programs
In addition to the national policies, China offers several regional exemptions designed to boost tourism in specific areas.
This policy is perfect for travelers coming from Hong Kong or Macau who want to explore the vibrant cities of southern China.
Who is it for? International visitors traveling in a tour group of 3 to 40 people organized by a registered travel agency in Hong Kong or Macau.
Where can you visit? The conurbation surrounding the Pearl River Delta, including major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Shantou.
Stay Duration: You can stay for a maximum of 6 days.
6 Days Tour Guilin - Longsheng - Sanjiang Nationalities Village - Yangshuo
This policy is specifically for tour groups from member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Who is it for? Tour groups from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, and the Philippines.
Where can you visit? The administrative region of Guilin, famous for its stunning karst mountains and scenic rivers.
Stay Duration: You can stay for up to 6 days.
Requirements: You must enter and exit through the Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and be with a registered travel agency.
Plan your Guilin trip with our recommended tours:
4 Days Guilin - Longsheng Rice Terraces - Yangshuo
6 Days Tour Guilin - Longsheng - Sanjiang Nationalities Village - Yangshuo
Shanghai 15-Day Visa-Free Policy for Cruise Groups
If you're on a cruise, this policy allows you to explore China's coast and major cities as part of a tour group.
Who is it for? Foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise ship at Shanghai's cruise terminals.
Where can you visit? Not only Shanghai, but also other coastal municipalities (like Beijing and Tianjin) and provinces (Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan).
Stay Duration: You can stay for up to 15 days.
Requirements: You must arrive and depart on the same cruise ship and be received by a Chinese travel agent.
Check out our popular Shanghai suhang tour: 2025 Suzhou and Hangzhou Dragon Dream 6-day 5-night in-depth boutique tour
Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Access
Hainan Island, a tropical paradise known as "the Hawaii of China," has a very liberal visa-free policy that applies to both groups and individual tourists.
Who is it for? Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and Australia.
Stay Duration: You can stay on the island for a maximum of 30 days.
Requirements: While the policy has been expanded, it's still best to book your tour through an accredited travel agency that's approved by the National Travel Administration and registered in Hainan Province.
5. Other Visa-Free Travel Facilitations
Beyond the specific policies for tourists, there are a couple of other important facilitations for certain types of travelers.
APEC Business Travel Card Holders
If you hold a valid Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card, you can enter China without applying for a visa.
Stay Duration: APEC Business Travel Card holders can stay for up to 60 days per visit.
Benefit: The card also grants you fast-track access through special APEC lanes at airports, making your entry and exit process significantly faster.
Holders of Aliens' Residence Permits
If you are already living in China for work, study, or family reasons and hold a valid Aliens' Permanent Residence Certificate issued by China's Public Security Bureau (PSB), you do not need a visa to re-enter the country. This is a crucial document for long-term residents.
Plan Your Perfect Visa-Free China Trip
With these diverse and expanded visa-free policies, China is more accessible than ever. Whether you're looking for a quick stopover in Beijing, a relaxing 30-day holiday, or a unique cruise tour, there's a visa-free option for you.
To ensure a smooth and worry-free experience, consider working with a reputable travel agency that specializes in visa-free tours. They can help you navigate the specific requirements and create a personalized itinerary that maximizes your time and fits within the visa-free rules.
Ready to start your adventure? Our expert travel advisors can help you plan an unforgettable journey to China without the visa hassle. Contact us to learn more about our popular visa-free tours and how we can customize an itinerary just for you on Fanke Travel.
