China Visa Update — 3 July 2026

visa • 3 July 2026

For tourists visiting China in 2026, the visa policy offers significant flexibility through two main pathways: a **30-day unilateral visa-free entry** for citizens of 50 eligible countries and an extended **240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit** for those passing through to a third destination [1][2]. The **30-day visa-free policy** applies to ordinary passport holders from nations including Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia, allowing entry for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa [2][4]. This arrangement is valid until **31 December 2026** for most countries (except Brunei, which has no fixed end date, and Russia, which is valid until 31 December 2027) [2][4]. The stay period is calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry, meaning if you arrive on 5 July, your visa-free period begins on 6 July [2]. For travellers transiting through China to another country or region, the **240-hour visa-free transit** policy has been expanded since 17 December 2024, extending the previous 72/144-hour limit to **10 days** [1][2]. This scheme now includes **65 open ports** across 24 provinces and covers **55 eligible countries**, including the UK, allowing tourists to explore designated areas for up to 10 days without a visa [1]. Additionally, foreign tourist groups of two or more can enter visa-free via **cruise ships** through approved ports, with a stay allowance of up to **15 days** in permitted coastal areas and Beijing [2]. Travellers planning to stay longer than 30 days or engaging in activities inconsistent with their declared purpose (such as work or study) must apply for the corresponding visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure [4]. There are currently no restrictions on the number of entries or total days of stay for visa-free visitors, provided they adhere to their declared entry purpose [4].

Sources