China Visa-Free 2026: Full Country List & Entry Rules
In 2026, China is easier to enter than at any time in its history: around 50 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry, 55 countries qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit, and mutual exemption agreements cover Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and more. Here is the complete picture — verified for 2026 travel.
About 50 countries have 30-day visa-free access to China in 2026 (most extended to December 31, 2026), and 55 countries qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit. Mutual 30-day exemption also applies with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, the UAE and others.
~50 countries, no visa, 30 days
| Region | Countries | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Europe (34) | 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, Russia*, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland | Most to Dec 31, 2026 (*Russia to Sep 14, 2026) |
| Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand | Dec 31, 2026 |
| Asia (7) | Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea | Dec 31, 2026 (Brunei: no expiry) |
| Americas (5+) | Argentina, Brazil, Canada*, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, United Kingdom* | Dec 31, 2026 (*added Feb 2026) |
Also eligible under mutual agreements: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, Kazakhstan, UAE, Belarus, Serbia, Qatar, Mauritius, Fiji, Armenia and others — 30 days, no expiry announced.
55 countries, 10 days, transiting
Citizens of 55 countries (including the United States, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, most of Europe) can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) visa-free when transiting through major ports — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and others — with an onward ticket to a third country or region.
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand & more
China has mutual 30-day visa-exemption agreements with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Belarus, Serbia, Qatar, Mauritius, Fiji, Armenia, and others — no announced expiry.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries can enter China visa-free in 2026?
Around 50 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry (most extended to December 31, 2026), including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the UK and Canada. In addition, 55 countries qualify for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit.
How does the 30-day visa-free policy work?
Citizens of eligible countries holding ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days, for tourism, business, family visits or transit. Most countries are covered until December 31, 2026 — we always confirm the current list before you travel.
What is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
Citizens of 55 countries transiting through major Chinese ports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and others) can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) without a visa, provided they hold an onward ticket to a third country or region.
Which countries have mutual visa-free agreements with China?
Mutual 30-day exemption applies with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, Kazakhstan, UAE, Belarus, Serbia, Qatar, Mauritius, Fiji, Armenia and others.
Do I still need a visa for China in 2026?
Only if your country is not on the visa-free or transit lists, or if you plan to stay longer than 30 days. Tourist (L) and business (M) visas are processed through Chinese visa application centres.
Do visa-free rules apply to Tibet?
No — Tibet requires a special travel permit in addition to any visa or visa-free entry. We handle the paperwork for licensed operators.
Check your visa status & plan your trip
Tell us your nationality and dates — we confirm current entry rules and send a tailored itinerary within 24 hours.