China Visa-Free Entry 2025: Policy & Travel Ideas
Last updated:June 9th, 2025

China's visa-free entry policy allows citizens of certain countries to visit for up to 30 days without needing a visa. In this article, we will introduce the visa-free policy in China and the most recommended itineraries to help you plan a perfect China trip.

Temple of Heaven in BeijingTemple of Heaven in Beijing

What Is the Visa-Free Entry Policy in China?

There are mainly 4 types of visa-free entry policies in China's mainland: unilateral visa-free policy, 240-hour visa-free transit policy, mutual visa-free policy, and Hainan visa-free policy.

China has implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from 43 countries. This visa-free policy allows citizens from these countries to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for many purposes, including business, tourism, family visits, or transit.

These 43 countries are:

    • 32 countries in Europe: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Denmark, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Finland, Slovakia, Monaco, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Norway, Iceland, and Latvia.
    • 4 countries in Asia: Malaysia, South Korea, Brunei, and Japan.
    • 2 countries in Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
  • 5 countries in South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.

Currently, China has mutual visa exemption agreements with 23 countries for ordinary passport holders. These agreements typically allow for visa-free stays of up to 30 days.

The 26 countries with mutual visa exemptions are:

    • Asia (6 countries): Thailand, Singapore, the Maldives, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Georgia.
    • Europe (5 countries): Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and San Marino.
    • Caribbean (4 countries): Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, The Bahamas, and Grenada.
    • Oceania (4 countries): Fiji,Tonga, Samoa,Solomon Islands.
    • Middle East (3 countries): the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Mauritius.
    • South America (3 countries): Dominica, Ecuador, and Suriname. 
    • Africa (1 country): Seychelles.

Hainan visa-free policy has been extended to citizens of 59 countries since May 1, 2018. If you are from one of the following 59 countries, you can stay only in Hainan for 30 days.

These 59 countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Italy, Austria, Finland, etc. To learn more about this policy, please refer to the Hainan Visa-Free Policy.

Eligible travelers from 54 countries can enjoy a 10-day visa-free stay in designated areas of China when transiting to a third country. This convenient policy eliminates the need to apply for a visa in advance. To learn more about this policy, please refer to 10-Day Visa-Free Transit Policy.

The Forbidden City in BeijingThe Forbidden City in Beijing

Recommended China Visa-Free Travel Ideas

Cheers! You can now start to plan your visa-free China tour! To save your precious time, we've compiled some itinerary ideas for a visa-free trip to China. Follow up and see what highlights you will see.

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows you to explore 24 regions and cities in China without a visa. Maximize your time with our recommended itinerary for an unforgettable transit tour.

For a more leisurely and immersive vacation in China, we recommend itineraries ranging from 2 weeks to 21 days. These trips allow you to explore both China’s iconic cities and hidden gems, offering an authentic experience. Below are some suggested itineraries covering the country's top highlights.

Tips for Visa-Free Entry

  • Though you're visa-free to enter China, you still need special authorization to visit Tibet such as a Tibet Travel Permit. We can help you apply for one if you travel with us.
  • Your 15 or 30 visa-free days start counting from the moment you step into China. That means the day you arrive and the day you leave both count towards your visa-free stay.
  • Ensure your passport validity covers your stay in China.
  • There are no special requirements for minors who are eligible for visa-free entry.
  • If you're eligible for visa-free entry to China, you can depart from any country or region outside China.
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05 Aug 2025

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Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.
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