How to Travel to China Visa-Free in 2026
For most travelers, obtaining a visa for China is no longer a major concern. Many nationalities now enjoy visa-free entry for stays of 10 to 30 days.
In the section below, we’ll show you which countries are eligible for visa-free travel to China.
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China Extends Visa-Free Entry Through December 31, 2026
Wondering whether you can enter China without a visa? Check the updated list below to see if your country qualifies.
Europe
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the 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 (visa-free until September 14, 2026), and Sweden.
Asia-Pacific
South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
Middle East
Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
South America
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Countries with Mutual Visa Exemption (30-day visa-free entry per visit)
Citizens of the following countries can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days under mutual visa-exemption agreements:
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Albania, Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Qatar, Mauritius, Serbia, Seychelles, San Marino, Suriname, Tonga, Armenia, Georgia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Micronesia.
10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy
Eligible Travelers:
Citizens of 54 countries — including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom — can take advantage of this policy.
Where You Can Visit:
Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, and many other cities within the designated transit region.
How to Apply:
Simply request a temporary entry permit upon arrival at your port of entry in China.
Key Requirement:
Your trip must involve transit through China to a third country or region. Please review the full conditions of the 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy for details.
Hotlines for Entry and Exit Information (National Immigration Administration):
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Beijing: 0086-10-12367
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Shanghai: 0086-21-12367
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Guangzhou: 0086-20-12367
APEC Business Travel Card Holders
Holders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card can enter China without a visa.
With a valid APEC Business Travel Card, travelers are allowed to stay in China for up to 60 days, making business travel across the region faster and more convenient.
Holders of Aliens' Residence Permits
Foreign nationals who hold Aliens’ Permanent Residence Permits issued by the People’s Republic of China Public Security Bureau (PSB) do not require a visa to enter China.
Foreigners coming to China for study, work, or as resident correspondents must apply for an Aliens’ Residence Permit at the local PSB within one month of arrival.
FAQs
Can I use the 30-day visa-free entry multiple times?
Yes! The 30-day visa-free entry can be used repeatedly. Once your 30-day stay ends, you can leave China and re-enter. There is no mandatory gap between visits.
Can I use the 10-day visa-free transit multiple times?
Yes. As long as your trip follows the 10-day visa-free transit route requirements, you can make multiple entries under this policy.
How should I plan my trip to China efficiently?
We recommend using major cities as your entry and exit points, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong. Hong Kong is especially convenient due to its extensive international flight connections.
Many travelers prefer flying into Beijing and out of Shanghai, or vice versa, for a smooth route.
- For the 30-day visa-free stay, you can plan an extended route like:
Beijing → Xi'an → Lhasa → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai
- For the 10-day visa-free transit, a shorter route works best:
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Since the 10-day visa-free transit requires you to be traveling through China to a third country or region, you can also choose Hong Kong as your exit point if traveling onward is less convenient. Hong Kong connects seamlessly with mainland China and offers a wide range of international flights.
Why start your China journey from Beijing?
Beijing is the heart of Chinese history and culture. Starting your trip here gives you access to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall, providing a rich introduction to China’s past and present. It also offers excellent transportation links for onward travel to other major cities.
Why choose our boutique, authentic Beijing tour team?
Our team is deeply rooted in Beijing, with over 20 years of local experience. We offer personalized, detailed, and authentic travel experiences, helping you explore both the famous landmarks and hidden gems that only locals know. With us, your Beijing trip is not just sightseeing—it’s a fully immersive cultural journey.
FAQs
Can I use the 30-day visa-free entry multiple times?
Yes! The 30-day visa-free entry can be used repeatedly. Once your 30-day stay ends, you can leave China and re-enter. There is no mandatory gap between visits.
Can I use the 10-day visa-free transit multiple times?
Yes. As long as your trip follows the 10-day visa-free transit route requirements, you can make multiple entries under this policy.
How should I plan my trip to China efficiently?
We recommend using major cities as your entry and exit points, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong. Hong Kong is especially convenient due to its extensive international flight connections.
Many travelers prefer flying into Beijing and out of Shanghai, or vice versa, for a smooth route.
- For the 30-day visa-free stay, you can plan an extended route like:
Beijing → Xi'an → Lhasa → Chengdu → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai
- For the 10-day visa-free transit, a shorter route works best:
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai
Since the 10-day visa-free transit requires you to be traveling through China to a third country or region, you can also choose Hong Kong as your exit point if traveling onward is less convenient. Hong Kong connects seamlessly with mainland China and offers a wide range of international flights.
Why start your China journey from Beijing?
Beijing is the heart of Chinese history and culture. Starting your trip here gives you access to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall, providing a rich introduction to China’s past and present. It also offers excellent transportation links for onward travel to other major cities.
Why choose our boutique, authentic Beijing tour team?
Our team is deeply rooted in Beijing, with over 20 years of local experience. We offer personalized, detailed, and authentic travel experiences, helping you explore both the famous landmarks and hidden gems that only locals know. With us, your Beijing trip is not just sightseeing—it’s a fully immersive cultural journey.
Popular Visa-Free Tours & Recommended Beijing Custom Tours
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.
1-Day Tour
1-Day Beijing Stopover Tour
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.
1-Day Tour
1-Day Beijing Impressions Tour
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.
4-day Tour
4-Day Imperial Highlights of Beijing
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.
3-day group Tour
3-Day Beijing Group Tour
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.
5-day Family Tour
5-day Immersive Family Culture Tour
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.