30-Day Visa-Free Policy in China: Everything You Need to Know
Latest Notice
From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from 38 countries can be exempted from Visa to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days forbusiness, tourism, family visit, exchange visit and transit purposes. Those who do not meet the purposes of visit and time limit for visa free policy are still required to apply for Visas to China.
FAQs about 30-Day Visa-Free Policy in China
Q1: Which nationalities can use the unilateral visa-free policy to enter China?
A1: Nationals holding ordinary passports from Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan—38 countries in total—can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit, staying up to 30 days.
Q2: Do foreigners need to pre-register with Chinese embassies or consulates for this visa-free entry?
A2: Eligible foreigners do not need to pre-register with Chinese embassies or consulates to use the visa-free policy.
Q3: How do Chinese border authorities verify the purpose of visit? Are additional documents required beyond a passport?
A3: Foreigners entering for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit, as allowed by the visa-free policy, are permitted entry after lawful inspection by Chinese border authorities. Those with purposes inconsistent with the policy or other legal entry prohibitions will be denied entry. It’s recommended to carry supporting documents like invitation letters, flight/hotel bookings, or similar proof matching your stated purpose. Work, study, or journalism purposes are not covered under this policy.
Q4: Are there special requirements for minors using the visa-free policy?
A4: Minors face the same conditions as adults for visa-free entry to China.
Q5: Are there requirements for the type and validity of entry documents?
A5: Foreigners must hold a valid ordinary passport with sufficient validity for their travel in China. Travel documents, temporary, or emergency certificates do not qualify for visa-free entry.
Q6: How is the 30-day stay period calculated?
A6: Eligible foreigners can stay continuously from the date of entry until 24:00 on the 30th natural day.
Q7: Can travelers depart from a country other than their own?
A7: Yes, eligible foreigners can depart from any country or region outside China.
Q8: Does the policy apply to entry methods beyond air travel?
A8: The visa-free policy applies to all open sea, land, and air ports for foreigners, unless otherwise specified by laws, regulations, or bilateral agreements. If arriving by private transport, additional entry/exit procedures must comply with Chinese laws.
Q9: Can tour groups use the visa-free entry policy?
A9: Eligible foreigners, whether in tour groups or traveling solo, can use the visa-free policy to enter China.
Q10: Can the 30-day stay be extended if needed?
A10: If planning to stay beyond 30 days, foreigners should obtain a visa matching their purpose from a Chinese embassy or consulate beforehand. For valid reasons requiring an extended stay after visa-free entry, apply for a stay permit at a local public security immigration office.
Q11: Can foreigners enter multiple times? Are there limits on frequency, intervals, or total stay days?
A11: Eligible foreigners can use the visa-free policy for multiple entries with no current limits on frequency or total stay days. However, activities inconsistent with the stated entry purpose are prohibited.
Read Also: 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy in China: Everything You Need to Know
