[New] Answers to Common Questions about China's 30-day Unilateral Visa-free Policy

Q1: Which nationalities are eligible for the unilateral visa-free policy to enter China?

A1: Nationals of Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Russia, Sweden, Canada, and the United Kingdom—holding ordinary passports—are exempt from visa requirements when entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, engaging in exchanges or visits, or transiting through China for no more than 30 days.

Q2: Is there a time limit for the unilateral visa-free policy?

A2: Currently, China’s visa-free policy for Brunei nationals without a time limit remains in effect. For Russian nationals, it is valid until December 31, 2027. For the remaining 48 countries, the policy is valid until December 31, 2026.

Q3: Are there any special requirements for minors applying the visa-free policy to enter China?

A3: Minors are subject to the same conditions as adults under the visa-free policy for entry into China.

Q4: Can foreigners participating in sporting events, exhibitions, study tours (summer/winter camps), etc., benefit from visa-free entry?

A4: Individuals coming to China to participate in sporting events, exhibitions, or study tours (summer/winter camps) and staying for no more than 30 days are covered by the visa-free policy, provided they hold a valid ordinary passport.

Q5: Can tourist groups benefit from visa-free entry?

A5: Foreigners who meet the visa-free entry requirements may enjoy the policy whether traveling as part of a tour group or individually.

Q6: Does Chinese border control verify the purpose of entry, and what additional documents, besides a passport, should be carried upon arrival?

A6: Foreigners whose purpose of entry falls within the scope of the visa-free policy—business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits, or transit—are permitted to enter after lawful verification by Chinese border control authorities. If the stated purpose of entry does not align with the visa-free regulations or if other legally prohibited circumstances exist, border control will deny entry in accordance with the law. It is recommended to carry supporting documents such as invitation letters, flight tickets, hotel reservations, or other materials relevant to your purpose of travel. Those coming to China for work, study, or journalistic reporting are not covered by the visa-free policy.

Q7: Are there any requirements regarding the type and validity of entry documents?

A7: Foreigners must present a valid ordinary passport that remains valid for the duration of their stay in China. Holders of travel documents, temporary or emergency documents, or any non-ordinary passport are not eligible for the visa-free policy.

Q8: Can travelers depart from a country other than their nationality?

A8: Foreigners eligible for visa-free entry may depart from any country (region) outside China.

Q9: Does the unilateral visa-free policy apply to means of entry other than air travel?

A9: The unilateral visa-free policy applies at all open land, sea, and air ports of entry for foreign nationals (except where otherwise stipulated by laws, regulations, or bilateral agreements). If traveling by privately owned transportation, relevant procedures for customs clearance and border crossing must also be completed in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.

Q10: How is the 30-day stay period calculated?

A10: The visa-free stay period begins on the day following entry and allows continuous residence for 30 calendar days.

Q11: If a stay exceeds 30 days, can an extension be granted?

A11: Foreigners intending to stay in China beyond 30 days should obtain a visa appropriate to their purpose of visit from a Chinese embassy or consulate in advance. Those who have entered visa-free and need to continue their stay for legitimate reasons should apply to the public security organ’s immigration administration for an extension of their stay.

Q12: Can multiple entries be made? Are there restrictions on intervals between entries, or limits on the number of visa-free visits or total days of stay?

A12: Eligible foreigners may make multiple visa-free entries into China. There are currently no limits on the number of visits or total days of stay, but visitors must ensure their activities remain consistent with the purpose of entry.

Q13: Do foreigners need to register in advance with Chinese embassies or consulates to qualify for the visa-free policy?

A13: Eligible foreigners do not need to register beforehand with Chinese embassies or consulates to benefit from the visa-free policy.

Q14: After visa-free entry, if a foreigner loses their passport stamped by Chinese border control, can they exit directly using an emergency travel document issued by their home country’s embassy in China?

A14: If a visa-free traveler loses or damages their passport after entry and seeks to depart using a replacement passport, emergency passport, or travel document, Chinese border control will verify the individual’s identity, entry records, loss report, or supporting documentation issued by their home country’s embassy in China. If these documents are valid and the traveler has not violated any laws—such as overstaying the visa-free period—they may be allowed to proceed with exit formalities. Should violations like overstaying occur, border control will handle them according to applicable laws and regulations. For other infractions beyond the jurisdiction of border control, travelers must seek resolution from the public security organ’s immigration department or other relevant authorities before presenting supporting documents to border control for departure.