🛂 Visa & Entry Policy
The complete 2026 guide to China's visa-free and transit visa-free entry policies.
30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Policy
Citizens of the following 44 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. No prior visa application needed — just show your passport at border control.
Eligible Countries (44)
30-Day Visa-Free Entry Process
- 1
Check Your Passport
Ensure passport is valid for 6+ months with at least two blank visa pages.
- 2
Prepare Documents
Round-trip flight itinerary and hotel booking confirmation (recommended).
- 3
Fill Arrival Card
Complete the Foreigner Entry Card (Chinese/English) on the plane or at the port.
- 4
Immigration Check
Present your passport and flight itinerary. Border control stamps your passport. 30 days start from the day after entry.
240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa-Free Policy
This is China's most generous short-term visa-free policy. Travelers from 55 eligible countries holding onward tickets to a third country/region can enter China visa-free through 60 designated ports and stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) within permitted regions.
Maximum stay (10 days)
Eligible countries
Designated ports of entry
Provinces you can travel within
240-Hour Transit Eligible Countries (55)
Includes most of Europe (Schengen + UK, etc.), Americas (U.S., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, etc.), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.), and Middle East. See full list below.
Transit Visa-Free Application Process
- 1
Must Have Onward Ticket
Confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region within 72 hours. Example: New York → Beijing → Tokyo.
- 2
Enter Through Designated Ports Only
Travelers from 55 eligible countries must enter through one of 60 designated ports. Non-designated airports are not eligible.
- 3
Fill Temporary Entry Card
Complete the Foreigner Temporary Entry Card at the port. Border control stamps your passport with the allowed stay duration and region.
- 4
Stay Restrictions
Maximum stay of 240 hours (10 days). Travel is permitted within designated provinces. No work or study. Must depart from a designated port before expiry.
60 Designated Entry Ports (Selected)
Transit visa-free entry must be through designated ports. Key ports below:
For the complete list of 60 ports, check the National Immigration Administration (NIA) official website.
Policy Comparison
| Item | 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free | 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Countries | 44 countries | 55 countries |
| Maximum Stay | 30 days | 240 hours (10 days) |
| Onward Ticket Required | No | Required |
| Entry Port Restriction | All open ports | 60 designated ports only |
| Travel Scope | Nationwide | 24 designated provinces |
| Validity | Until Dec 31, 2026 | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
If I qualify for both 30-day visa-free AND 240-hour transit, which should I use?
Always prefer the 30-day visa-free (no onward ticket required, longer stay, nationwide travel). Use 240-hour transit only if your country is in the 55-country list but not in the 44-country 30-day list.
Can I enter from Hong Kong under the transit policy?
Yes. Entering mainland China from Hong Kong or Macau through a designated port qualifies for 240-hour transit. Hong Kong → Shenzhen → third country is a classic route.
Can I extend the 240 hours once I'm in China?
No. Transit visa-free stays cannot be extended and cannot be converted to other visa types. For longer trips, apply for a tourist visa (L visa) at a Chinese embassy/consulate before departure.
Where can I check the latest policy?
China's entry policies have been progressively relaxed. Check the National Immigration Administration (NIA) official website at en.nia.gov.cn before traveling for the latest updates.
Information sourced from public policy channels. Verify with official announcements before travel.
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