Trending 
China has widened its visa-free travel policy to include visitors from 50 countries, allowing eligible travellers to stay for up to 30 days without applying for a visa beforehand.
The exemption applies to holders of ordinary passports travelling to China for tourism, business, visits to family or friends, exchange activities and transit.
According to information released by Chinese government authorities, the policy covers countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania. Visitors must meet the entry requirements, and their reasons for travelling must fall within the activities permitted under the exemption.
However, the policy does not apply to those travelling to China for work or study. Such travellers must obtain the appropriate visa before entering the country.
See the full list of 50 countries allowed to visit China visa-free. The eligible countries are grouped below by region.
- 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
- United Kingdom
Asia – 7 countries
- Brunei
- Japan
- South Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Kuwait
- Bahrain,
Americas – 6 countries
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Peru
- Uruguay
Oceania – 2 countries
- Australia
- New Zealand
How long can visitors stay?
Eligible travellers can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, visits to family or friends, exchange activities and transit.
The 30-day stay begins at midnight on the day after arrival. Travellers can enter China individually or as part of a tour group, but admission is still subject to approval by Chinese border authorities.
Visitors must have a valid ordinary passport to qualify for the exemption. Those travelling to China for work or study must obtain the appropriate visa before their trip.
When does the visa-free policy expire?
The visa-free arrangements have different expiry dates depending on the country.
Read More : Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Defence Ministry
According to the published Chinese government guidance, Brunei’s exemption has no specified expiry date, while Russia’s arrangement runs until December 31, 2027. The exemption for the remaining 48 countries is scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.
Travellers are advised to check for any extensions or policy changes before making their travel plans.
