Visa-free Travel to China 2025 (Updated Dec.17, 2024)

Is China visa-free? For Many Tourists, Yes!

Visit Beijing Great Wall in Winter with AOT

The Bund, Shanghai

Starting from November 30, 2024, you can enter China visa-free if you hold a passport from 38 countries, including Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, 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. You can enjoy Visa-free Travel to China for up to 30 days, with no Geographic Restrictions.

For travelers from countries like United States, Britain, and Canada, you can enjoy visa-free transit for up to 240 hours when passing through major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. During this visa-free transit period, note that you can only visit certain areas of China on 144-hour visa-free transit.

If your country is not currently on the list of countries eligible for 30-day visa-free entry to China, you would need to apply for an L-visa (tourist visa) if you want to travel in-depth in China. We at Asia Odyssey Travel can assist with your China visa application, offering a hassle-free visa service.

Regions of China such as Hainan, Hong Kong, and Macau generally have an even more open visa-free policy, which we won’t cover in this guide.

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15 Days Classic China, Panda & Holy Tibet Tour in Small Group

It's always best to confirm with the latest official announcements. Alternatively simply contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel for the latest updates, and let's make the most of your China trip!

China 30-day Visa-free & 144-hour Visa-free Entry Differences

The information provided in this article aligns with the visa-free entry policy of China as of November 28, 2024. It's always advisable to consult the latest official announcements or contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel for the most up-to-date information.

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Citizens Of Which Countries Can Travel to China Without Visa for 30 Days?

Starting from November 30, 2024, citizens of following countries can visit China visa-free 30 days with a unilateral visa-free policy:

Passport holders of countries above can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits and transit from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025.

Additionally, if you hold a passport from a country that already has a mutual visa-free exemption agreement with China, such as:

Singapore, Thailand, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, etc.,

you can visit China visa-free, typically for up to 30 days.

With the visa-free entry policy, traveling to China is much easier now! Exploring China, a unique destination unlike any other, becomes simpler, especially with some guidance and support of a local travel agency. To plan your visa-free trip to China, simply contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel.

Panda Hua Hua, Internet Celebrity

Captivating Li River dotted with beautiful villages

How to Travel to China with 30 Days Visa-free Entry?

With China's increasingly tourist-friendly visa policies, entering China visa-free has become more streamlined than ever.

No prior registration with a Chinese consular office is needed for visa-free entry to China. To travel on 30-day visa-free China trip you need:

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.

Entry Forms: Travelers may be required to complete a customs declaration form upon arrival.

Fingerprint Scan: Most travelers will be required to provide fingerprints at the customs checkpoint.

Local Police Registration: You don't necessarily have to do it yourself. The registration is handled automatically at hotel check-in.

How to Plan a Trip to China Visa-free with 30 Days Visa-free Entry?

Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie

Mount Everest Base Camp

To make the most of your visa-free entry to China we at Asia Odyssey Travel recommend to spend at least 8 to 10 days for a classic exploration, and you can add more days to your China itineraries for an even more in-depth China adventure.

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8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Small Group Tour

First-time visitor to China with the visa-free policy? For a classic tour covering essential destinations in China, spend 8 to 10 days visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Guilin. This way, you can visit the capital, a megapolis, the Terracotta Army, and beautiful landscapes in one visa-free trip.

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10 Days Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai Small Group Tour

Since you can stay up to 30 days with China's visa-free policy a more in-depth exploration with pandas in Chengdu, Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie, Mount Everest in Tibet. Spend 15 to 21 days travelling in China is well worth it.

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China Visa-Free Travel: 240 Hours (10 Days) - Updated on December 17, 2024

Eligible foreign travelers transiting through China can now enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 240 hours (10 days), providing greater flexibility for itineraries and opportunities for in-depth exploration of permitted regions. China’s visa-free transit program now includes 60 ports across 24 provinces, covering major international airports in regions such as Shanxi, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hunan, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, and Guizhou.

Eligible Nationalities

Citizens from 54 countries can benefit from this policy:

• Europe (40 countries): Including the UK, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
• Americas (6 countries): Including the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.
• Oceania (2 countries): Australia and New Zealand.
• Asia (6 countries): Including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the UAE.

Travel Documentation

The travelers must:

• Hold a valid passport with at least 3 months’ validity.
• Have a confirmed onward ticket (with a specific date and seat) to a third country or region within 240 hours.

Application Process

Travelers must:

• Complete the Temporary Entry Foreigners Card upon arrival.
• Pass the border inspection at one of the designated 60 ports.
• Comply with the approved stay region and duration.

Citizens of Which Countries Can Travel to China Without Visa For 144-Hours Transit?

China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows citizens of certain countries to transit through specific cities in China without a visa for up to 144 hours (6 days), under certain terms (e.g., holding an onward ticket to a third country, no need to leave the designated transit area, etc.).

Cities covered under the 144-hour transit policy: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Tianjin, Qingdao, Dalian and more. These are some of the key cities where the 144-hour transit visa exemption is available and worth travelling to.

Note: Foreign nationals from these countries, holding valid international travel documents and connecting tickets with confirmed dates and seat information for transit via China to third countries or regions within specified time frames, can apply for visa-free transit at the exit-entry border inspection authorities of the ports in the cities where visa-free transit policies are in effect. The exit-entry border inspection authorities will then process their applications and grant temporary entry to the eligible foreign nationals. The duration of stay for each foreign national begins at 00:00 on the day following their entry.

These are some of the key cities where the 144-hour transit visa exemption is available and worth travelling to.

If your country is not on the list of 30 days visa-free list, e.g., United States, Canada, United Kingdom, you can still visit certain areas in China visa-free, but only one specific areas per transit.

Travel experts at AOT are always happy to help. For a more detailed free consultation, contact us now!

How to Plan Your Trip align with 144-hours Visit Free Transit

With a visa-free 144-hour transit, your stay in China may be shorter and more limited, but it offers greater possibilities to mixmatch your destinations across Asia.

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Consider Mount Fuji and the onsen hot springs in Japan; the land of gods, Nepal; lush valleys for happiness, Bhutan; and more destinations for an extended vacation in Asia.

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You can always customize your own trip, and make the most of this new visa-free transit for China. Share your preferred destinations and contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel. Let's craft your unique Asia trip together!

Tips for Visa-free Travel to China

West Lake

Humble Administrator's Garden Beautiful View

Check Eligibility: Confirm that your country is on the list of eligible countries for visa-free entry. Policies can vary, so ensure you are informed.

Understand Duration Limits: The 30-day visa-free entry policy is straightforward. However, the 144-hour visa-free transit can come with more restrictions and requirements.

Have Your Documents Ready: Carry your passport, a printed itinerary, and any necessary travel documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Plan Your Route: Be clear about your entry and exit points. The 144-hour visa-free transit applies only to specific cities or regions, so check the details for your travel plans.

Check with Your Accommodation in Advance: According to regulations, while visa is not a must, not all hotels can accommodate foreigners in China. It's best to call ahead to confirm that they can accept international travelers.

Get Your E-Pay Ready: China is increasingly cashless. Set up your Alipay or WeChat account in advance to make purchases while in the country.

Specific Travel Permits: Chinese regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang welcome international visitors. While you are eligible for 30 days of visa-free entry into China, you will need a travel permit to visit these specific regions. Acquiring the permit can be done hassle-free through a local travel agency like Asia Odyssey Travel.

Contact a Travel Expert: If you have any questions or concerns, consult a travel expert who can assist with planning your trip and navigating the visa-free process. The travel experts at AOT are always happy to help! contact us now!

Asia Odyssey Travel: Your Best Guide for Visa-free Travel to China

With a visa-free policy, China Travel is easier than ever! Excitement and fun await! To fully unlock the charms of your new destination, expert guidance is essential. Join Asia Odyssey Travel for a visa-free China travel adventure!

• Genuine Service: Not just an agency—we are your travel companions.
• Exclusive Access: Secure your tickets and accommodations even in high season.
• Authentic Experience: Best local guides with cultural insights.
• Travel Made Easy: Flights, hotels, activities—all taken care of!
• Extend Your Trip: Talk to our expert consultant more travel inspirations
• 24/7 Support: Always on-line for your peace of mind

Asia Odyssey Travel, leading your China Adventure Since 2010.