China Visa-Free Entry 2026: Who Qualifies and for How Long

The 30-day visa-free list

As of February 2026, ordinary-passport holders from 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days — for tourism, business, family visits or transit. The list covers most of Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, Ireland and more), plus Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. The current round runs through December 31, 2026.

• Your 30 days start counting from 00:00 the day after you arrive.
• The United States is not on the 30-day list — US passports use the 240-hour transit rule below.
• Check the official National Immigration Administration list for your passport before booking.

240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit

Citizens of 55 countries — including the US, UK, Canada and Russia — can transit China visa-free for up to 240 hours. It is a real trip, not just an airport layover: you leave the airport and travel within the permitted regions.

• You need an onward ticket to a third country or region (not back where you came from) departing within 240 hours.
• Enter through one of the 65 designated ports; movement is allowed within permitted areas of 24 provinces.
• Passport should be valid well beyond the trip — six months is the safe rule.

What border officers actually ask for

Arrivals are routine: you fill an arrival card, scan fingerprints, and may be asked for your onward ticket and first hotel address.

• Hotels register foreign guests automatically at check-in — keep your passport with you.
• Staying in a private home? You must register at the local police station within 24 hours.

How to plan around it

Thirty days is enough for a relaxed multi-city route; 240 hours fits one region done properly — Chongqing alone, or Beijing plus a day trip. ChinaHappens turns each city into a 60-second decision, with example day routes you can follow offline.

Before you go

City guides