8.32 million foreigners entered China visa-free in Q1 2026. Your complete guide to China's expanded visa policies and what it means for travelers.
China's experiment with unilateral visa-free entry is delivering remarkable results. According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), 8.32 million foreigners entered China without a visa during Q1 2026—a 30% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge represents 78% of all foreign arrivals to China.
The extension, originally set to expire in spring 2026, signals Beijing's commitment to reviving inbound tourism and strengthening international ties. Under this policy, eligible travelers may enter mainland China for business meetings, tourism, family visits, short-term exchanges, or transit—without first applying for a visa.
The policy applies to nationals from these countries holding ordinary passports:
For travelers from 54 countries transiting through China, the 144-hour (6-day) transit visa-free policy offers incredible flexibility. You can enter designated Chinese cities, travel within a specific region, and exit—all without a visa.
20 cities currently offer 144-hour transit visa-free entry:
3 cities offer 72-hour transit visa-free:
Hainan Province offers the most generous visa-free access in China. Citizens from 86 countries can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days for business, exhibition, tourism, or transit purposes.
This includes major source markets like Russia (contributing over 500,000 visitors in 2025, up 120%), the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, and most Southeast Asian nations.
China's visa liberalization is paying dividends. Here's what the data shows:
Shanghai welcomed 9.36 million inbound tourists in 2025, a 39.58% increase year-over-year. With 73.1% of foreign visitors entering Shanghai visa-free, the city has emerged as China's top destination for international travelers.
The 2026 New Year holiday saw 829,000 foreign arrivals in just 3 days—a 29.8% increase from the previous year. During this period, 292,000 visitors took advantage of China's visa-free policy, up 35.8% year-on-year.
Current visa-free policy is valid through this date (subject to extension)
Visa-free entry is limited to 30 days per visit. Multiple entries within the validity period are permitted, but each stay cannot exceed 30 days.
144-hour transit visas restrict you to specific regions. For example, Beijing's 144-hour policy allows travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province.
Beyond the visa simplification, foreign visitors are discovering a "new China"—modern infrastructure, world-class cuisine, diverse landscapes, and increasingly foreigner-friendly services.
As one Australian traveler put it during a recent visit to Xiamen: "Coming to China is so convenient now. After completing the arrival card information online, landing was quick and customs clearance was smooth. I can feel China's openness and friendliness."
Based on booking data and arrival statistics, the most popular Chinese cities for foreign visitors in 2026 are:
With China's borders open wider than ever, there's never been a better time to visit. Let PandaMate help you discover ancient wonders, modern marvels, and unforgettable experiences.
Explore PandaMate Guides →Visa-free stays cannot be extended. You must leave China before your permitted period expires. If you need to stay longer, consider applying for a proper visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before your trip.
Visa exemptions apply to all nationalities regardless of age. Children holding valid passports from visa-exempt countries can enter China visa-free under the same conditions as adults.
Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration policies. Most nationalities can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 7-180 days, and Macau for 30 days, independently of mainland China entry policies.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. The Chinese immigration authorities take overstays seriously. Always track your entry and exit dates carefully.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for visa-free entry but is strongly recommended. Medical costs in China can be expensive for foreigners, and travel insurance provides peace of mind.
Yes! Major mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay now support foreign bank cards. Simply download the apps, link your international card, and you're ready to pay throughout China.