🔔🔔🔔 17 Dec 2024 UPDATED! China's Visa-Free Policies 🇨🇳️

China’s visa-free policies have made it easier for travelers from specific countries to visit without the need for a visa, promoting tourism and international exchange. This guide will outline the three types of visa-free travel options available to eligible visitors.

🆓 30-Day Visa-Free Policy

During the period from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, holders of ordinary passports from the following countries may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 30 days, upon their arrival in China:

• Europe (32): France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Andorra, Cyprus, Greece, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia
• Asia (4): Malaysia, South Korea, Brunei, Japan
• Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand

⚠️ Frequency of Use: This policy can be used multiple times within a year, offering flexibility for frequent travelers. However, it’s important to note that while multiple entries are possible, there are typically limitations on how often this can be done.

🆓 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

China offers a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing travelers from select countries, with proof of onward travel to a third country, to enjoy six days of transit travel in specific regions of China without needing to apply for a visa in advance. This policy covers 54 countries and 60 ports in China.

Foreigners coming to China under 240-hour visa-free transit are allowed to travel across provincial areas within the permitted stay regions of the above 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

In addition, travelers are only allowed to travel within a certain area on the entry permit and exit the country through designated ports as well. People who travel outside the permitted area and exit the country through a non-designated port may face certain penalties.

The 240-hour visa free transit officially counts from 00:00 on the next day after entry.

The eligible cities, corresponding entry ports, and scope of permitted travel areas are listed in the table below.

Citizens of 54 Countries Eligible for the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy:

• European Countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway

• American Countries (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

• Oceania Countries (2): Australia, New Zealand

• Asian Countries (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar

⚠️ Frequency of Use: There is no official limit on how many times per year you can use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. However, it’s important to note that this policy is intended for genuine transit purposes. Frequent use or attempts to use it for de facto tourism may lead to increased scrutiny or potential denial of entry. Always ensure you meet all requirements each time you plan to use this policy.

🆓 30-Day Visa-Free for Hainan

Hainan, China’s tropical island province, offers a 30-day visa-free policy for tourists from 59 countries. This policy allows eligible visitors to enter and stay in Hainan for up to 30 days without a visa. Key points include:

• Applies to tourism, business and trade, visits, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions and sports competition (except purposes of work and study)
• Valid for direct civil airlines, business charter flights or cruise ships to Hainan from home country, or transit via a third country or China’s Hong Kong or Macao region

Eligible countries include major tourism source markets such as Russia, UK, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, Belarus.

Always verify the latest policy details with official sources or a Chinese embassy, as regulations may change.

Conclusion 🌟

Understanding China’s visa-free policies can help eligible travelers enjoy a seamless and hassle-free experience when visiting the country.