The Q&A on issues related to visa-free entry for foreigners to China under the Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement

Question 1: According to the visa exemption agreements signed between China and relevant countries, foreign citizens meeting the visa-exemption conditions can “stay for no more than 30 days per visit, with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.” How should this be understood and calculated?

Standard reply:The calculation rule for “a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within every 180 days” is as follows: “180 days” is calculated separately for each traveler’s visa-exempt stay in China, referring to the 180-day period traced backward from any given day of entry; “90 days” does not include the time spent in China under visas, residence permits, or APEC Business Travel Cards.

If the cumulative visa-exempt stay within the 180-day period preceding the current entry has already reached 90 days, visa-exempt entry will not be permitted. If the cumulative stay is less than 90 days but the remaining allowable visa-exempt stay is fewer than 30 days, the current visa-exempt stay must not exceed the remaining eligible duration.

Question 2: After entering China visa-free, if a passport bearing the immigration inspection stamp is lost by a foreign national from a country with which China has a visa-exemption agreement, can they depart directly using an emergency travel document issued by their country’s embassy in China?

Standard reply:For foreigners who, after visa-free entry, need to replace their passports due to loss, damage, or other reasons and depart using a new passport, emergency passport, travel document, or other valid travel documents, immigration authorities may, upon lawful verification of the individual’s identity information, entry records, proof of loss, or documentation from their home country’s embassy or consulate in China—provided that the visa-exempt traveler has not overstayed beyond the allowed period or engaged in activities outside designated areas—proceed to process their departure in accordance with the law.

Should a visa-exempt traveler be found to have overstayed the permitted period or violated restrictions on authorized areas of stay—violations falling under the jurisdiction of immigration authorities—appropriate legal measures will be taken accordingly.

For other violations beyond the scope of immigration authority, the individual must first seek resolution through the public security bureau’s immigration management department or other relevant authorities, then present the necessary supporting documents to immigration authorities to proceed with departure formalities.

Question 3: What should foreign nationals from countries with which China has a visa-exemption agreement do if they wish to continue staying in China after their visa-exempt stay expires?

Standard reply:Foreign nationals from countries with which China has a visa-exemption agreement are required to depart before their visa-exempt stay expires.

In cases where urgent circumstances or force majeure necessitate continued stay, they must apply to the public security bureau’s immigration management department for extension procedures prior to the expiration of their visa-exempt stay.

Question 4: After entering China visa-free, are foreign nationals required to register their accommodation?

Standard reply:Article 39 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit of Aliens stipulates that when foreigners stay in hotels within China, hotels must, in accordance with relevant regulations on hotel security administration, complete accommodation registration for them and submit the registered information to the local public security authorities.

When foreigners reside or stay in accommodations other than hotels, they—or their hosts—must complete registration with the local public security authorities within 24 hours of arrival.

Based on these provisions, foreign nationals from countries with which China has a visa-exemption agreement are legally obligated to register their accommodation upon visa-free entry.

The “Arrival Card” completed by foreign nationals upon entry into China already includes, in both Chinese and English under “Important Notes,” guidance regarding accommodation registration. Please follow these instructions and fulfill your legal obligation to register your accommodation.