China Visa-Free Policy 2026: The Complete Tracker
Every current China visa-free policy in one place — the countries, ports, stay lengths and the changes that got us here. A reference you can cite, updated as the rules change.
50
countries — 30-day unilateral visa-free
55
countries — 240-hour (10-day) transit
16
designated transit ports (this list)
22
mutual visa-free agreements (tracked)
Want your own result? Check eligibility by nationality + entry port.
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China visa requirements by country →30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free (50 countries)
Ordinary passport holders may enter for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges or transit — at any port, with no onward ticket required.
Mutual Visa-Free Agreements (22 tracked)
Reciprocal treaties allowing visa-free entry (typically 30 days) for ordinary passport holders. This list tracks the most well-documented agreements.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (55 countries)
Up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free for travellers transiting to a third country or region, entering and exiting through a designated port with a confirmed onward ticket.
Designated transit ports
| City | Airport / port | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Capital (PEK) / Daxing (PKX) | Beijing |
| Shanghai | Pudong (PVG) / Hongqiao (SHA) | Shanghai |
| Guangzhou | Baiyun (CAN) | Guangdong |
| Shenzhen | Bao'an (SZX) | Guangdong |
| Chengdu | Tianfu (TFU) / Shuangliu (CTU) | Sichuan |
| Xi'an | Xianyang (XIY) | Shaanxi |
| Hangzhou | Xiaoshan (HGH) | Zhejiang |
| Chongqing | Jiangbei (CKG) | Chongqing |
| Kunming | Changshui (KMG) | Yunnan |
| Changsha | Huanghua (CSX) | Hunan |
| Xiamen | Gaoqi (XMN) | Fujian |
| Qingdao | Jiaodong (TAO) | Shandong |
| Wuhan | Tianhe (WUH) | Hubei |
| Nanjing | Lukou (NKG) | Jiangsu |
| Haikou | Meilan (HAK) | Hainan |
| Sanya | Phoenix (SYX) | Hainan |
Major international gateways shown; China designates 65 ports in total across 24 provincial-level regions.
Hainan Visa-Free (island only)
Up to 30 days visa-free for individual travellers from 59 countries entering via a Hainan port (Haikou or Sanya), arranged through a Hainan-registered travel agency. Travel is limited to Hainan Province. (Tracked here for 63+ major source markets.)
How the Policy Evolved
Dec 2023 – 2024
China launches and repeatedly expands its unilateral visa-free trial, adding European, Asian, Gulf, Oceania and Latin American countries.
Dec 17, 2024
Transit visa-free extended to 240 hours (10 days), up from 72/144 hours, with expanded permitted regions.
Nov 2025
Designated transit ports expanded to 65 across 24 provincial-level regions, adding Guangzhou and Greater Bay Area crossings.
2025–2026
Further unilateral additions (e.g. the UK, Canada and others); most arrangements scheduled through 31 December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries can enter China visa-free in 2026?
As of June 2026, 50 countries qualify for 30-day unilateral visa-free entry, and 55 countries qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit. Many also have mutual visa-free agreements or Hainan access.
Is the China visa-free policy permanent?
No. Most unilateral 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.
What is the difference between visa-free entry and visa-free transit?
The 30-day unilateral and mutual policies are visa-free entry — valid at any port, no onward ticket, for tourism or business. The 240-hour transit is for travellers passing through to a third country: it requires an onward ticket and is limited to designated ports and regions.
Where can I check my own eligibility?
Use the interactive China Visa-Free Checker — enter your nationality and arrival city and it returns every pathway available to you, best-first.
Citing this tracker
Writing about China travel? You're welcome to cite this page. Suggested credit: “China visa-free policy data, Panda Touring (pandatouring.com), updated June 2026.” Always direct readers to verify with the National Immigration Administration.
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