Table of contents
Introduction
Dreaming of exploring China without the hassle of a visa? Great news! China has expanded its visa-free policies, making it easier than ever for travelers from various countries to visit. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a business trip, here’s everything you need to know about this exciting update!
Countries with a Visa-free access
As of March 20, 2025, China has implemented visa exemption policies for various countries and regions. Below is a summary of the main categories and stay duration limits:
Europe
Asia
Oceania
America
Africa
Important considerations:
Length of stay: The Visa-free period of the above listed countries are eligible for different duration limits, check the maximum days you can stay before you plan to visit China.
Purpose of visit: Visa-free access is generally permitted for tourism, business, or family visits. For other purposes, such as studying or working, a specific visa is usually required.
Regional Regulations: Some regions in China, such as Hainan Province, have separate visa-free policies for certain nationalities. It is advisable to check specific regional requirements before traveling.
Additional information:
Future changes: China continues to evaluate and adjust its visa policies. Therefore, it is essential to check the latest information before your trip through official sources, such as the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Please note that visa policies are subject to change. Always verify the latest information with official authorities before traveling.
To see the latest news about the Visa-free entry, see these websites:
Visa-free transit in China
China has a visa-free transit policy that allows travelers from 54 countries to stay in China without a visa for up to 10 days (240 hours). This policy is intended for travelers who are transiting through China to a third country.
Key Points about the Visa-Free Transit Policy:
Eligibility: Citizens from 54 countries can stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa, as long as they are transiting to a third country (not returning home or traveling elsewhere in China).
Duration: Stay for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa.
Port of Entry: Applies to 60 designated ports across 24 provinces, including major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an.
Conditions:
Must have a valid onward ticket to a third country and the transit must be direct.
Stay within the arrival city or province unless allowed an extended transit (up to 72 or 144 hours in some cities like Beijing or Shanghai).
Countries that are eligible for the Visa-free transit:
Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Oceania
How to stay in China for more than 30 days
If you want to stay in China for more than 30 days, you will need a visa. Here are the steps you can follow:
Choose the right visa Most travelers who want to stay in China for more than 30 days will need one of the following visas:
Tourist visa (L-visa) – For travel and family visits.
Business visa (M-visa) – For business visits.
Work visa (Z-visa) – If you are going to work in China.
Student visa (X1-visa) – For studies longer than 6 months.
Family visit visa (Q or S-visa) – For visiting family members in China.
Submit a visa application You can apply for your visa at:
The Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
An official visa agency (sometimes faster and easier).
Required documents:
Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Passport photo.
Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Chinese citizen).
Flight information.
Application form (available on the Chinese embassy website).
Visa extension in China If you are already in China and want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Exit and Entry Administration Bureau in a major Chinese city.
Conditions for extension:
Apply for the extension at least 7 days before your visa expires.
You must be able to show a valid reason for staying longer.
You will typically receive an extension of up to 30 days (depending on your visa type).
If you want to stay even longer, you may need to leave China and come back again for another visa free period, right now you can stay in China visa free unlimited times each year.
Exceptions
While most countries on the list have a 30-day visa-free stay, some regions in China and countries have their own specific visa-free policies. These can allow for different stay lengths or conditions based on where or how you’re traveling within and to China.
Specific border areas or ports
Some border areas or ports (such as Mohan Port in Yunnan or Xishuangbanna in southern China) have different visa-free arrangements for travelers, especially when coming from ASEAN countries (as seen in the visa-free policy for ASEAN tourists traveling to Xishuangbanna).
These border regions can have different stay durations, often related to specific tourist attractions or trade routes.
Hong Kong and Macau
While Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions of China, travelers may be able to enter them visa-free and then enter mainland China separately under different policies.
Cruise Tourist Groups
Foreign tourist groups (2+ people) arriving by cruise at 13 coastal cities (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin) can enter visa-free for up to 15 days, covering 11 coastal provinces and Beijing.
ASEAN Tourist Groups in Yunnan
ASEAN tourist groups (2+ people) can visit Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, visa-free for up to 6 days, entering via designated ports.
ASEAN Tourist Groups in Guilin
ASEAN tourist groups (2+ people) can visit Guilin, Guangxi, visa-free for up to 6 days, entering via Guilin Airport.
Tourist Groups from Hong Kong/Macau to Guangdong
Foreign tourist groups (2+ people) traveling from Hong Kong/Macau can visit Guangdong's 9 cities + Shantou visa-free for up to 6 days, organized by HK/Macau-based travel agencies.
Tourist Groups from Hong Kong/Macau to Hainan
Foreign tourist groups (2+ people) traveling from Hong Kong/Macau can visit Hainan visa-free for up to 6 days, organized by HK/Macau-based travel agencies.
When you are planning to travel to China, you must check the specific visa-free policies when you plan to visit.
Hainan: Visa and Travel Regulations
1. 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for 59 Countries
Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports from 59 eligible countries can enter and stay in Hainan Province for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions (excluding work and study). Entry is permitted via all open ports in Hainan without prior declaration. Travelers must arrive directly from their country, via a third country, or through Hong Kong/Macao.
Eligible countries:
Europe
Asia
North America
South America
Oceania
2. Visa-Free Entry for Foreign Tourist Groups from Hong Kong/Macao
Foreign nationals from any country can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 6 days if they travel as part of a tourist group organized by a registered travel agency in Hong Kong or Macao. Entry and exit must be as part of the same group through designated Hainan ports.
Additional Notes:
The visa-free stay period is counted from 00:00 the day after arrival.
Those wishing to stay longer or travel to other parts of China must apply for a visa before their visa-free period expires.
Travelers are restricted to Hainan Province unless they obtain official permission to extend or modify their stay.
Tibet: Visa and Travel Regulations
Tibet requires a special permit for foreign travelers. Unlike Chinese citizens, foreigners must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit and join an organized tour with a licensed guide.
Visa-Free Entry to China: From Nov 30, 2024, to Dec 31, 2025, passport holders from 38 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, including travel to Tibet.
Mandatory Tour Requirement: Independent travel is not allowed. Foreigners must book a tour with a registered travel agency that arranges the Tibet Travel Permit.
Restricted Areas: Some locations, like Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Chamdo, and sky burial sites, are off-limits to foreigners.
Journalists & Diplomats: Special approval from the China Foreign Affairs Office is required.
Travel from Nepal: Foreigners must obtain a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
Best Travel Time: Tibet is closed to international tourists in March but reopens in April.
With proper planning and a licensed tour, you can explore the unique culture and landscapes of Tibet.
Xinjiang: Visa and Travel Regulations
Traveling to Xinjiang in 2025 is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Visa: No special visa is required to visit Xinjiang. As long as you have a valid Chinese visa, you're good to go. While some travelers avoid listing Xinjiang on their visa application out of caution, it’s not a strict requirement.
Permits: You don’t need a special permit for most of Xinjiang. However, some areas near military zones or sensitive highways may require permission, or you may need to travel with an agency guide.
Security: You’ll encounter frequent passport and visa checks at security checkpoints throughout Xinjiang. While you won’t need a special permit, expect questions about your travel plans and reasons for visiting.
Restricted Areas: Some places, like military installations and certain highways (e.g., the Karakoram Highway), have restricted access. In these cases, a permit or travel agency escort may be required.
Accommodation: When traveling in Xinjiang, you must stay in registered hotels. Homestays and camping are generally not allowed for foreign tourists.
In general, Xinjiang is open to travelers, but it's a good idea to consult with a local travel agency before visiting remote areas or military zones to avoid any complications.