China's experiment with visa-free entry is paying off in spectacular fashion. According to fresh data from China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), 8.32 million foreigners entered China without a visa between January and March 2026—almost one-third more than in the same period last year.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The Q1 2026 data reveals a tourism sector transformed by policy reform. Here's the key breakdown:
📊 Key Statistics (Q1 2026)
- 8.32 million foreigners entered China visa-free (30% of all foreign arrivals)
- 21.33 million total foreign visitors (+22.3% year-over-year)
- 1.85 billion total cross-border trips (+13.5%)
- 77.9% of foreign arrivals used visa-free entry
"These visa facilitation policies have significantly lowered the entry barriers for international tourists," said tourism analyst Xu in a WTTC report. China's travel and tourism economy grew 9.9% in 2025—more than twice the global average of 4.1%.
Who Can Visit China Visa-Free?
China's unilateral 30-day visa-free policy has been extended until December 31, 2026, covering citizens from 46 countries. The policy was originally set to expire on March 31 but was prolonged following its remarkable success.
🇪🇺 European Countries (35)
🌏 Asia-Pacific Countries
🌍 Americas
🌍 Middle East
⚠️ Important: No Working Allowed
Visa-free entry is strictly for tourism, business visits, family reunions, or transit. You cannot work in China under visa-free status. Employers must ensure employees obtain the appropriate Z (work) visa before starting any employment.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free: Your Extended China Option
If your country isn't on the 46-nation visa-free list, don't worry—54 countries are eligible for China's 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy. This allows you to transit through China for up to 10 days without a visa, even if you're not eligible for the 30-day exemption.
How It Works
- You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country (not your home country)
- You can stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days)
- You must stay within the designated area around your port of entry
- Purpose of stay: tourism and temporary business visits only
Eligible Ports (65 ports across 24 provinces)
New in 2025-2026: Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, and Mohan Railway Port were added as 144-hour transit visa-free ports. Yunnan's policy was expanded from Kunming alone to cover 9 cities: Kunming, Lijiang, Yuxi, Puer, Chuxiong, Dali, Xishuangbanna, Honghe, and Wenshan.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
For the 30-day visa-free (46 countries):
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Return/onward ticket
- No invitation letter required
- Maximum stay: 30 days
- Can enter for: tourism, business, family visits, transit
For the 240-hour transit visa-free (54 countries):
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Confirmed transit ticket to third country
- Stay within designated area only
- Maximum stay: 240 hours (10 days)
- Cannot be from a country with bilateral visa-free agreement
Digital Entry: Pre-Registration Now Available
Since November 2025, foreigners can now pre-register their entry information online before arriving in China. This significantly speeds up the arrival process. You can register through:
- National Immigration Administration website
- "Immigration 12367" APP (WeChat/Alipay mini-program)
- QR code scanning at entry ports
Simply fill in your passport details, travel itinerary, and accommodation information before you arrive, and you'll breeze through immigration.
Smart Immigration: "Swipe Your Face" to Clear Customs
China has rapidly expanded face-recognition smart immigration at major ports. What used to take minutes now takes just 10 seconds per person. Currently available at:
- Shenzhen Bay
- Gongbei Port
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport
- And 10 other major ports
Currently, about 276,000 people per day use face-recognition clearance, making China's immigration process among the fastest in the world.
What Foreign Visitors Are Saying
The "China Travel" trend has exploded on social media, with millions of international visitors sharing their experiences. The consensus? China is now easier to visit than ever before.
💬 Real Visitor Feedback
"I used to need a visa every time I visited China for business, but the new visa-free policy saves me so much time. It's incredibly convenient." — Ivanov, Russian visitor
"No more dealing with paperwork! The visa exemption is excellent. We can now travel to China on a whim." — European tourist
"China is so much more modern than I expected. The technology, the infrastructure—it's a very cool destination." — New Zealand visitor
China's Tourism Outlook: 2030 Target
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects China could become the world's top tourism economy by 2030. With visa-free policies extended through 2026 and the success of the initial rollout, China is positioning itself as a major global destination.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China received 154.5 million inbound tourists in 2025, up 17.1% year-on-year. The country also exceeded 40 million inbound tourists in a single year for the first time—well above the 36.9 million recorded in 2024.
Ready to Visit China?
Check if your country is on the visa-free list, plan your itinerary, and experience the new China.
Explore China with PandaMate →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my visa-free stay in China?
Visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for the appropriate visa at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before your permitted stay expires.
Can I enter China multiple times with visa-free entry?
Yes, you can enter China multiple times during the validity period of the policy (until December 31, 2026), but each stay is limited to 30 days maximum.
Do children need visas?
Yes, all travelers regardless of age need a valid passport. Infants and children included in their parents' passports must have their own passport to travel visa-free.
Can I use visa-free entry for Hainan Island?
Yes! Hainan offers a special 59-country visa-free policy specifically for the island. Citizens from these countries can visit Hainan for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, or sports events for up to 30 days. This is separate from the national 30-day policy.
What happens if I overstay my visa-free period?
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and potential blacklisting that may affect future visa applications. Always ensure you leave China before your permitted stay expires.
Data Sources: National Immigration Administration of China, Xinhua News Agency, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Trip.com Research Report 2025, VisaHQ April 2026 Reports.
Last Updated: April 22, 2026