Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China – Updated on December 18, 2024:
◊China has recently implemented a 30-day visa-free policy for 38 countries, including various European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Additionally, countries like Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan are also included in this policy, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
◊Furthermore, a 240-hour visa-free transit program has been introduced for 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil. Travelers from these countries can now freely move between provinces within China, such as traveling from Beijing to Xian and then to Shanghai. The Mohan Railway Port at the China-Laos border and the Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station have also been added to the 240-hour transit visa-free program.
◊China has established full visa exemption agreements with 25 countries across various regions, including Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Albania, Belarus, Mauritius, Antigua and Barbuda, and Suriname.
◊For U.S. nationals applying for a Chinese Tourist Visa, booking flights and hotels, creating itineraries, and obtaining invitation letters are not required. Many embassies and consulates do not require appointments for visa applications.
◊China Discovery will continue to provide updates on the latest Chinese visa and entry policies. For further information, you can contact the official telephone number of the China National Immigration Administration at +86 010 12367. Welcome to China!
“Are you wondering if you can travel to China without a visa? The answer to that question varies depending on your individual circumstances. Currently, China has implemented 15 visa-free policies for foreign ordinary passport holders, which apply to individuals of different nationalities arriving by different modes of transportation and visiting various cities. Among the most popular visa-free options are the 24-Hour and 240-Hour Visa Free programs for international transiting tourists. If you qualify for any of these visa waiver programs, you can visit China without needing to apply for a visa.”
Table of Contents
•30 Days Visa Free for Singapore and Thailand •30 Days Visa Free for Australia, France, Germany…
•240-Hour Visa Free Transit •24-Hour Visa Free Transit
•Hainan 30-Day Visa Free •Pearl River Delta 6 Day Visa Free
•Guilin 6 Day Visa Free •Shanghai 15 Day Visa Free
•Hong Kong Visa Free•Macau Visa Free •Mutual Visa Free
•APEC Business Travel Card •China Permanent Residence ID Card
•China Residence Permit •Special Border Visa Free
China Visa Free for Singapore and Thailand Passport Holders for 30 Days
China Visa Free for Singapore and Thailand Passport Holders for 30 DaysNationality Requirements: Singapore and Thailand (Ordinary Passport Holders)
Visa-Free Stay Period: Up to 30 days
Entry Ports: Any ports open to foreigners
Allowed Destinations: Mainland China
Citizens holding ordinary passports from Singapore and Thailand are exempt from obtaining a visa when traveling to China. They can enter through any port open to foreigners and explore mainland China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or visiting friends and relatives. This allows travelers to enjoy an extended holiday in China, experiencing the diverse attractions of Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and more.
It is important to note that a Chinese visa is required for those who overstay the 30-day limit or visit China for purposes such as study, work, journalism, or other activities.
30 days visa free for citizens of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia and other 29 countries
Nationality Requirements: Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg are eligible for the visa-free policy.
Visa-Free Stay Period: Visitors can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa.
Entry Ports: Visitors can enter through any port open to foreigners.
Places to Visit: Visitors can explore China’s mainland.
To enhance international exchanges, support high-quality development, and promote high-level openness, the Chinese government has decided to expand the unilateral visa-free policy to include citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Citizens of these countries holding ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for up to 30 days until December 31, 2025. Those who do not meet the visa-free conditions must apply for a visa before entering China.
240-Hour Visa Free Transit in China
Nationality Requirements: Citizens from 54 foreign countries and regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in China.
Visa-Free Stay Period: Visitors can stay for up to 240 hours, which is equivalent to 10 days.
Entry Port: Travelers must enter through a specific port in the transiting city.
Places to Visit: Visitors are allowed to explore the transiting provinces and cities.
Valid Provinces & Cities: The policy applies to popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and more.
Until December 2024, China offers the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to qualified foreigners from over 20 provinces and cities. To be eligible, applicants must be from one of the specified countries, have connecting tickets to a third country with confirmed seats, and stay within the 240-hour limit.
This updated rule provides greater convenience for travelers, allowing them to enjoy a layover tour in China. For detailed requirements, application guidelines, airport layover information, and useful tips, refer to the 240-hour Visa-free Transit Policy in China to plan a memorable visit.
Special Notes for the 240-hour Visa-Free Transit in China:
A. Ticket Requirements: Visitors must have departing tickets with specified dates and seats to a third country or region within 240 hours. The transit route should involve different countries or regions (e.g., Country A –> China Mainland –> Country B).
B. Port Transfers: Travelers are permitted to transfer between regions during their transit.
C. Duration of Stay: The visa-free hours start counting from 00:00 on the day after arrival, not the time of landing.
24-Hour Direct Transit Visa Free in China
Visa-Free Stay Period: 24 hours/1 day (within or outside the airport)
Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city
Places to Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou… and most other Chinese cities
According to relevant laws and regulations, transit visas may be exempted for foreigners traveling directly through China by international flight, train, or ship on their way to a third country or region, and staying in China for less than 24 hours. No immigration formalities are required if the individual stays within the entry port. To leave the airport or port of entry, please apply for a Temporary Entry Permit from the immigration zone at no cost.
The 24-Hour Visa-free Transit is available to citizens of all countries and most Chinese cities. If the layover time is not pressing, visitors can take advantage of the 24-Hour TWOV to enjoy a quick one-day city tour or visit attractions near the airport.
Hainan 30-Day Visa Free for 59 Countries
Nationality Requirements: Citizens from 59 foreign countries or regions, including the US, UK, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, are eligible for visa-free entry to Hainan Province.
Visa-Free Stay Period: Visitors can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
Entry Ports: Travelers can enter through Sanya Fenghuang Airport, Haikou Meilan Airport, or any port in Hainan.
Destinations to Visit: Tourists can explore Sanya, Haikou, and all cities in Hainan during their stay。
Starting from May 1st, 2018, Hainan Province began offering visa-free entry to citizens from 59 designated countries for a maximum of 30 days. To qualify, travelers must have a valid passport, be received by a Hainan-based travel agency, enter through a designated port in Hainan, and stay within the administrative region of Hainan Province, which includes Sanya and Haikou. Hainan also supports independent travel through individual registration and plans to allow more purposes of visiting soon.
Before arriving, applicants must register with a Hainan travel agency and provide personal and current travel information. Once registered, visitors are free to plan a tour of Hainan Island to enjoy the sunshine, beaches, palm trees, seafood, and the vibrant culture of this beautiful island in southern China. Learn more about the Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Policy!
The 59 countries eligible for visa-free entry to Hainan include:
Countries in the Americas (6): the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile;
European Countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus;
Oceania Countries (2): Australia and New Zealand;
Asian Countries (11): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Recommended Sanya (Hainan) Tours: 4 Days Hainan Island Train Tour 4 Days Sanya Beach Resort Tour 4 Days Sanya Local Culture Tour
6-Day Visa-free Guangdong Group Tour in Pearl River Delta
Visa-Free Stay Period: 144 hours (6 days)
Entry Ports: Ports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and any port in the 10 appointed cities.
Places to Visit (10): Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, Shantou.
Foreigners from countries that have diplomatic relations with China and have previously stayed in Hong Kong or Macau can enjoy visa-free travel to the Pearl River Delta for up to 6 days. Under the 144-hour visa waiver rule, visitors can travel directly from Hong Kong, Macau, and the cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Shantou in Guangdong Province. This allows them to fully explore the culture, history, architecture, and cuisine of the Lingnan region in the Pearl River Delta.
To be eligible for the 144-hour visa-free visit, foreigners must meet the following conditions:
◊Hold a valid passport.
◊Have already stayed in Hong Kong or Macau and plan to visit the Pearl River Delta from there.
◊Be part of a group tour organized by a travel agency registered in Hong Kong or Macau.
Note:Please note that aside from the visa-free group tour option, Guangdong also offers a 240-hour visa-free transit for travelers in transit.
Guilin 6-Day Visa Free for Tour Groups of 10 ASEAN Countries
Nationality Requirements: Citizens of the following 10 ASEAN countries are eligible for the visa-free entry to Guilin: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Visa-Free Stay Period: Visitors are allowed to stay in Guilin for up to 144 hours (6 days) without the need for a Chinese visa.
Entry Port: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the designated port for entry and exit for visitors taking advantage of the 6-day visa-free entry.
The 6-day visa-free entry to Guilin for ASEAN tour groups was officially implemented in May 2015. Citizens from the 10 ASEAN countries can participate in a travel group (consisting of at least 2 tourists) from their home country and explore Guilin for 6 days without the requirement of obtaining a Chinese visa. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves as the sole entry and exit point for this visa-free program.
Travel Advice: During the 6-day tour, visitors are encouraged to explore Guilin’s downtown sights, take a cruise along the Li River, visit the Longsheng Rice Terraces, and enjoy biking in Yangshuo. These activities are considered must-do experiences in Guilin.
Recommended Guilin Tours:3 Days Classic Guilin Tour 4 Days Guilin Highlights Tour 5 Days Best Guilin In-depth Vacation
15-Day Visa-free Cruise Tour Groups
Visa-Free Stay Period: 15 days
Entry Ports: Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
Places to Visit: the transiting city or region
Valid Cities (3) & Provinces (9): Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan.
To enhance the convenience and opportunities for international cruise tourists traveling in China, Shanghai implemented a 15-Day Visa-Free Entry policy for foreign cruise ship visitors starting on October 1st, 2016. On May 15, 2024, the National Immigration Administration expanded this policy to include 12 additional cities eligible for visa-free entry. These cities are Tianjin, Dalian (Liaoning Province), Lianyungang (Jiangsu Province), Wenzhou and Zhoushan (Zhejiang Province), Xiamen (Fujian Province), Qingdao (Shandong Province), Guangzhou and Shenzhen (Guangdong Province), Beihai (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Haikou and Sanya (Hainan Province).
Overseas cruise tour groups must be received and organized by travel agencies registered in China, enter from designated cruise terminals in the aforementioned cities, and travel within the coastal regions of China. They are allowed multiple stopovers in coastal cities (provinces) with a maximum total stay of 15 days. This initiative aims to promote the 15-Day Visa-Free Cruise Tour experience for international visitors.
Recommended Shanghai Tours: 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour 3 Days Shanghai Past & Contrast Tour 3 Days Best Shanghai Tour with Half-day Cycling
4 Days Shanghai Magic Tour with Disneyland Park
Visa Free Enrty to Hong Kong
Nationality Requirements: Citizens from 170 foreign countries or regions, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, are eligible for visa-free entry into Hong Kong.
Visa-Free Stay Period: Visitors can stay in Hong Kong for a period ranging from 7 days to 180 days, depending on their nationality.
Entry Ports: Visitors can enter Hong Kong through Hong Kong International Airport, as well as through cruise and land ports.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR) in Southeastern China has a unique visa policy separate from that of Mainland China. Currently, ordinary passport holders from approximately 170 foreign countries and territories are exempt from needing a Hong Kong SAR Visa/Entry Permit. The length of stay permitted varies depending on nationality, with options ranging from 7 days to 180 days. For more information on Hong Kong visas, please visit our website.
* U.S.A Citizens. Australian, Canadian, New Zealand Citizen, French, Japanese – 90 Days / British Citizens – 180 Days
Recommended Hong Kong Tours: 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour 3 Days Hong Kong Walking Experience
Macau Visa Free Policy
Nationality Requirements: Citizens from 79 foreign countries or regions, including the US, UK, Canada, and Malaysia, are eligible for visa-free entry into Macau.
Visa-Free Stay Period: Visitors can stay in Macau for a period ranging from 14 days to 1 year, depending on their nationality.
Entry Ports: Travelers can enter Macau through Macau Airport, cruise ports, or land ports.
Similar to Hong Kong, Macau SAR offers a visa waiver program for citizens of 79 countries who are visiting for tourism or business purposes. Citizens of the European Union and Schengen Agreement countries can stay in Macau visa-free for up to 90 days, while Brunei citizens can stay for 14 days and regular visitors for 30 days. For more information on Macau visas, please visit our website.
*UK Citizen – 6 Months / New Zealand Citizen – 3 Months / Ameican, Canada, Austria, France, German, Italy Citizen – 30 days
Recommended Macau Tours: 2 Days Hong Kong Macau Highlights Tour 6 Days Hong Kong Macau Shenzhen Tour 6 Days Greater Bay Area Cultural Tour
Reciprocal Visa Exemption with China
Nationality Requirements: Citizens of 14 foreign countries (Fiji, Grenada, San Marino, Qatar, Tango, Serbia…) are eligible for visa-free entry into China.
Visa-Free Stay Period: The visa-free stay period ranges from 30 to 90 days.
Entry Ports: Visitors can enter China through any port in the mainland.
Places to Visit: Popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, and any city in mainland China are open to visitors.
China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 144 countries. Please note that this privilege is only applicable to ordinary passport holders from the exclusive 14 countries listed, while diplomatic or official passport holders may have different requirements. The duration of visa-free stays varies depending on nationality, with options for 30, 60, or 90 days.
For a full list of the 144 countries with bilateral agreements with China, download the guide here: [link]. Click on the China Mutual Visa Exemption Guide for more detailed information.
Holders of Valid APEC Business Travel Card
Nationality Requirements: Citizens of 21 APEC Countries are eligible
Visa-Free Stay Period: Up to 60 days per entry
Entry Ports: Any ports in China’s Mainland
Places to Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and most major Chinese cities
When traveling to China, the APEC Business Travel Card serves as a 5-year multiple-entry Chinese Visa specifically for business purposes. Business travelers from 21 APEC countries can enter China multiple times during the card’s validity period, as long as they have a valid passport. Each entry allows for a maximum stay of 60 days.
Holders of PRC Foreigner’s Permanent Residence ID Card
The Permanent Residence ID Card for Foreigners in the People’s Republic of China is commonly referred to as the “Green Card.” This card grants foreign holders the ability to reside in China without any restrictions on entries or length of stay, as well as providing them with the same privileges as Chinese citizens. The most recent version of the card, updated in 2017, functions as a second-generation ID card that can be utilized in various situations, including booking train tickets, hotels, opening bank accounts, and more.
Holders of China Residence Permit
The Residence Permit of the People’s Republic of China is issued to foreign nationals holding D, Z, J1, Q1, S1, or X1 visas, as well as other long-term Chinese visas requiring a stay of 1 year or more in China. Holders of the China Residence Permit are exempt from having to apply for a new visa, as the permit already allows for double or multiple entries. If you possess a D, Z, J1, Q1, S1, or visa with special requirements, it is necessary to apply for the Residence Permit from the local Public Security Authorities within 30 days of arrival.
Special Visa-free Policy in China Border Areas
Certain visa-free policies are in effect in select Chinese border areas. Russian citizens residing in Amur Oblast are permitted to enjoy a one-day visa-free tour in Heihe, located in Heilongjiang Province. Additionally, Russian tour groups consisting of a minimum of two members can visit Suifenhe in Heilongjiang Province without the need for a Chinese Visa. Furthermore, citizens of Kazakhstan are eligible for a three-day visa-free travel to Tacheng in Xinjiang.
China Visa Guide
With the exception of the visa-free situations mentioned above, all other foreign visitors must apply for a visa to travel to China from an overseas Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Before submitting your application, it is important to ensure you have selected the correct visa type (such as the China L Visa for tourism), determined the number of entries you require based on your travel plans, and understood the visa validity, duration of stay, and other relevant visa information.
To apply for a China Visa, each applicant must prepare the necessary documents (including a valid passport, completed visa application form, photos, flight ticket and hotel booking information, invitation letter, and visa fees) and submit them to the Embassy’s visa office or visa center.
In today’s world, taking advantage of the 240-Hour or 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit option is an excellent and popular way to enjoy a short trip to China without the need to pay large fees or deal with extensive paperwork. Simply bring your passport and ticket showing your departure from the transit city, and you can quickly and conveniently obtain a 3 or 6-day visa-free entry permit at the airport. This allows you the freedom to explore major destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen, among others. With this visa-free travel opportunity, you can easily fulfill your dream of visiting iconic sites like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Li River, and Giant Panda sanctuaries.
—————————————–Recommended China Visa-Free Tours 2025—————————————————
China Discovery is a reputable and seasoned travel companion that specializes in providing high-value, stress-free tours for travelers. In addition to popular destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Qingdao, there are also 240-Hour Visa-free Transit cities available for exploration.
Imagine fulfilling your dream of touring China without the hassle of applying for a visa. You can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes that China has to offer. Simply reach out to us, share your interests and travel plans, and we will tailor a perfect China tour to meet your needs.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with China Discovery! Don’t hesitate to contact us now to arrange a personalized visa-free tour and discover the vast and stunning beauty of China!
Experience the beauty of Kunming during our 3-day Spring City Tour. Immerse yourself in the warm, leisurely atmosphere of this flowery provincial capital as you explore all the must-see attractions. Over the course of three days, you will visit the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, as well as the city’s best parks, hills, temples, and museums. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a memorable experience in charming Kunming before you depart!3 Days Kunming Spring City Tour
Experience the beauty of Guilin during this classic 3-day vacation. Explore the city’s landmarks, including Elephant Trunk Hill, and relax on a leisurely cruise down the picturesque Li River to Yangshuo Town. This brief but unforgettable trip promises to leave you inspired and rejuvenated.3 Days Guilin Li River Cruise Tour
Perfect for people who are on business, layover with the 144-hour visa free transit. You will take a short 2-day trip to savor the essence of Guangzhou, like Lingnan culture, old commercial history, modern urban view, fresh and delicious Cantonese food!2 Days Guangzhou Best Essence Tour
This meticulously crafted itinerary is ideal for travelers with limited time in Beijing. Whether you are making the most of a layover or simply looking to maximize a short trip, this tour offers a thorough exploration of the city’s most iconic attractions.3 Days Visa-free Beijing Essential
The Harbin Ice Festival Tour is ideal for travelers from around the world who wish to experience the 38th Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin at its peak, taking place from late December 2021 to February 2022. Join us for an unforgettable journey to witness the stunning ice sculptures and vibrant festivities that make this event a must-see attraction.3 Days Harbin Ice Festival Tour
Embark on a 6-day unforgettable journey to discover the magnificent cities of East China, including the poetic beauty of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Immerse yourself in the slow, laid-back atmosphere of the traditional and antique Wuzhen Water Town.6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour
Discover the top three destinations in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) that offer rich and captivating cultural experiences. Explore these vibrant locales and immerse yourself in their unique cultural offerings.6 Days Hong Kong Guangzhou Macau Tour
Explore all of the highlighted attractions, including the panda loving care program.2 Days Chengdu Panda Loving Care Tour
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