China, Plainly

Entry & exit

Entering China: Visas and Visa-Free Entry

2026-11-01 · 5 min read

Checked 1 November 2026. This is a summary of official English-language pages, not the official text. Entry rules change. If anything here differs from an official source, the official source prevails. Confirm your own case with a Chinese embassy or consulate and with the National Immigration Administration before you travel.

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, your purpose and how long you intend to stay. China runs several separate arrangements, and they are easy to confuse. The four that matter most for short visits are visa-free entry, port visas, 240-hour visa-free transit and mutual visa-exemption agreements.

Visa-free entry for ordinary passports

China's unilateral visa-free policy allows ordinary passport holders from a published list of countries to enter for business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange and transit without a visa, for up to 30 days.

The official Q&A published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2025 listed 43 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

The list is updated over time. Do not rely on a news article or an old list. Check the current official page before booking.

Points that are stated in the official Q&A:

  • The passport must be an ordinary passport valid for at least the intended stay. Travel documents, temporary documents and emergency documents do not qualify.
  • The purpose must fall within business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchange or transit.
  • Work, study, journalism and similar purposes are not covered by the visa waiver.
  • No advance declaration to an embassy or consulate is required.
  • The 30 days are counted from the day after entry and run continuously.
  • Eligible travellers may enter multiple times; there is no published cap on entries or total days, but the purpose of each entry must match the policy.
  • If you need to stay longer than 30 days for appropriate reasons, apply for a stay permit at the exit-entry administration of the local public security authority.

Border inspectors may ask for evidence of your purpose and plans. The official Q&A recommends carrying an invitation letter, return or onward tickets, and accommodation bookings.

Port visas

A port visa is not a separate visa category. It is a way of applying for a visa at the port when you have an urgent need to enter China and cannot obtain a visa abroad in time.

According to the National Immigration Administration's official FAQ, port visas are available to ordinary passport holders with an urgent need for business cooperation, visits and exchanges, investment, visiting relatives or private affairs, or for humanitarian reasons. You can apply in advance through the port visa authority, or on site on arrival. Applying in advance is recommended, because a port visa can be refused on the same legal grounds as any other visa.

As of the FAQ's publication in February 2024, port visa services operated at 99 ports in 72 cities. The current list and contact details are maintained by the National Immigration Administration.

240-hour visa-free transit

China also operates a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. It is separate from the 30-day visa-free entry described above.

In broad terms, it is for eligible foreign nationals who are transiting through China to a third country or region. It requires an onward ticket, entry through specified ports and stay within designated areas. It is not a general visa-free entry for tourism or business based in China.

The official policy page (updated 21 August 2026) is the authoritative summary of the current eligible countries, ports and areas. Because those lists change, this guide does not reproduce them.

Mutual visa-exemption agreements

Separately from China's unilateral policy, China has bilateral agreements with many countries that exempt holders of specified passports from short-stay visas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes a list.

These agreements are narrower than they look. They typically apply to specified passport types, permit stays of less than 30 days, and do not create a right to reside. If you intend to stay longer, the official list advises applying for the relevant residence formalities.

At the border

Bring:

  • Your passport, valid for the whole intended stay.
  • Evidence of your purpose: invitation letter, hotel booking, return or onward ticket.
  • A printed or offline copy of key addresses in Chinese, including your first accommodation.

Border inspection may collect biometric information and may ask questions about your plans. Answer consistently with your documents. The decision to admit you is made at the border, even if you hold a visa or qualify for visa-free entry.

If you plan to stay longer

The official Q&A is explicit: if you intend to stay more than 30 days, apply for the appropriate visa before travelling. If an unexpected situation requires a longer stay after visa-free entry, apply for a stay permit at the local exit-entry administration.

For stays connected to work, study or long-term residence, the relevant visa or permit must be obtained in advance. A visa-free entry or a transit entry is not a substitute.

Official sources

Rules, lists and port arrangements change. Always confirm the current position on the official pages above before you book or travel.

Details change. Confirm current prices, opening hours and entry rules before you rely on them.