China's doors are more open in 2026 than at any point in modern history. With 50 countries now qualifying for 30-day visa-free entry under China's unilateral policy, and a separate 240-hour transit scheme covering 55 nationalities, the majority of international travelers can now visit China with no visa required. This guide is based entirely on official information published by China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) at en.nia.gov.cn.

The 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Policy

According to the National Immigration Administration, nationals of the following countries holding ordinary passports may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days. The duration of stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry.

The complete official list, as of February 17, 2026, is as follows:

Europe (35 countries): 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 of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Oceania (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand.

Asia (7 countries): Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia.

Americas (6 countries): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.

This totals 50 countries across four regions. The United Kingdom and Canada were both added to the list on February 17, 2026.

What Activities Are Permitted?

The 30-day visa-free entry covers the most common travel purposes: business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit. It does not cover employment, long-term study, journalism, or permanent residency — all of which require a separate visa category applied for in advance.

How the 30-Day Period Is Calculated

The stay period is calculated from 00:00 on the day after your entry date — not from the moment you land. For example, if you arrive at 11pm on June 1st, your first counted day is June 2nd, and your last permitted day is July 1st. Extensions are not available under this policy. If you are unable to depart due to a genuine emergency such as a medical situation or flight cancellation, contact your nearest Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration office before your permitted stay expires and bring documented evidence.

The 240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit Policy

For travelers whose nationality is not on the 30-day list — including citizens of the United States — China offers a 240-hour visa-free transit option. According to the National Immigration Administration, China is implementing this policy for nationals of 55 countries including Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Nationals of these countries, who need to transit through China to third countries or regions, may enter visa-free through any of the designated 65 open exit-entry ports in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government and stay in the permitted areas for no more than 10 days, provided that they hold valid international travel documents and onward tickets with confirmed seats and departure dates. Foreign nationals covered by this policy may, within the designated areas, engage in activities like travel, business, visits, and family reunions during their stay. Activities such as work, study, or news reporting still require prior approvals and appropriate visas.

China Briefing

The 55 countries covered by the 240-hour transit policy include all major Western nations. Notably, this list includes the United States and Canada — meaning American travelers who are transiting to a third destination can spend up to 10 days exploring China without a visa.

Regional Visa-Free Policies: Hainan, Guangdong & Beyond

Beyond the national policies, China's National Immigration Administration also administers several regional visa-free arrangements that open additional options for international visitors.

Hainan Province — 30 Days for 59 Countries

Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports from 59 countries may enter and stay within the administrative region of Hainan Province for a maximum of 30 days without a visa for purposes associated with tourism, business, visits, family visits, medical treatment, conferences and exhibitions, and sports competitions. The policy does not apply to those who intend to enter for working or studying. This list notably includes countries not on the national 30-day list, such as the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico, and Kazakhstan — making Hainan one of the most accessible destinations in China for a wide range of international travelers. China Highlights

Guangdong Province — 6 Days from Hong Kong or Macau

Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports from countries with diplomatic relations with China may enter nine cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as Shantou, without a visa, provided that they enter Hong Kong or Macao first and then enter Guangdong Province as part of a tourist group organized by a travel agency registered in either SAR. The permitted cities are Dongguan, Foshan, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Jiangmen, Shantou, Shenzhen, Zhaoqing, Zhongshan and Zhuhai, for a maximum of 6 days. 

This policy is particularly useful for travelers based in or transiting through Hong Kong who wish to explore the Pearl River Delta and Guangdong region without arranging a full China visa.

Cruise Ship Entry — 15 Days Along the Coast

Any foreign tourist group consisting of two or more individuals, organized and received by a travel agency registered in China, may enter China without a visa by cruise ship via one of the 13 designated cruise ports including Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Qingdao, and Sanya, for a maximum stay of 15 days.

Practical Entry Requirements

Regardless of which visa-free policy applies to your trip, you will need to meet standard entry requirements at the border. Bring a valid ordinary passport with at least six months of remaining validity, confirmed onward or return travel, and proof of accommodation such as hotel booking confirmations. Hotels automatically handle your mandatory address registration with local authorities upon check-in. If you are staying with friends or in a private rental, you are responsible for registering at the local police station or through the designated online channel within 24 hours of arrival — a requirement that applies to all foreign visitors.

Tibet Requires an Additional Permit

Visa-free entry covers mainland China but does not include Tibet. A separate Tibet Travel Permit is required for all foreign nationals visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region, regardless of visa status. This permit must be arranged through a registered Chinese travel agency in advance, and processing typically requires a minimum of 15 days. Plan accordingly if Tibet is part of your itinerary.

Always Verify Before You Book

China's entry policies are actively evolving. The National Immigration Administration updates its official guidance regularly, and new countries may be added to the visa-free list before the end of 2026. Always confirm your eligibility and the current validity period of the relevant policy at the official NIA website—en.nia.gov.cn—or through the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before finalizing your travel arrangements.

Plan Your China Trip with Nihaohuaxia Travel

Understanding the entry policy is the first step. The next is designing a journey that makes every one of your permitted days in China count. At Nihaohuaxia Travel, we specialize in custom China itineraries for travelers from the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond—crafting experiences that go far beyond the standard tourist circuit and connect you with the China that most visitors never find.

Our local experts handle every detail: from high-speed train bookings and boutique hotel recommendations to private guides, restaurant reservations, and Tibet permit arrangements. Whatever your entry route, we will build an itinerary that fits your timeline perfectly.

Start Planning Today

Ready to visit China under the most open visa policy in history? Contact our travel advisors at reservations@nihaohuaxia.com or visit our website to start designing your personalized itinerary. The China of your imagination is closer than you think.