Visa & Entry Policies

China’s entry rules have changed quickly since 2024. Treat this page as a planning brief, not legal advice: use it to understand the main paths, then verify your exact passport, purpose, ports, and route against official sources before buying non-refundable tickets.

Start with three questions

1. Which passport are you using? Visa-free access is passport-specific, not residence-specific.
2. How long will you stay in mainland China? Count from the day after entry for many visa-free policies.
3. Is China your destination or a transit stop? Transit visa-free entry usually requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.

30-day unilateral visa-free entry

As of the latest official FAQ checked on April 28, 2026, ordinary passport holders from 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange, or transit. The list includes many European countries plus Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Gulf countries, Russia, Sweden, Canada, and the UK.

The important traveler detail: Canada and the UK were added from February 17, 2026, with the policy effective until December 31, 2026. Russia’s trial period is separately listed by MFA through September 14, 2026. Other listed countries should still verify the current end date before travel.

240-hour transit visa-free route

The older 72-hour and 144-hour framing is outdated for the main policy. China’s National Immigration Administration expanded transit visa-free stays to 240 hours, or 10 days, for eligible travelers who:

• hold valid international travel documents,
• have confirmed onward interline tickets to a third country or region,
• enter through an eligible port,
• stay within the permitted regions,
• do not use the stay for work, study, or journalism.

Official reporting in late 2025 placed the program at 55 eligible countries, 65 eligible ports, and 24 provincial-level regions. Because port coverage and regional movement rules can change, verify the exact arrival and departure ports before treating a route as safe.

Arrival card and airport flow

From November 20, 2025, official reporting said foreign travelers can complete entry cards online before arrival, with on-site electronic and paper options still available at inspection points. Keep the following ready:

• passport valid for the trip,
• hotel address or first-night address in China,
• return or onward ticket details,
• visa or visa-free basis,
• phone number and emergency contact.

Common failure modes

• Round trip is not transit. A route like London -> Shanghai -> London usually does not satisfy a third-country transit requirement.
• Hong Kong and Macao routing needs care. They may be treated as separate regions for some transit rules, but your airline, port, and official rule wording must align.
• Overstaying a visa-free period is serious. Build schedule buffers around overnight flights and delays.
• Purpose matters. Tourism and business visits are different from employment, study, journalism, or long-term residence.
• Airline check-in can be stricter than your reading of the rule. Carry official source links and onward proof.

Official checks before booking

• MFA FAQ on unilateral visa-free entry: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/wjbzwfwpt/kzx/tzgg/202511/t20251110_11749824.html
• State Council / NIA reporting on 240-hour transit expansion: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202511/04/content_WS69094ae0c6d00ca5f9a07472.html
• NIA English news page: https://en.nia.gov.cn/

Using the Visa Wizard

For a quick route-aware planning check before you verify official rules, use the interactive tool below. It gives a planning signal; it does not replace consular or border inspection confirmation.