China Visa-Free Entry 2026: The Complete Guide to 75-Country Visa-Free Entry and 240-Hour Transit

If your passport is on China's visa-free list, a 2026 trip to China no longer has to start with a visa application. There are two doors: unilateral visa-free entry and the 240-hour visa-free transit — together they cover more than 130 nationalities. Here is who qualifies, what to prepare, and where first-timers get caught.

Unilateral Visa-Free Entry: 75 Countries, up to 30 Days

China unilaterally grants visa-free entry to citizens of 75 countries and territories for tourism, business, family visits and transit. Most passports qualify for a 30-day stay per entry (a few agreements are shorter; the official list prevails). The list includes South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Chile, among others.

• No application needed — a passport valid for 6+ months is enough at open ports of entry
• Valid for sightseeing, business meetings, visiting relatives and exchanges
• Paid work and performances are not permitted

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit: 55 Countries, 10 Days

Not on the unilateral list? Citizens of 55 transit-eligible countries (including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Russia) can use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit:

• You must hold a through ticket to a third country or region — for example Bangkok → Shanghai → Tokyo
• Entry through designated ports such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu or Xi'an
• Travel stays within the approved provinces, for no more than 240 hours
• No pre-application — present your passport and onward ticket at border inspection

General Entry Requirements

Whichever channel you use, border officers may check:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
• Return or onward ticket confirmation (mandatory for transit passengers)
• Hotel booking or a local address, registered within 24 hours of arrival (hotels handle it; private stays require a police registration)
• Honest answers about your trip purpose, and declarations for large amounts of cash

FAQ

Can I extend a visa-free stay? Generally no. Unilateral visa-free entries cannot be extended on site; apply for a regular visa before departure if you need longer.

Does Hong Kong or Macau count as a "third country" for transit? Usually yes — continuing to Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan normally satisfies the requirement, subject to border-inspection discretion.

Do children need extra documents? Minors enjoy the same policies; carry proof of the parent-child relationship as backup and make sure they hold their own passport.

Policies are adjusted from time to time — always confirm with the National Immigration Administration and the Chinese embassy in your country before flying. Not sure which channel your passport qualifies for? Use the visa checker on our site: pick your nationality and you'll see the max stay and entry notes instantly.