China has dramatically expanded its visa-free access programme since late 2023, moving from a small list of 15-day agreements to a significantly broader programme covering citizens from dozens of countries with stays of 15, 30, or even 90 days. This page is updated for 2026 conditions.
Important: Visa policy changes frequently. Always verify current status with the Chinese embassy in your country before travelling, as policies can change on short notice.
Countries with Visa-Free Entry in 2026
90 Days Visa-Free (Mutual Arrangements)
The following countries have mutual 90-day visa-free access:
- Singapore (90 days)
- Brunei (15 days)
- Thailand (30 days)
- Malaysia (30 days)
30 Days Visa-Free (Unilateral Chinese Policy)
China has implemented unilateral visa-free access (meaning China offers it regardless of reciprocal arrangement) for citizens of:
Europe:
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Cyprus
Asia-Pacific:
- Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan
Americas:
- United States (15 days — note lower duration than European countries as of May 2026)
- Canada (15 days)
- Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile
Middle East:
- UAE (30 days)
- Qatar (30 days)
- Bahrain (30 days)
- Saudi Arabia (30 days)
- Oman (30 days)
Africa:
- South Africa (30 days)
- Ethiopia (30 days)
- Egypt (30 days)
15 Days Visa-Free
- United Kingdom: 15 days
- United States: 15 days
- Canada: 15 days
- (Various additional countries — verify current list)
144-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy (过境免签)
The 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit policy is available at major Chinese international airports for citizens of all countries, even those not on the visa-free list.
Qualifying airports: Beijing Capital and Daxing, Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu Tianfu and Shuangliu, Chongqing Jiangbei, Wuhan Tianhe, Xi’an咸阳, Kunming Changshui, Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin, Qingdao, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang (list subject to change)
Rules:
- Enter through one of the qualifying airports
- Depart from a qualifying airport (can be different from entry airport — useful for seeing multiple cities)
- Hold onward ticket to a third country (not from China to your home country — must be TO a third destination)
- Visa or entry permission for the next destination (if required)
Example uses:
- Enter Shanghai Pudong from Tokyo → 6 days in Shanghai and Hangzhou → Fly to Paris from Pudong
- Enter Beijing Capital from New York → 6 days in Beijing → Fly to London from Capital
- Enter Guangzhou from Singapore → 6 days Guangzhou + Hong Kong → Fly to Amsterdam
72-hour transit: Available at more airports for shorter stays.
Entry via Hong Kong or Macau
Citizens of many countries can enter Hong Kong and Macau without a Chinese mainland visa — and can use the mainland 144-hour transit policy to visit from there.
Hong Kong to mainland China: The border at Lok Ma Chau, Shenzhen Bay, Man Kam To, and Lo Wu connects Hong Kong to the mainland. A separate entry requires either a mainland visa or use of the relevant entry policy.
Conditions Applying to All Visa-Free Entries
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- Onward or return ticket: Required — immigration may ask to see evidence
- Accommodation address: Having a hotel reservation to show at immigration is standard
- No criminal record: Standard condition
- Purpose: Tourism, business (meetings, not employment), or transit. Working or studying requires a separate visa regardless of passport nationality.
How to Check if Your Passport Qualifies
The most current source is the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country. The official Chinese government source is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfa.gov.cn) — search in the English-language section.
Also see: China Visa Guide for US Citizens | UK Travellers Guide | Australia NZ Guide | China Entry Requirements Guide