China 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free Entry Guide: Countries & Requirements
China's 30-day unilateral visa-free policy is designed for ordinary passport holders from eligible countries who come for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit. It is best for travelers who treat China as the main destination rather than a short stopover.
The list below is based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs FAQ, updated November 10, 2025. If you are comparing this policy with 240-hour transit or mutual visa exemption, start with the China visa-free entry overview.
Last policy verification: July 30, 2026. Canada and the United Kingdom have been included since February 17, 2026. The current total is 50 countries: Brunei has no announced expiry, Russia is covered through December 31, 2027, and the other 48 countries are covered through December 31, 2026.
Who Can Use the 30-Day Visa-Free Policy
You should generally satisfy all of these conditions:
- Hold an ordinary passport from one of the eligible countries.
- Enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit.
- Stay no more than 30 days after each entry.
- Carry clear proof of travel purpose, accommodation, and onward or return arrangements.
Work, study, long-term residence, journalism, performance, and other activities requiring approval are not covered by this policy. Apply for the appropriate visa if your purpose falls outside the permitted categories.
Eligible Countries
The current unilateral visa-free list covers 50 countries. Russia is covered until December 31, 2027. Except for Brunei's long-term arrangement and Russia's separate validity period, the other 48 countries are covered until December 31, 2026.
Europe（35 countries）
Oceania（2 countries）
Asia（7 countries）
Americas（6 countries）
How the 30 Days Are Counted
The stay period is calculated from 00:00 on the day after entry. For example, if you enter China on May 1, day one starts at 00:00 on May 2.
Avoid planning your departure on the last possible moment. Flight delays, train changes, weather, or a mistaken date calculation can create an overstay risk. If you need more time in China, check visa or stay-extension options before the allowed period expires.
What to Prepare Before Departure
Visa-free entry does not mean document-free entry. Airlines may check your eligibility before boarding, and border officers may ask about your itinerary.
Prepare these items in advance:
- Ordinary passport valid for the full trip.
- Return ticket or onward ticket.
- Hotel bookings, invitation letter, or host/contact information in China.
- A clear travel plan showing cities, dates, and departure arrangements.
- Proof matching your visit purpose, such as business meeting details or family visit information.
- Official policy page or embassy notice saved offline, especially if your route is complex.
Entry Ports
Eligible travelers may use ports open to foreign travelers, including qualifying international airports, land crossings and seaports. This is broader than the 240-hour transit policy, which is limited to 65 designated entry ports and permitted travel areas.
The immigration authority at the port makes the final admission decision. Check that your chosen crossing handles foreign passengers and is operating for your mode of travel before departure.
Official Policy Sources
- MFA / China Consular Service: unilateral visa-free entry FAQ
- MFA: Canada and United Kingdom added from February 17, 2026
- MFA: Russia extended through December 31, 2027
How It Differs From Other Visa-Free Policies
Use the 30-day unilateral policy when China is your main destination and your ordinary passport country is on the eligible list.
- If you are stopping in China on the way to a third country or region, read the 240-hour visa-free transit guide.
- If your country has an ordinary-passport mutual visa exemption agreement with China, read the mutual visa exemption guide.
- If you are unsure which policy fits, return to the China visa-free entry overview.
Common Questions
Do I need to apply before traveling?
Usually no. Eligible travelers can enter visa-free at the port of entry, but airlines and border officers may still check your documents and purpose of visit.
Can I enter multiple times?
The policy does not work like a fixed one-time e-visa, but each entry must independently meet the policy conditions. Frequent or back-to-back entries may invite extra questions about your actual purpose of stay.
Can I work or study during the 30 days?
No. Work, study, long-term residence, journalism, and other restricted activities normally require the correct visa or permit.
Can I arrive from a country different from my passport country?
In general, eligibility depends on your passport nationality, not only the departure point. Still, airlines may check your route and documents, so prepare proof clearly.
Can I extend my stay after entering visa-free?
Do not assume it can be extended. If your trip may exceed 30 days, arrange the proper visa before departure or consult local exit-entry authorities early after arrival.
Long Itinerary Ideas for 30-Day Visa-Free Travelers
The 30-day visa-free window gives you more breathing room for multi-city travel, high-speed rail connections and a slower pace. Compared with day tours, these 8-21 day routes are better for planning a full China journey while still leaving margin for arrival, rest days and free time.
21-Day Getaway: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai
21 days
10-Day Sichuan & Chongqing Wonders Private Tour: Chongqing & Chengdu
10 days
8-Day Northwest Yunnan: Lijiang · Yulong & Meili Snow Mountains · Lugu Lake
8 days
8-Day East China Grand Tour: Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuzhen & Hangzhou
8 days
11-Day Qin & Shu Discovery Private Tour: Xi'an, Chengdu & Chongqing
11 days