China entry rules
- Unilateral waiver
- 50 ordinary-passport nationalities 1
- Waiver stay
- Up to 30 days 1
- 240-hour transit
- 57 nationalities, 65 ports 2
- Arrival card
- Online option since 20 November 2025 3
- Checked
- 19 October 2026
Thirty-day visa-free entry
China’s Foreign Ministry lists 50 ordinary-passport nationalities eligible for up to 30 days without a visa for business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit 1.
The policy lasts through 31 December 2026 for 48 of the listed nationalities, through 31 December 2027 for Russia and without a stated end date for Brunei. The stay is counted from the day after entry 1.
The 240-hour transit rule
The National Immigration Administration lists 57 eligible nationalities for visa-free transit of no more than 240 hours through 65 designated ports in 24 provincial-level areas 2.
The traveller must hold an ordinary passport and a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Movement is limited to the permitted area, and the 240 hours are calculated from midnight after the entry day 2,3. A return to the same country of origin is not third-country transit.
Arrival card
Since 20 November 2025, foreign travellers may submit entry information online through official NIA channels before arrival. A person who does not submit in advance can use the port’s digital or paper process. Seven official exemption categories are listed 3.
Hong Kong and Macao
A mainland visa or visa exemption does not replace permission for Hong Kong or Macao. Each special administrative region applies its own visit and transit rules 4,5.
Common questions
How long is China’s unilateral visa-free stay?
Up to 30 days for listed ordinary-passport nationalities and approved purposes 1.
Is the 240-hour rule ordinary tourism entry?
No. It is a transit rule requiring onward travel to a third country or region 2.
How many nationalities qualify for 240-hour transit?
57 as of 20 August 2026 2.
Can I travel anywhere in China under it?
No. Travel is limited to the officially permitted areas 2,3.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Sources
- China Ministry of Foreign Affairs: FAQs on unilateral visa-free entry, 10 November 2025
- China National Immigration Administration: Visa-free transit policies, 20 August 2026
- China National Immigration Administration: Entry and transit measures, 3 November 2025
- Hong Kong Immigration Department: Visit visa requirements, updated August 2026
- Macao SAR Government: Immigration clearance of non-residents, accessed 19 October 2026
Related
- Hong Kong entry rules
Hong Kong visa-free periods, visit visa applications, transit conditions and Indian pre-arrival registration.
- Macao entry rules
Macao visa exemptions, passport validity, proof of funds, arrival entry permits and advance-visa nationalities.
- Visit Japan Web
Visit Japan Web lets you complete Japan's immigration and customs forms online before you fly. It is free. How it works and the official link.
- South Korea K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)
K-ETA costs ₩10,000 and lasts 3 years. Who needs it, the temporary waiver for some nationals until 31 December 2026, and the official site.