An overview of the visa-free entry options currently available to international travelers visiting China. This guide is provided for reference only — visa policies change frequently, so please always confirm the latest requirements with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before you travel.
For travelers transiting through China to a third country or region. Stay up to 10 days (240 hours) in designated areas.
For citizens of 50 countries. Enter China without a visa for tourism, business, family visits, exchange or transit, and stay up to 30 days.
China currently applies the 240-hour transit visa-free policy to citizens of 57 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, most European countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and others.
China unilaterally waives visas for citizens of 50 countries holding ordinary passports, for business, tourism, family and friends visits, exchange and transit, with a stay of no more than 30 days (current policy valid until December 31, 2026).
Europe (35): France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom.
Americas (6): Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.
Asia-Pacific (5): Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brunei.
Middle East (4): Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.
Travelers from countries not covered by the visa-free policies above generally need to apply for a China tourist visa before traveling. For example, United States citizens are not currently included in the 30-day direct visa-free list, although they may qualify for the 240-hour transit visa-free policy if they meet the transit requirements.
U.S. citizens are not currently covered by the 30-day direct visa-free policy and generally need a China tourist visa. However, U.S. citizens may qualify for the 240-hour transit visa-free policy if they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, enter through an eligible port, and leave China within 10 days.
The 240-hour transit visa-free policy requires an onward ticket to a third country or region and limits your stay to 10 days in designated areas. The 30-day direct visa-free entry applies to citizens of 50 countries and allows visa-free entry for up to 30 days without an onward ticket. Transit does not allow re-entry into China for further stays.
No. Visa-free stays cannot be extended under any circumstances. You must leave China before the permitted duration expires.
No. Visa-free entry is limited to tourism, business, family visits, exchange and transit. Working or studying requires the appropriate visa and is not permitted on a visa-free stay.
The policy currently applies to citizens of 57 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, most European countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and others. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for the latest list.
You will generally need to apply for a China tourist visa before traveling. As a licensed inbound travel agency, Yajoon Travel provides official visa supporting documents and stamped itineraries with our tour packages. Please contact our team or see our visa support page for details.
Whether you qualify for visa-free entry or need a visa and invitation letter, our team is here to help you plan a smooth trip.
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Visitors holding ordinary passports from more than 50 countries worldwide are eligible for China's visa-free entry policy, covering many nations in ASEAN, Europe, the Americas and other regions. For the latest details, please refer to the official list released by the National Immigration Administration of China.
Most visa-free policies allow a stay of 14 days, while visa-free transit at certain air routes/ports permits a stay of 72 hours or 144 hours.
A passport with a validity of more than 6 months, a return/onward air ticket and hotel bookings are required, and no visa is needed.
You may visit the open areas covered by the visa-free policy; a relevant travel permit is required in advance for traveling to non-open areas.
Extensions are generally not available in China for those who enter visa-free. You must exit the country on time upon the expiration of your stay, and an overstay will affect future entries.
Travelers enjoying visa-free entry to China often choose flexible and immersive itineraries. Among them, Beijing stands out as the perfect starting point for a personalized journey.
🌟 Check out our recommended boutique Beijing tours to explore the city like a local, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
Time-Smart Great Wall Layover
Make the most of your Beijing stopover with a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Ideal for travelers with 10+ hours at Capital Airport or 12+ hours at Daxing Airport, this one-day tour lets you experience the Great Wall without wasting a minute.
Discover Beijing and the Great Wall in just one day. See the world’s largest city square, skip the lines at the Forbidden City, and explore its hidden halls. Hike the stunning Mutianyu Great Wall.
This 4-day Beijing itinerary covers all the essential sights for first-time visitors, offering not just a glimpse of the city’s landmarks but a deeper look into the rich history and culture that shaped them.
This 3-day group tour offers an elegant exploration of Beijing, seamlessly combining iconic landmarks, cultural heritage, and contemporary highlights, all thoughtfully curated for an enriching and memorable experience.
This 5-day tour is perfect for families who want an easy, engaging way to explore Beijing. Enjoy iconic sites, fun cultural activities, and experiences that connect different ages and interests — all without the stress of planning.