China’s Visa-Free Policies: Latest Updates

China offers a range of visa-free travel policies, allowing citizens from numerous countries to visit for short-term stays without a visa. This article outlines all current visa-free options, eligibility criteria, and recent updates as of February 10, 2025.

Recent Updates

• February 10, 2025: A new visa-free policy allows tourist groups (two or more people) from ASEAN countries with ordinary passports, organized by Chinese travel agencies, to visit Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, for up to six days. Entry and exit are permitted via Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port, and Mohan Highway Port, with stays limited to the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The stay begins at 00:00 the day after entry.
• December 28, 2024: A mutual visa exemption agreement between China and the Solomon Islands took effect. Ordinary passport holders can stay up to 30 days per visit, with a cumulative stay of 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism, business, or family visits. Visas are required for longer stays or activities like work or study.
• December 17, 2024: China expanded its visa-free transit policy to allow a 240-hour (10-day) stay, up from 72/144 hours, adding 21 new ports (totaling 60 across 24 provinces) for eligible travelers from 54 countries.
• November 30, 2024: China extended unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan. The policy now allows a 30-day stay (up from 15 days) for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit, effective until December 31, 2025.
• November 8, 2024: Visa-free entry was introduced for ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea, allowing 15-day stays for business, tourism, or transit until December 31, 2025.
• July 30, 2024: A 144-hour visa-free policy was launched for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao visiting Hainan, enhancing tourism and cultural exchanges.
• May 15, 2024: Foreign tourist groups entering China via cruise ships at 13 coastal ports can stay visa-free for up to 15 days, provided they remain with the same ship.

Overview of Visa-Free Policies

Since reopening its borders in March 2023, China has resumed and expanded visa-free entry options for international travelers. These policies cater to individual travelers, tour groups, and specific regions, with varying durations and purposes.

1. Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements

China has mutual visa exemption agreements with over 150 countries, though most apply to diplomatic or official passports. For ordinary passport holders, 25 countries enjoy visa-free access as of November 25, 2024:

• Countries: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Qatar, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Thailand, Tonga, United Arab Emirates.
• Details: Citizens can stay up to 30 days per visit (90 days cumulative within 180 days) for tourism, business, or family visits. Visas are required for longer stays or activities like work, study, or journalism.
• Effective Dates: Range from 1985 (San Marino) to December 28, 2024 (Solomon Islands).

2. Unilateral Visa-Free Travel

China offers unilateral visa-free entry to 38 countries as of November 30, 2024, allowing stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit. This policy is valid until December 31, 2025, unless extended.

• Countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland.
• Exceptions: Visas are required for stays over 30 days or for work, study, or journalism.

3. Visa-Free Transit Policies

China offers two transit policies for travelers heading to a third country:

• 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit:
  • Eligibility: Citizens of 54 countries, including 25 Schengen nations, 15 other European countries, 6 Americas countries, 2 Oceania countries, and 6 Asian countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea).
  • Details: Allows a 10-day stay in designated regions via 60 ports across 24 provinces. Travelers must have a valid passport (minimum 3 months validity) and a connecting ticket to a third country.
  • Restrictions: Excludes those with recent illegal entry records or serious violations. Travel is limited to specific areas, and exit must occur through designated ports.
• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit:
  • Eligibility: All nationalities (except those barred by law).
  • Details: Permits a 24-hour stay in the arrival city with a connecting ticket to a third country. Travelers cannot leave the city.

4. Regional Visa-Free Policies

• Pearl River Delta (PRD):
  • Eligibility: Tour groups from countries with diplomatic relations with China, organized by Hong Kong or Macao-registered travel agencies.
  • Details: Up to 6 days (144 hours) in 9 PRD cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, etc.) or Shantou. Groups must enter and exit via Hong Kong or Macao.
• Hainan:
  • Eligibility: Citizens of 59 countries (e.g., USA, UK, Russia, Japan).
  • Details: 30-day visa-free stay for business, tourism, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, or sports (excluding work/study). Entry is via direct flights from outside mainland China.
  • Tour Groups: A 144-hour visa-free policy applies to groups from Hong Kong/Macao since July 30, 2024.
• Guilin:
  • Eligibility: Tour groups (minimum 2 people) from 10 ASEAN countries, organized by Guilin-registered agencies.
  • Details: 6-day (144-hour) stay in Guilin via Guilin airport.
• Xishuangbanna:
  • Eligibility: ASEAN tour groups (2+ people) with ordinary passports, organized by Chinese agencies.
  • Details: 6-day stay in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture via designated ports (Gasa Airport, Mohan Railway/Highway Ports).

5. Cruise Ship Visa-Free Entry

• Eligibility: Foreign tour groups (2+ people) organized by Chinese agencies, arriving via cruise ships.
• Details: Up to 15 days in 13 coastal cities (e.g., Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen) and Beijing. Groups must stay with the same ship and depart from a coastal port.

6. Special Cards and Permits

• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC):
  • Eligibility: Citizens of 21 APEC economies (excluding Canada and USA for China entry).
  • Details: Allows multiple 60-day entries for business within the card’s 5-year validity.
• Permanent Residence Card:
  • Eligibility: Foreigners meeting stringent work/liquidity criteria.
  • Details: Unlimited entry/exit without visas.
• Residence Permit:
  • Eligibility: Foreigners with work/study permits.
  • Details: Multiple entries/exits during permit validity.

7. Port Visa (Visa on Arrival)

• Details: Available for emergencies via email application to Beijing Port Visa Office (bjcrjka@nia.gov.cn). Travelers receive a Pre-Acceptance Receipt to board flights, then complete the process at 24/7 Beijing airport visa offices for up to 30 days.

FAQs

1. Do I need to notify Chinese embassies before visa-free entry?
   No, eligible travelers don’t need to pre-notify.
2. Are additional documents required besides a passport?
   Immigration may verify your purpose. Carry supporting documents (e.g., invitation letters, tickets, hotel bookings) to assist verification.
3. Are there special requirements for minors?
   No, minors follow the same rules as adults.
4. What are passport requirements?
   Ordinary passports must be valid for your stay. Temporary/emergency documents don’t qualify.
5. How is the stay period calculated?
   For 15-day policies, you can stay until midnight on the 15th day. For 30-day policies, it’s 30 consecutive days.
6. Can I enter from a country other than my own?
   Yes, you can depart from any country outside China.
7. Does the policy apply to non-air travel?
   Yes, it covers sea, land, and air travel unless specified otherwise. Private vehicles must follow entry/exit regulations.
8. Are tour groups eligible?
   Yes, both groups and individuals can use visa-free policies if eligible.
9. Can I extend a visa-free stay?
   For stays beyond the allowed period, apply for a visa in advance or a temporary stay permit before expiry.
10. Are multiple entries allowed?
    Yes, with no limits on entries or total stay days, but activities must align with the entry purpose.