Hainan Visa-Free: 59 Countries, 30 Days (2026 Guide)
Hainan's 59-country visa-free policy lets eligible travelers stay up to 30 days on the island. Which countries qualify, which ports, and the rules.
Hainan lets citizens of 59 countries visit the island visa-free for up to 30 days — a list that’s broader than China’s national visa-free scheme.
If your goal is beaches, tropical weather and Hainan’s resort cities, this regional policy may be the easiest way in — especially if your country isn’t on the national 30-day visa-free list. This guide covers who qualifies, which ports to use, and the rules to respect.
What the Hainan visa-free policy is
Hainan, China’s southernmost province and a free trade port, runs its own visa-free scheme separate from the national policy. Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries can enter Hainan without a visa for up to 30 days, for purposes including tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, medical treatment, exhibitions and sporting events. Work and long-term study are excluded.
How it compares to the national visa-free list
The Hainan 59-country list overlaps with China’s national 50-country list but is broader. A few examples of nationalities covered by Hainan but not by the national 30-day visa-free scheme include the US and Mexico. That makes Hainan a genuinely useful option for travelers whose only other route into mainland China would be a visa or the 240-hour transit scheme.
| Scheme | Countries | Stay | Where you can go |
|---|---|---|---|
| National 30-day visa-free | 50 | Up to 30 days | Anywhere in mainland China |
| Hainan visa-free | 59 | Up to 30 days | Hainan island only |
| 240-hour transit | 55 | Up to 10 days | Designated transit regions (with onward ticket) |
See the national visa-free list and the transit scheme for the alternatives.
Entry ports
You must arrive through Hainan’s designated ports:
- Airports: Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and Qionghai Boao International Airport.
- Cruise ports: Haikou, Sanya, Qinglan, Yangpu and Basuo.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months, and you enter on a tourist basis — bring return/onward travel details and a hotel booking in case border officers ask.
The one rule to remember
The visa-free stay is limited to Hainan island. You cannot use this policy to continue on to Guangzhou, Shanghai or anywhere else on the mainland. If your plan is to visit the mainland too, you’ll need a regular visa or a scheme that covers onward travel.
Getting to Hainan
Most international visitors fly into Haikou or Sanya. Direct international routes have grown as the free trade port develops, but many travelers still connect through mainland hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, or through Hong Kong. Remember that the visa-free entry itself must be processed at a Hainan port — if your itinerary touches another mainland city first, the entry for the Hainan policy happens in Hainan itself.
What you can do in Hainan
- Sanya — the classic beach destination, with bays such as Yalong Bay and Dadonghai.
- Haikou — the capital, with a relaxed old town and good ferry links.
- Boao — coastal town known for the Boao Forum venue.
- Qionghai and elsewhere — the island’s rural east is worth a slow drive.
Hainan’s free trade port status has expanded duty-free shopping, and direct flights now connect it with more international cities than ever. For money and phone setup, see our guide to paying in China.
Pre-travel checklist
- Confirm your country is on the 59-country list — and check whether you might qualify for the broader national scheme instead.
- Check your passport — valid for at least 6 months.
- Book flights into Haikou, Sanya or Qionghai — direct routes from your country may be limited; connections via mainland cities are common, but remember the entry must be into Hainan itself.
- Carry your return ticket and hotel booking — border officers may ask.
- Read the general visa-free requirements so nothing catches you out.
- Plan onward travel carefully — if you want to see the mainland afterward, factor in a separate visa or the transit options, since the Hainan policy ends at the island.
When does this policy expire?
As of August 2026, the Hainan 59-country visa-free policy is active. Rules around visa-free access to Hainan have been adjusted repeatedly as the free trade port develops, so confirm the current status with official sources before you book.
Where to verify
- National Immigration Administration (NIA) — en.nia.gov.cn
- Hainan provincial authorities — official announcements on the free trade port
- Chinese embassy or consulate in your country — current visa-free notices for Hainan
Last updated: August 2026. Entry rules change — always confirm with official sources before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Hainan visa-free policy?
Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries, including most European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Russia and several others. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
How long can I stay in Hainan visa-free?
Up to 30 days. As with the national visa-free schemes, count carefully from your arrival and don't overstay, as that risks fines and problems at exit.
Can I leave Hainan and travel to the mainland?
No. The Hainan visa-free policy confines you to the island's administrative area. To continue to the mainland you'd need a regular visa or, if you qualify, to use another scheme such as the 240-hour transit.
Which ports can I enter through?
Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport and Qionghai Boao International Airport, plus cruise ports including Haikou, Sanya, Qinglan, Yangpu and Basuo.
Do I need to book through a travel agency?
No. Individual eligible travelers can use the policy directly. A registered travel agency is no longer a requirement for visa-free entry, but always confirm the current procedure with the official source before you fly.
How is this different from the national visa-free policy?
The Hainan list covers more countries (59 vs 50) but restricts you to the island. If your country is on the national 50-country list, the national policy is better because you can travel anywhere in mainland China.