Quick Answer
Can you visit China without a visa in 2026? A clear guide to the 30-day visa-free policy, the 240-hour transit scheme, eligible countries, ports and the rules that trip travellers up.
Why it matters
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TL;DR (Quick Answer)
- 30-day visa-free: citizens of 45+ countries can enter China for up to 30 days (tourism, business, family, transit) through the end of 2026 — no visa needed.
- 240-hour (10-day) transit: travellers from 54+ countries can transit visa-free for up to 10 days via 65 approved ports across 24 provinces, with an onward ticket to a third country.
- Still need the basics: a passport valid 3+ months and the free online China Digital Arrival Card.
Ready to use that window? Browse multi-day itineraries or take the trip quiz to plan a trip that fits your stay.
Do I Need a Visa for China in 2026?
For many travellers, no. China has rolled out two big visa-free options that together cover most short trips: a unilateral 30-day visa-free policy for citizens of a growing list of countries, and the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme for travellers passing through. If neither applies to you, you'll need a standard tourist (L) visa — see our China visa application guide.
The 30-Day Visa-Free Policy
Ordinary passport holders from the participating countries can enter mainland China and stay up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or transit — no visa, no application. The policy currently runs through 31 December 2026. It covers most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and many Asian and Latin American countries. Always confirm your nationality on the official list before booking, as the list is updated periodically.
The 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit
If your country isn't on the 30-day list, you may still qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit. The essentials:
- Who: passport holders from 54+ eligible countries (all G7 nations, most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian partners).
- How long: up to 10 days (240 hours).
- Where: entry/exit via 65 approved air, sea, land and high-speed-rail ports across 24 provincial-level regions.
- The catch: you need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region — not back to where you came from. (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan count as separate regions.)
Timing rule that trips people up: the 240 hours start at 00:00 the day after you clear immigration — not the moment you land — and you must exit before that clock runs out.
What You Still Need
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure.
- The free China Digital Arrival Card (a QR code from the official immigration site), now required for entry.
- Proof of onward travel and accommodation for transit entries.
Which Option Should I Use?
If your nationality qualifies for 30-day visa-free, use that — it's simpler, has no third-country requirement, and gives you longer. Use 240-hour transit if you're not on the 30-day list but are passing through China between two other destinations. For longer or more complex trips, get a tourist visa.
Plan a Visa-Free China Trip
A week to ten days is plenty for a first trip — see how many days you need and the 7-Day Golden Triangle. Questions about your nationality or ports? Message a trip designer.
FAQ
Can I travel to China without a visa in 2026?
Yes, if you're a citizen of one of the 45+ countries covered by the 30-day visa-free policy, or if you qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit with an onward ticket to a third country. Otherwise you need a tourist visa.
How long is China's visa-free transit in 2026?
Up to 240 hours (10 days), entering and exiting through one of 65 approved ports across 24 provinces, provided you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
What is the difference between 30-day visa-free and 240-hour transit?
30-day visa-free is for citizens of specific countries visiting China directly, with no third-country requirement. 240-hour transit is for travellers passing through China to another country and requires an onward ticket.
Do I need anything besides my passport?
Yes — a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure, and the free online China Digital Arrival Card. Transit travellers also need proof of an onward ticket.
