Visa-Free Entry into China: FAQs
(Updated 11 November 2025)
China allows nationals from selected countries to enter without a visa for short stays under specific conditions. Below are the key questions and answers to help travelers understand the policy.
Q1: Who is eligible for visa-free entry into China?
A: Nationals holding valid ordinary passports from the following 48 countries may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, if traveling for business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchanges, or transit.
Eligible countries include:
| Region | Eligible Countries |
|---|---|
| Asia | Brunei, Japan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Russia |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay |
Q2: How long can I stay in China without a visa?
A: Visa-free stays are limited to 30 calendar days per entry, calculated from the day after arrival.
Brunei: No expiry date
Russia: Visa-free entry valid until 14 September 2026
Other 46 countries: Visa-free entry valid until 31 December 2026
Q3: Are minors subject to special requirements?
A: No. Minors follow the same requirements as adults.
Q4: Does the visa waiver cover sports competitions, conferences, exhibitions, or study tours?
A: Yes. Eligible travelers attending sports events, conferences, exhibitions, or short study tours (summer/winter camps) may enter visa-free for up to 30 days. A valid ordinary passport is required.
Q5: Can I travel as part of a tour group?
A: Yes. Visa-free entry applies to travelers entering individually or as part of a tour group.
Q6: Will border authorities check my purpose of travel?
A: Yes. Chinese border inspection authorities will verify that your declared purpose matches visa-free conditions.
Recommended documents to carry:
- Invitation letters
- Flight tickets
- Accommodation reservations
Entry may be denied if the purpose does not meet visa-free requirements or if the traveler is otherwise restricted under Chinese laws.
Q7: Are there restrictions on passport types or validity?
A: Yes. Travelers must hold an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of stay.
Travelers with temporary, emergency, or other non-ordinary travel documents are not eligible for visa-free entry.
Q8: Can I enter China from any country?
A: Yes. Eligible travelers may enter China from any country or region.
Q9: Does the visa waiver apply to land or sea travel?
A: Yes. Visa-free entry is valid for travel via air, sea, and land ports open to foreign nationals.
Travelers using private transport must follow China’s entry and exit regulations for vehicles.
Q10: Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
A: Travelers intending to stay longer than 30 days must apply for the appropriate visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before arrival.
If an extension is needed after arrival for legitimate reasons, travelers can apply for a stay permit at local public security exit-entry authorities.
Q11: Can I enter China multiple times under visa-free entry?
A: Yes. Eligible travelers may enter China multiple times without restriction on the number of entries or total days, provided activities remain consistent with the declared purpose of entry.
Q12: Do I need to declare my visit to a Chinese embassy in advance?
A: No. Eligible travelers do not need to make advance declarations.
Q13: What happens if I lose my passport while in China?
A: Travelers who lose their passport may exit China using a new or emergency travel document issued by their embassy or consulate, subject to verification by Chinese border authorities.
- Exit is permitted only if there is no overstay or legal violation
- Any violations must be resolved with authorities before departure
Q14: Does visa-free entry allow work, long-term study, or journalism?
A: No. Visa-free entry is only for short-term, non-employment visits. Travelers cannot:
- Take up work (paid or unpaid)
- Enrol in long-term study programs
- Conduct journalism or news reporting
Travelers intending to engage in these activities must apply for the appropriate visa before entering China.
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Read more:
https://www.visaforchina.cn/SYD3_EN/qianzhengyewu
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For assistance with employee travel planning and compliance for China, reach out to us at:
Email: info@linkcompliance.com
More information: www.linkcompliance.com
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