FAQs on China's Unilateral Visa-Free Policy (Updated February 2026)
FAQs on the Unilateral Visa Exemption Policy (Updated February 2026)
February 22, 2026, 18:00
1. Q: Nationals of which countries are eligible to enter China under the unilateral visa exemption policy?
A: Holders of ordinary passports from the following 50 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange activities, or transit purposes, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days: Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Russia, Sweden, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
2. Q: Is there an expiration date for the unilateral visa exemption policy?
A: Currently, China has not set an expiration date for the visa exemption policy applicable to ordinary passport holders from Brunei. The visa exemption policy for ordinary passport holders from Russia remains in effect until September 14, 2026, while the policy for ordinary passport holders from the remaining 48 countries remains in effect until December 31, 2026.
3. Q: Are there any special requirements for minors entering China under the visa exemption policy?
A: The conditions for minors entering China under the visa exemption policy are the same as those for adults.
4. Q: Are foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry if they are visiting China to participate in sports events, exhibitions, study tours (summer/winter camps), or similar activities? A: Individuals traveling to China to participate in sports events, exhibitions, or study tours (such as summer or winter camps) and whose stay in China does not exceed 30 days are eligible for visa exemption, provided they hold a valid ordinary passport.
5. Q: Can organized tour groups utilize the visa-free entry policy?
A: Foreign nationals who meet the conditions for visa-free entry to China—whether traveling as part of an organized tour group or as independent travelers—are eligible to utilize the visa-free entry policy.
6. Q: Do Chinese border inspection authorities verify the purpose of a visit to China, and if so, how? Are travelers required to carry any documents other than their passport upon entry?
A: Foreign nationals whose purpose of visit aligns with the categories stipulated by the visa-free policy—namely business, tourism/sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchange/visits, or transit—will be granted entry after lawful inspection and approval by Chinese border inspection authorities. For foreign nationals whose purpose of visit does not align with the stipulated categories, or who fall under other statutory grounds for inadmissibility, border inspection authorities will issue a decision denying entry in accordance with the law. It is recommended that travelers carry supporting documents relevant to their purpose of visit, such as invitation letters, flight bookings, or hotel reservations. Individuals traveling to China for work, study, or news coverage/reporting are not eligible for visa-free entry.
7. Q: Are there specific requirements regarding the type and validity of entry documents?
A: Foreign nationals must hold a valid ordinary passport to enter China; the passport's validity period must be sufficient to cover the duration of their travel within China. Foreign nationals holding travel documents, temporary/emergency passports, or other documents distinct from ordinary passports are not eligible to utilize the visa-free entry policy.
8. Q: Can travelers depart from a country other than their country of nationality?
A: Foreign nationals who meet the conditions for visa-free entry to China may depart from any country (or region) outside of China.
9. Q: Does this policy apply to modes of entry other than air travel?
A: The unilateral visa-free policy applies to all land, sea, and air ports of entry open to foreign nationals (unless otherwise stipulated by laws, regulations, or bilateral agreements). If traveling to China using one's own private vehicle, travelers must also complete the necessary customs and border formalities for the vehicle's entry and exit in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations. 10. Q: How is the 30-day period of stay calculated?
A: For visa-free entry, the period of stay is calculated starting from the day immediately following entry; one may stay continuously for 30 calendar days.
11. Q: If one intends to stay in China for more than 30 days, is it possible to apply for an extension?
A: If a foreign national intends to stay or reside in China for more than 30 days, they should apply in advance at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad for a visa that corresponds to their purpose of visit. If, after entering China under the visa-free policy, one needs to continue staying in China due to reasonable and legitimate grounds, one must apply for a stay permit at the entry-exit administration department of the public security authorities.
12. Q: Is multiple entry permitted? Are there any requirements regarding the time interval between entries, or any limits on the number of visa-free entries or the total number of days of stay?
A: If a foreign national meets the conditions for visa-free entry into China, they may utilize the visa-free policy for multiple visits. Currently, there are no limits on the number of visa-free entries or the total number of days of stay; however, individuals must ensure that they do not engage in activities inconsistent with their stated purpose of entry.
13. Q: Do foreign nationals utilizing the visa-free policy to enter China need to make a prior declaration to a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad?
A: Eligible foreign nationals utilizing the visa-free policy to enter China are not required to make a prior declaration to a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.
14. Q: If a foreign national who entered China visa-free loses their passport—which has already been inspected and stamped by Chinese border inspection authorities—can they exit China directly using an emergency travel document issued by their relevant embassy or consulate in China?
A: If a foreign national who entered China visa-free needs to exit using a different entry-exit document—such as a replacement passport, emergency passport, or travel document—due to reasons such as loss or damage of their original document, Chinese border inspection authorities will, in accordance with the law, verify the individual's identity information, entry records (or loss report certificates), and supporting documents issued by their relevant embassy or consulate in China. Provided that these materials are found to be accurate, and the individual has not committed any violations (such as overstaying beyond the visa-free period), exit formalities may be processed for them in accordance with the law. In cases involving violations falling under the jurisdiction of border inspection authorities—such as overstaying the visa-free period—Chinese border inspection authorities will handle the matter in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. For other violations falling outside the jurisdiction of border inspection authorities, the individuals concerned must first report to the public security organs' exit-entry administration departments or other relevant competent authorities to undergo processing; thereafter, they may proceed to the border inspection authorities to complete exit formalities upon presentation of the relevant supporting documentation.
