(Sanya) Hainan 30-Day Free Visa Policy for 59 Countries – Resumed from March 15, 2023
Do I need a visa for Hainan China?
Hainan Island introduced a new visa-free entry policy for citizens of 59 specific countries starting on May 1, 2018. This policy allows eligible travelers to enjoy 30 days of visa-free access to popular destinations such as Sanya, Haikou, and other cities throughout Hainan Province.
In July 2019, the visa-free entry policy was further enhanced to include additional purposes for visiting, such as business, family visits, sports, exhibitions, and more. This update also supports individual declarations. Additionally, Hainan now offers a 15-day visa-free entry for cruise tour groups.
For those who do not qualify for any of China’s visa-free policies, it is necessary to apply for and hold a valid Chinese visa in order to travel to Hainan.
Table of Page Content
59 Visa Free Countries Free Visa Requirements Application Processes
Hainan Visa on Arrival Useful Tips Travel with China Discovery
Hainan Island Visa Free Entry
Hainan has recently introduced two new visa-free entry policies, making it easier for tourists to visit the island. The first policy allows cruise tour groups to stay in Hainan for up to 15 days without a visa. The second policy, which was announced at a press conference on May 1st, 2018, grants a 30-day visa-free entry to nationals from 59 countries. This policy is considered one of the most open and convenient entry policies in China.
This new 30-day visa waiver program is an improvement on the previous policy, which was implemented in August 2010. The number of applicable countries has increased from 26 to 59, the duration of stay has been extended from 15 to 30 days, and the policy now applies to individuals as well as tour groups. Visitors to Hainan now have the option to explore the island independently or join a tour organized by local agencies.
Under the new policy, travelers from the 59 listed countries can enter Hainan through any open port and stay for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa. Upon arrival, they will be granted a Temporary Entry Permit for their short visit. This streamlined process makes it easier for tourists to experience all that Hainan has to offer.
Which Countries can Apply for a Hainan Free Visa?
Do United States citizens require a visa to visit Sanya, China? The United States is among the eligible countries on Hainan’s visa-free list, along with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and others. According to the regulations, only citizens from the 59 countries listed are eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan. However, it is important to note that nationality is just one of the essential requirements for the Hainan free visa. There are additional conditions that must be met in order to qualify for this visa-free entry.
59 Hainan Visa Free Countries:
◆ European Countries (40)
– 25 Countries under Schengen Agreement:
Austria, France, Germany, Norway, Italy, Finland, Holland, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia.
– 15 Other European Countries:
Russia, the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus.
◆ American Countries (6)
The United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.
◆ Asian Countries (11)
South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
◆ Oceania Countries (2)
Australia, New Zealand.
What are the Requirements for Hainan Visa-free Entry?
Only applicants who meet all required conditions are eligible to apply for the 30-day visa-free stay in Hainan Island. The basic requirements for eligibility are as follows:
1. Foreign nationals must possess valid ordinary passports from one of the 59 approved countries.
2. Visitors can complete pre-arrival registration through Hainan local travel agencies or register at the port upon arrival.
3. Visitors must have all necessary travel-related documents, including round-trip flight tickets, hotel bookings, and a detailed travel itinerary for their stay in Hainan.
4. Visitors must arrive in Hainan directly from other countries or regions, with the option to transit through Hong Kong and Macau.
5. Visitors must enter Hainan through designated ports in Sanya, Haikou, or other approved ports in the region.
Once in Hainan, foreign nationals are required to stay within the administrative region of Hainan Province for the duration of their 30-day permitted stay.
How to Apply for Hainan Free Visa?
Foreign tourists are required to adhere to official instructions in order to arrange a visa-free tour in Hainan. This will not only save you time but also help you avoid any unexpected inconveniences. However, if you do not mind long queues and a complicated application process, you have the option to register for a 30-day visa-free travel in Hainan upon arrival at the ports.
Register with a local travel agency
Registering in advance with a local travel agency in Hainan not only ensures the safety of your trip but also saves you valuable time.
Step 1: Begin your journey by locating a reputable travel agency in Hainan that can assist you with your travel needs.
Step 2: Ensure a smooth arrival process by providing your identification information and travel itinerary to the local travel agency in Hainan at least 48 hours before your scheduled arrival.
Step 3: The Hainan-based travel agency will handle the necessary registration for a free visa with the Public Security Bureau and Immigration Inspection Authority, ensuring a hassle-free entry process at least 24 hours before your arrival.
Step 4: Streamline your airport experience by completing the Arrival Card provided by the airline before your flight. This will help you save time during the arrival process.
Step 5: Upon landing, follow the designated visa-free channel to the immigration counter. The customs police will collect your Arrival Card, take your fingerprints, and input your personal information to facilitate your entry into Hainan.
Step 6: Once your information has been verified and approved, you will receive a Temporary Entry Permit for your short-term travel in Hainan.
Step 7: Complete the customs clearance process, claim your luggage, and exit the airport to embark on your exciting journey through Hainan.
Notes:
1. Upon arrival, travelers must register for temporary accommodation within 24 hours of check-in to avoid penalties.
2. All individuals or groups of tourists must book a tour through a Hainan-based travel agency. If you wish to extend your stay beyond the permitted period, travel to other cities in mainland China, or depart early, the Hainan travel agency will assist with visa applications and exit procedures.
Hainan Visa On Arrival or Hainan Landing Visa
In addition to the 30-day free visa, Haihai also offers Visa on Arrival (Port Visa) for foreigners from countries with established diplomatic relationships or official trade with China. This option is available for those visiting Hainan Island for tourism, family visits, trade, investment, economic, and technological exchanges for less than 15 days. Visitors can apply for the Hainan Landing Visa for temporary visits at ports in Haikou and Sanya by submitting required documents such as a passport, completed visa application form, round-trip ticket, and visa fees.
However, if you plan to overstay in Hainan or travel to other cities in mainland China for a valid reason, you must apply for a new Chinese Visa or additional endorsement.
Hainan Visa on Arrival Application Requirements Includes:
1.) Foreigners wishing to visit China must possess a valid private passport from a country that has established diplomatic or trade relations with China.
2.) The intended duration of stay should not exceed 30 days. Extensions or alterations can be requested if necessary.
3.) Visitors to Hainan, China must have a host unit or individual in the country, provide financial proof to cover living and travel expenses, and present a general travel itinerary.
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