More foreign visitors are arriving in China through two simplified channels: a 30-day unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders of 50 countries, and a 240-hour transit visa exemption for travelers passing through to a third country or region. Both are real conveniences, but they come with clear boundaries on purpose of visit, length of stay and what you can do after arrival.

Who can enter visa-free?

The 30-day visa-free policy applies to ordinary passport holders of 50 designated countries who are coming to China for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits or transit. The stay is counted from 00:00 of the day after entry.

Core conditions: ordinary passport, one of the 50 nationalities, permitted purpose, and a stay not exceeding 30 days. If you plan to work, study long-term, reside long-term or take up a long-term assignment, you will normally need the appropriate visa and permit before arrival.

50 eligible countries by region

Europe (35)

France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom

Asia (7)

Brunei, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain

Americas (6)

Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada

Oceania (2)

Australia, New Zealand

Policy validity dates: As of the original publication, Brunei's arrangement has no stated end date; Russia's runs until December 31, 2027; and the other 48 countries' arrangements run until December 31, 2026. Always confirm the latest official dates before booking.

The 240-hour transit visa exemption

If you are traveling from one third country or region to another through China, you may qualify for the 240-hour (10-day) transit visa exemption. This is separate from the 30-day visa-free policy and is designed for short stopovers, not for entering China as a final destination.

Key distinction: The 30-day visa-free entry is for people whose destination is China. The 240-hour transit exemption is for people passing through China on the way to somewhere else.

Before departure: documents to keep ready

Visa-free does not mean paperless. Border officers may check your purpose, length of stay and departure plan. Have the following ready:

Passport, flight tickets and a phone showing accommodation options — the documents needed for visa-free entry to China
Keep your passport, onward ticket, accommodation details and a brief itinerary within easy reach at immigration.
  • Valid passport
  • Return ticket or onward ticket to a third country/region
  • Hotel booking, rental address or inviter's contact details
  • Brief travel itinerary
  • For business visits: invitation letter, meeting agenda or partner contact information

Tip: The clearer your paperwork, the faster immigration clearance tends to be. A vague or missing onward ticket is a common source of questions.

After arrival: do not skip accommodation registration

This is the step most short-term visitors overlook. Under China's Exit-Entry Administration Law, foreigners staying in a non-hotel residence must register with the local public security authorities within 24 hours of arrival.

1

Hotels

The hotel usually completes the registration for you at check-in. Keep the receipt.

2

Friend's or family home

Confirm in advance who will go to the local police station and what documents the host needs to bring.

3

Serviced apartment, short-stay or long-term rental

Confirm before booking that the landlord or operator can assist with registration and provide the required property documents.

Why it matters: Missing or inconsistent registration records can complicate visa extensions, visa conversions and residence-permit applications later. If you change address during your stay, update the registration.

During your stay: the work boundary

Visa-free entry covers tourism, short business visits, family visits and exchange activities. It does not cover employment, long-term stationing, signing a local labor contract or receiving local salary.

A business meeting in China — visa-free entry can cover short business visits, but not employment
Short business meetings and site visits are generally fine on visa-free entry. Taking up a role, signing an employment contract or long-term stationing requires a work visa and permit.

If an employer plans to hire or station you: the usual route is to obtain a foreigner's work permit notice, apply for a Z visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate, enter on the Z visa and then convert it to a work-type residence permit within 30 days.

Quick pre-trip checklist

Ask yourself these four questions before you fly:

Is my nationality covered?

Check the 50-country list or the 240-hour transit rules, depending on your route.

What is my purpose?

Tourism, business visit, family visit or transit are generally covered. Employment or long-term study are not.

How long will I stay?

Within 30 days for visa-free entry, or within 240 hours for transit. Longer stays need a visa.

Can I register my address?

Confirm whether your hotel, host or rental can complete the 24-hour police registration.

Frequently asked questions

A valid passport is required, but immigration officers may also ask for your return or onward ticket, accommodation details and a brief itinerary. Prepare these in advance.
Extensions are possible in some cases but are not guaranteed. Apply at the local Exit-Entry Administration before your permitted stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines and affect future applications.
Short business meetings and exploratory visits are generally permitted. However, actively working, taking up employment or long-term stationing requires a Z visa and work permit.
Each traveler, including children, needs their own valid passport. Minors may also need birth certificates or parental consent letters depending on airline and immigration requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is curated from a public article by SUPERCITY (天晟企业) for general reference only. Visa policies, eligible country lists and validity periods change. Always confirm the latest rules with Chinese embassies, consulates or the National Immigration Administration before travel. This content does not constitute legal or immigration advice.