China Visa Update — 15 July 2026

visa • 15 July 2026

China has extended its **unilateral visa-free entry policy** for tourists until **31 December 2026**, allowing eligible passport holders from **50 to 77 countries** (sources vary slightly on the exact count due to overlapping programmes) to stay for up to **30 days** without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits[1][2][3]. For **Australian travellers**, this is highly beneficial as **Australia is explicitly included** in the visa-free list, meaning you can enter China for short-term tourism without applying for a visa beforehand[2]. The policy covers travel for **tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit**, but does not permit work, study, or journalism[2][4]. You will need a passport valid for at least **six months**, an **onward or return ticket**, and proof of accommodation[3]. In addition to the 30-day exemption, China has expanded its **240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy** to cover **55 countries** and **65 ports** across **24 provincial-level regions**, allowing travellers to stay longer while passing through to a third country[5][7]. This transit scheme includes major hubs like **Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, and Chengdu**, though it excludes restricted areas such as **Tibet and Xinjiang**[7]. Recent data shows these policies have driven a **20.6% year-on-year surge** in foreign arrivals in the first half of 2026[11].

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