Important distinction
Visa-free entry and visa-free transit are not the same
Eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, purpose, itinerary, entry port and current policy. Never rely only on a country list copied from an unofficial website.
30-day unilateral visa exemption
According to the National Immigration Administration list compiled as of 17 February 2026, eligible nationals holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits or transit, for stays of up to 30 days. The permitted purpose and duration matter; work and study generally require the appropriate visa or authorization.
240-hour visa-free transit
This is a transit policy, not a general 10-day visa-free holiday. Eligible travelers must hold valid international travel documents and confirmed onward transport to a third country or region. They must enter through an eligible port and remain within the permitted area. Hong Kong and Macao can count as third regions for itinerary purposes, subject to the applicable rules.
24-hour visa-free transit
Foreign nationals transiting to a third country or region may qualify for a stay of no more than 24 hours under the applicable port-transit rules. Leaving the restricted transit area may require permission from border inspection authorities.
30-day unilateral exemption
Countries on the official list
The following list is based on the National Immigration Administration page compiled as of 17 February 2026. It applies to eligible ordinary-passport holders and specified short-stay purposes.
Europe · 35
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Asia · 7
Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia.
Americas · 6
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
Oceania · 2
Australia and New Zealand.
Before departure
Five checks to make before relying on visa-free travel
1. Check your passport type and validity
The unilateral policy refers to ordinary passports. Emergency, temporary, diplomatic, service and other travel documents may be treated differently. Your document must be valid for the intended trip.
2. Confirm that your travel purpose is permitted
Tourism, business, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits and transit are among the stated purposes. Employment, study and journalism may require prior approval and the correct visa.
3. Distinguish entry from transit
If you rely on the 240-hour transit policy, your itinerary generally needs to be Country or Region A → mainland China → Country or Region B. Returning directly to the same country or region may not satisfy the third-destination requirement.
4. Keep proof of your itinerary and accommodation
Carry confirmed onward transport, accommodation details, contact information and a clear explanation of your itinerary. Border authorities may ask for supporting information.
5. Recheck immediately before travel
Country coverage, end dates, eligible ports and permitted areas can change. Recheck official sources before buying non-refundable travel and once again shortly before departure.