China Visa-Free Eligibility Checker
Select your nationality and arrival city to see exactly how you can enter China without a visa — across every current policy. Updated for 2026.
Good news — United Kingdom passport holders can enter visa-free
Arriving at Beijing · 2 pathway(s) available
30-day unilateral visa-free entry
Up to 30 days
- Ordinary passport only
- Tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit
- Valid at every Chinese port — no onward ticket required
240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit
Up to 240 hours (10 days)
- Must enter and exit through a designated port (e.g. Beijing)
- Requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region
- Stay limited to the permitted provinces/regions
Policy data last verified June 2026. Visa rules change frequently and your eligibility can depend on passport type, purpose of travel, and the specific port. Always confirm with the National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy before booking.
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China Visa-Free Policies at a Glance (2026)
| Policy | Who qualifies | Max stay | Ports | Onward ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day unilateral visa-free | 50 countries inc. UK, EU, Australia, Japan, S. Korea, Canada, Brazil | 30 days | Any port | Not required |
| Mutual (bilateral) visa-free | Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Georgia & more | 30 days | Any port | Not required |
| 240-hour visa-free transit | 55 countries inc. USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia | 10 days | 65 designated ports | Required (3rd country) |
| Hainan visa-free | 59 countries (individual travel) | 30 days | Hainan only | Not required |
Source: China National Immigration Administration & State Council announcements. Last verified June 2026. Policies are reviewed periodically — verify before booking.
See the full Visa-Free Policy Tracker — every country, port & the change timelineFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026?
It depends on your nationality and itinerary. As of 2026, ordinary passport holders from 50 countries — including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Brazil — can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. Others may qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit (if they have an onward ticket to a third country) or Hainan visa-free travel. Use the checker above to see which applies to you.
What is China's 30-day visa-free policy?
China unilaterally allows ordinary passport holders from 50 countries to enter for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit — without a visa and without an onward ticket. It is valid at every Chinese port. Most countries' eligibility currently runs through 31 December 2026, when the policy is reviewed.
How does the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit work?
Travellers from 55 eligible countries can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) if they enter and exit through one of 65 designated ports and hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region. Unlike the 30-day policy, you cannot use it for a round-trip back to your home country — you must travel onward to a different country.
What is the difference between visa-free entry and visa-free transit?
Visa-free entry (the 30-day policies) lets you fly in and out of China freely for tourism or business. Visa-free transit (the 240-hour policy) is for travellers passing through China to a third country — it requires an onward ticket and is limited to designated ports and regions. If your nationality qualifies for the 30-day policy, that is almost always the better option.
Does the entry port matter for visa-free travel?
For the 30-day unilateral and mutual visa-free policies, no — they are valid at every Chinese port. For the 240-hour transit you must use one of 65 designated ports (all major international airports qualify). Hainan visa-free travel is only valid when you arrive at a Hainan port such as Haikou or Sanya.
Is the visa-free policy permanent?
No. Most of China's unilateral visa-free arrangements are trial policies currently scheduled through 31 December 2026, after which they are reviewed and typically extended. Mutual agreements are treaty-based and more stable. Always confirm the current rules with the National Immigration Administration before you book.
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