πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China Visa Policy 2026

Complete Guide to Visa-Free Entry: 79 Countries, 240-Hour Transit Visa at 60 Ports, and Everything You Need to Know

Published: April 19, 2026 | Last Updated: April 19, 2026 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Key Changes: Canada & UK added to visa-free list (Feb 17, 2026) | 60 ports now offer 240-hour transit visa

Visa-Free Countries

50

Can enter China for 30 days without a visa

Transit Visa Ports

60

Offer 240-hour visa-free transit

Q1 2026 Arrivals

2.13M

Foreign visitors (+22.3% YoY)

Visa-Free Share

77.9%

Of all foreign arrivals

πŸš€ Big News: Canada & UK Added in 2026

February 17, 2026 (Chinese New Year)
China grants visa-free entry to citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom. The unilateral visa-free program expands to 79 countries.
November 10, 2025
Sweden added to the visa-free list. Policy extended until December 31, 2026.
Late 2025
240-hour transit visa program expanded to 60 ports across 24 provinces.

⚠️ Policy Extended Until December 31, 2026

China has extended its unilateral visa-free policy for 45 countries until the end of 2026. If you're planning a trip, this is your window of opportunity!

βœ… Who Can Enter China Visa-Free?

30-Day Visa-Free Entry (79 Countries)

Citizens of the following 79 countries can enter China for tourism, business, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa:

Europe (35 countries)

France Germany Italy Netherlands Spain Switzerland Ireland Hungary Austria Belgium Luxembourg Poland Portugal Greece Cyprus Slovenia Slovakia Norway Finland Denmark Iceland Andorra Monaco Liechtenstein Bulgaria Romania Croatia Montenegro North Macedonia Malta Estonia Latvia Russia United Kingdom Sweden

Asia (7 countries)

Japan South Korea Brunei Saudi Arabia Oman Kuwait Bahrain

Americas (6 countries)

Canada Brazil Argentina Chile Peru Uruguay

Oceania (2 countries)

Australia New Zealand

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Russia Special Note

Russia's visa-free policy is valid until September 14, 2026 (not December 31). Plan accordingly if traveling from Russia.

✈️ 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free: 60 Ports

If your country isn't on the visa-free list, don't worry! China offers a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa at 60 ports for citizens of 54 countries.

Which Countries Qualify?

Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Monaco Russia United Kingdom Ireland Cyprus Bulgaria Romania Ukraine Serbia Croatia Bosnia Montenegro North Macedonia Albania Belarus Norway United States Canada Brazil Mexico Argentina Chile Australia New Zealand South Korea Japan Singapore Brunei UAE Qatar

60 Ports by Region

Region Cities/Ports
Beijing & North China Beijing Capital Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Tianjin Port, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao
Shanghai & East China Shanghai Pudong Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Zhoushan
Guangdong & South China Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, Shenzhen, Jieyang, Shenzhen Bao'an Airport
Chengdu & Southwest Chengdu Tianfu Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, Chongqing
Xi'an & Northwest Xi'an Xianyang Airport
Other Major Cities Xiamen, Wuhan, Kunming, Dalian, Shenyang, Harbin, Changchun, Changsha, Urumqi

240-Hour Transit: Key Rules

πŸ“‹ Requirements

  • Must be traveling to a third country (not your origin or China)
  • Have a confirmed ticket to a third country
  • Valid passport (at least 3 months validity)
  • Complete the temporary entry card at immigration

🚫 What You CANNOT Do

  • Leave the designated region (e.g., if entering Shanghai, you must stay in Jiangsu/Zhejiang/Shanghai)
  • Extend your stay beyond 240 hours
  • Work or study during transit

πŸ“ Pre-Trip Checklist

What to Prepare

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
  • Return or onward ticket (can be asked by immigration)
  • Accommodation address (write down your hotel)
  • Download apps: WeChat, Alipay, DiDi (for transportation)
  • Link international card to Alipay/WeChat Pay for payments
  • Register accommodation within 24 hours (hotels do this automatically)

πŸ’³ Payment in China: Essential Tips

One of the biggest challenges for foreign visitors is payment. China is highly cashless, so preparation is key:

Option 1: Alipay/WeChat Pay (Recommended)

Option 2: Cash

Option 3: International Cards

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I enter China multiple times with the visa-free policy?
A: Yes! The visa-free policy allows multiple entries. There's currently no limit on the number of entries or total days, as long as each stay doesn't exceed 30 days.
Q: What if I want to stay longer than 30 days?
A: If you need to stay longer than 30 days for legitimate reasons (medical, family emergency, etc.), you can apply for a stay permit at the nearest Public Security Bureau (PSB) exit-entry office before your 30 days expire.
Q: Can I work in China with the visa-free entry?
A: No! Visa-free entry is for tourism, business visits, family gatherings, or transit ONLY. Working requires a proper work visa (Z visa) and work permit. Employers hiring foreigners without proper documentation face heavy penalties.
Q: What happens if I overstay?
A: Overstaying is a serious offense. You'll face fines (200-500 RMB per day), possible detention, and will be blacklisted for future entries. Always extend your stay legally if needed.
Q: Do children need visas?
A: Yes, visa requirements apply to all foreign nationals regardless of age. Children need their own passports and must follow the same visa rules as adults.
Q: Can I use the 240-hour transit visa multiple times?
A: Yes, but each transit must be to a third country. You cannot use it for repeated visits from the same origin country. Also, you must leave China within 240 hours and have proof of onward travel.
Q: I lost my passport in China. What do I do?
A: Report the loss to the local police, then visit your country's embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document. With your new passport and the police report, you can exit China. The overstay fine may apply if you lost your passport after your allowed stay expired.

🌟 2026 Travel Data: Why Visit China Now?

China's inbound tourism is surging in 2026:

The visa-free policy has been a game-changer. Countries like France, Germany, South Korea, and Malaysia are now among the top source markets. And with improved payment systems, English signage at major airports, and streamlined immigration (many ports now offer "face scan" automated clearance), visiting China has never been easier.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Popular Destinations for First-Time Visitors

Classic China (First Visit)

Beijing β†’ Xi'an β†’ Shanghai
The golden triangle: Beijing's imperial palaces, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, Shanghai's modern skyline. 10-14 days recommended.

Nature & Pandas

Chengdu β†’ Zhangjiajie β†’ Guilin
Giant Panda breeding centers, the stunning quartz sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, and the karst scenery of Guilin's Li River.

Off the Beaten Path

Yunnan, Guizhou, or Xinjiang
For travelers seeking authentic minority cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and fewer crowds. These regions offer unique experiences far from the tourist mainstream.

πŸ“ž Useful Contacts

Service Contact
National Immigration Administration 12367 (hotline)
Emergency (Police) 110
Medical Emergency 120

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⚑ Quick Summary

  • 79 countries β†’ 30-day visa-free entry (check if your country is on the list)
  • 54 countries β†’ 240-hour transit visa at 60 ports
  • All visitors β†’ Download Alipay, have your passport ready
  • Working β†’ NOT allowed on tourist visa
  • Overstaying β†’ Fines + blacklisting (avoid!)

Last updated: April 19, 2026. Visa policies can change. Always verify with the Chinese embassy or official immigration channels before your trip.