China Visa-Free Countries 2026: Complete List (50 Countries)
The 50 countries whose citizens can enter China visa-free for 30 days in 2026, grouped by region, plus the 240-hour transit scheme.
Citizens of 50 countries can now enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days — for tourism, business, visiting family, exchanges or transit.
This guide is the definitive list as of August 2026, grouped by region, with the rules that matter and the expiry dates you need to plan around.
The 50 countries (by region)
Europe (35)
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Asia (7)
Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea
Americas (6)
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
Oceania (2)
Australia, New Zealand
Why the UK and Canada matter here: both were added on 17 February 2026. If you’re traveling from either country, you no longer need a visa for stays up to 30 days — see our UK visa-free guide.
How the visa-free entry works
- Duration: up to 30 days, counted from the day after arrival.
- Purposes: tourism, business, visiting family/friends, exchanges, and transit.
- Passport: a valid ordinary passport from an eligible country.
- Entry: through any open port in mainland China — air, land or sea.
- Re-entry: currently no stated limit on the number of entries or total days.
- Not included: work, study, or journalism/media activity.
What if your country isn’t on the list?
Two things may still apply:
- 240-hour transit scheme — covers 55 countries and lets eligible travelers stay up to 10 days without a visa, provided they hold a booked onward ticket to a third country within 240 hours. This is a separate scheme from the 30-day visa-free entry.
- A visa — if neither scheme applies to you, apply for the right visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Note for US citizens: the US is not on the 30-day unilateral list. US passport holders can either apply for a visa, or — if their trip qualifies — use the 240-hour transit scheme. See our guide on that.
Expiry dates to plan around
| Country group | Status |
|---|---|
| Brunei | No expiry (long-term) |
| Russia | Extended to 31 December 2027 |
| All other 48 countries | Valid until 31 December 2026 |
China has already extended these policies once (in 2025), so an extension is plausible — but don’t book on an assumption. Check the official sources below, or revisit this page (we update it the moment rules change).
Where to verify
- National Immigration Administration (NIA) — en.nia.gov.cn
- Your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate — each publishes current visa-free notices
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcements
Last updated: August 2026. Entry rules change frequently and are enforced at the border — always confirm with official sources before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my country is on the visa-free list?
Check the regional lists in this guide. As a rule of thumb, the 50 unilateral visa-free countries are mostly in Europe, plus Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, a group of Middle Eastern countries, and several in Latin America. The UK and Canada were added in February 2026.
My country isn't on the list — can I still enter without a visa?
Possibly, via the separate 240-hour transit scheme, which covers 55 countries and lets you stay up to 10 days with a booked onward ticket to a third country. If neither scheme applies, you'll need a visa — apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel.
How long does the visa-free stay last?
Up to 30 days, counted from the day after arrival, for the unilateral scheme. The 240-hour transit scheme allows up to 10 days.
Do the visa-free rules expire?
Most unilateral visa-free arrangements currently run until 31 December 2026. Brunei's has no expiry, and Russia's has been extended to 31 December 2027. China has extended these policies before, but don't assume — always re-check before booking.
Does visa-free entry cover Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan?
No. Visa-free entry applies to mainland China only. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan have separate entry rules.