China’s expanded visa-free entry rules are making it easier for many international visitors to plan longer summer routes across the country, including itineraries that go beyond the usual first stops of Beijing and Shanghai.
The National Immigration Administration lists 50 countries whose ordinary passport holders may enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family and friend visits, exchange visits or transit for stays of up to 30 days. The list includes Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and a large group of European countries.
For eligible travellers, the 30-day stay is counted from 00:00 on the day after entry. China’s visa application guidance says the waiver can be used by individual travellers and tour groups, and that eligible travellers do not need to declare their visa-free trip to a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
Border officers may still check whether the trip matches an allowed purpose of stay. Travellers should carry documents that support their itinerary, such as return or onward tickets, hotel bookings or an invitation letter where relevant. Work, study, journalism and similar activities still require the appropriate visa.
The policy is already showing up in official travel figures. During the first quarter of 2026, China recorded 8.315 million visa-free entries by foreign nationals, accounting for 77.9% of inbound foreign visitors, according to the National Immigration Administration. During the May Day holiday, 436,000 inbound trips by foreign nationals came under visa-free policies, up 14.7% year on year. During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday in June, 266,000 inbound foreign travellers entered under visa-free policies, up 15.2% year on year.
The South China Morning Post reported that travellers are using the easier entry rules for more ambitious China routes, including trips linking Shanghai and Beijing with inland destinations such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Guizhou, Guilin and Guangzhou. That matches the practical effect of a 30-day window: visitors can combine major cities, high-speed rail journeys and regional nature destinations without building the trip around a short stopover.
Who can use the 30-day visa-free policy
As of the National Immigration Administration’s February 2026 list, ordinary passport holders from the covered countries may use the unilateral visa exemption for tourism and other approved short-stay purposes. The official list groups the covered countries as follows:
- Europe: 35 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
- Asia: Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.
Travellers should check the official list before booking, because visa-free eligibility depends on nationality, passport type, purpose of visit and current policy status. Holding an emergency, temporary or non-ordinary travel document may not qualify.
Transit without a visa is a separate option
Travellers who are not covered by the 30-day unilateral visa-free scheme, or who are building China into a multi-country itinerary, may still have another route: China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The policy allows eligible nationals of 55 countries to enter through designated ports in 24 provincial-level regions and stay in permitted areas for up to 10 days while transiting to a third country or region.
The 240-hour transit option requires a valid international travel document and an onward ticket with a confirmed seat and departure date. It is not the same as the 30-day visa-free entry scheme, and the permitted travel area depends on the entry port and province. Activities such as work, study and news reporting still require prior approval and the correct visa.
Planning points for summer trips
For eligible visitors, the main planning change is flexibility. A 30-day visa-free stay can cover a first-time route through Beijing, Shanghai and Xi’an, a southwest itinerary through Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie and Guilin, or a south China route ending in Guangzhou or onward to Hong Kong, Macao or Southeast Asia.
Travellers should keep proof of accommodation and onward travel available at the border, confirm whether their nationality is covered by the 30-day waiver or only by transit rules, and avoid overstaying. Anyone planning to remain in China for more than 30 days should apply for the appropriate visa before travel, or, if there is a valid reason after arrival, contact the local exit-entry administration about stay-permit procedures before the visa-free period expires.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Australia is on China’s official unilateral visa exemption list. Ordinary passport holders may enter China visa-free for tourism and other approved short-stay purposes for up to 30 days, subject to border inspection.
According to official guidance, the stay is counted from 00:00 on the day after entry and lasts for 30 calendar days.
China’s visa-free FAQ recommends carrying documents that support the purpose of travel, such as air tickets, accommodation reservations or invitation letters. Border officers may examine the intended purpose of stay.
No. The 240-hour transit policy is a separate scheme for eligible travellers transiting to a third country or region through designated ports and permitted areas. The 30-day unilateral visa-free policy applies to nationals of listed countries entering for approved short-stay purposes.
