As of 17 February 2026, China's National Immigration Administration lists 50 countries whose nationals holding ordinary passports may enter visa-free for tourism, business, family or friend visits, exchange visits or transit for stays of up to 30 days. This is separate from the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
The 50 countries on the official list
The National Immigration Administration groups the current unilateral visa-exemption countries by region. Recheck the official list before departure because eligibility and policy duration can change.
- Europe: 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, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
- Asia: Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and Uruguay
Who can use the 30-day policy
The official notice applies to nationals of the listed countries holding ordinary passports and traveling for an eligible purpose. A diplomatic, service, emergency or other travel document may follow different rules. Work, study, journalism and other activities requiring prior approval are not converted into ordinary tourism merely because the traveler holds an eligible passport.
How the 30 days are counted
The National Immigration Administration states that the duration of stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry. Do not use that wording to self-authorize an overstay: confirm the permitted-until date shown or explained by immigration authorities and leave before the authorized stay expires.
30-day visa-free entry versus 240-hour transit
Unilateral 30-day visa-free entry is based primarily on an eligible passport and permitted purpose. The 240-hour transit policy has a separate nationality list, designated ports, permitted travel areas and a qualifying onward itinerary to a third country or region. Do not combine the most favorable parts of two different policies.
What to carry at airline check-in and arrival
Airlines and immigration authorities make operational decisions. Keep the original passport, confirmed return or onward travel, first accommodation details and a clear explanation of the visit available. Ensure names and passport numbers match across bookings, and verify the current rule with the National Immigration Administration or a Chinese embassy before non-refundable travel.
Official sources
Sources checked 20 August 2026. Reconfirm time-sensitive details before departure.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are covered by China's unilateral visa-free policy in 2026?
The National Immigration Administration list compiled on 17 February 2026 contains 50 countries.
Can eligible tourists stay for 30 days?
The official policy states that ordinary-passport holders from the listed countries may stay for up to 30 days for eligible purposes, subject to immigration decisions and current rules.
Is this the same as 240-hour visa-free transit?
No. The 240-hour policy is a separate transit arrangement with route, port, nationality and permitted-area conditions.
When does the stay period start?
The official notice states that stay duration is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry. Confirm the actual authorized departure deadline with immigration authorities.