Mutual Visa-Free Countries:
- San Marino (90 days)
- Seychelles (30 days)
- Mauritius (60 days)
- The Bahamas (30 days)
- Fiji (30 days)
- Grenada (30 days)
- Ecuador (30 days)
- Tonga (30 days)
- Serbia (30 days)
- Barbados (30 days)
- United Arab Emirates (30 days)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
- Belarus (30 days)
- Qatar (30 days)
- Armenia (90 days)
- Suriname (30 days)
- Dominica (30 days)
- Oman (30 days)
- Maldives (30 days)
- Albania (90 days)
- Kazakhstan (30 days)
- Singapore (30 days)
- Thailand (30 days)
Unilateral Visa-Free Countries (China’s Unilateral Visa Exemption):
- Brunei (15 days)
- Mongolia (30 days) – China recognizes all ordinary passports issued by Mongolia as official, effectively granting visa-free entry.
- France (15 days) – Trial period from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025
- Germany (15 days) – Trial period from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025
- Italy (15 days) – Trial period from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025
- Netherlands (15 days) – Trial period from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025
- Spain (15 days) – Trial period from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025
- Malaysia (15 days) – Trial period from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025
- Switzerland (15 days) – Trial period from March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025
- Ireland (15 days) – Trial period from March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025
- Belgium (15 days) – Trial period from March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025
- Austria (15 days) – Trial period from March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025
- Hungary (15 days) – Trial period from March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025
- Luxembourg (15 days) – Trial period from March 14, 2024, to December 31, 2025
- New Zealand – Trial period and duration of stay yet to be announced.
Note: Japan previously had a unilateral visa-free policy with China; however, this was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not yet been reinstated, with no plans for near-term resumption.
Related Links:
- 72-hour Visa-Free Transit
- 144-hour Visa-Free Transit
- List of Visa-Free Countries for Travel to China
Frequently Asked Questions on China’s Visa-Free Policy:
1. Do foreign nationals using the visa-free policy to enter China need prior approval from a Chinese embassy or consulate?
Eligible foreign nationals do not need to apply for prior approval from a Chinese embassy or consulate if they meet the conditions of China’s visa-free policy.
2. Will the Chinese border control verify the purpose of entry? Are additional documents required besides the passport?
Foreign nationals entering China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit, in line with the visa-free policy, may be granted entry after verification by the Chinese border control. Foreign nationals whose stated purpose does not align with the visa-free policy criteria or who otherwise meet the conditions for denied entry may be refused entry. It is recommended to bring supporting documents related to the travel purpose, such as an invitation letter, flight tickets, or hotel reservations. Note that purposes like work, study, and journalism are not covered under the visa-free policy.
3. Are there any special requirements for minors entering China under the visa-free policy?
The conditions for minors to enter China under the visa-free policy are the same as for adults.
4. Are there requirements regarding the type and validity of entry documents?
Foreign nationals must hold a valid ordinary passport with sufficient validity for their stay in China. Travel certificates, temporary or emergency passports, and other documents apart from an ordinary passport are not eligible for entry under the visa-free policy.
5. How is the 15-day stay duration calculated?
Eligible foreign nationals may remain in China until 24:00 on the 15th day from the date of entry.
6. Is departure from the country of citizenship required for entry?
Eligible foreign nationals can depart from any country or region outside of China to utilize the visa-free policy.
7. Are entry methods other than air travel accepted?
China’s unilateral visa-free policy applies to all air, land, and sea ports open to foreign nationals, unless stated otherwise by law or bilateral agreements. If traveling to China by private vehicle, the traveler must also follow Chinese laws and regulations for the entry and exit of private vehicles.
8. Can group tourists use the visa-free policy to enter China?
Eligible foreign nationals may use the visa-free policy for entry, whether traveling individually or as part of a tour group.
9. If staying in China beyond 15 days, can an extension be granted?
Foreign nationals planning to stay in China beyond 15 days should obtain a visa appropriate to their purpose from a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel. If they need to extend their stay after entering visa-free for legitimate reasons, they must apply for a residence permit with the public security bureau’s exit-entry administration.
10. Can the visa-free policy be used for multiple entries, and are there restrictions on entry frequency or total stay duration?
Eligible foreign nationals may use the visa-free policy for multiple entries into China. There are currently no restrictions on the number of entries or the total stay duration, but activities inconsistent with the stated purpose of entry are prohibited.
Related Links: