The 30-day visa-free visit
China’s unilateral exemption covers ordinary passport holders from 50 countries for visits of up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges and transit. It does not require travel on to a third country.
These countries include the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan and South Korea. Check the complete official list, including your passport type, before booking.
For 48 of these countries, the published policy runs through 31 December 2026. Brunei has no stated end date. Russia’s exemption has been extended through 31 December 2027. For travel after the relevant end date, check for an official extension.
Other passports and bilateral agreements
Not finding your country on the unilateral list does not automatically mean you need a visa. Separate mutual visa-exemption agreements apply to some passports, including those from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. Their permitted stays and cumulative limits can differ.
Check the agreement for your passport with a Chinese embassy or consulate. If no exemption covers your holiday, apply for a tourist visa before travelling.
What happens when you arrive
- Bring an ordinary passport valid for your stay. Emergency or temporary travel documents are not covered by the ordinary-passport exemption.
- Keep evidence of your visit handy, such as accommodation bookings, an itinerary and return or onward travel. Answer immigration questions accurately and check the stay authorised at entry.
- Fill in the arrival card through the official online service or at the port. Completing it does not guarantee admission.
Where this lets you travel in Yunnan
A qualifying visa-free visit is not subject to the nine-area restriction of the 240-hour transit scheme. This makes it more useful for journeys into Nujiang, Dehong, Baoshan and Tengchong. Local restrictions for particular border zones, protected places or other controlled areas still apply.
Ordinary tourism does not authorise work, formal study or other activities that require prior approval. Your permitted stay is the one that applies to your entry policy and is confirmed by immigration.
Register your accommodation
Your hotel handles registration. For a private home or another place outside the hotel system, you or your host must register with local public security within 24 hours of arrival. Ask your host how to complete it when you check in.
Check before booking
Rules may change before your trip. Confirm the policy for your passport and dates with a Chinese embassy or consulate, and your carrier. Immigration makes the final entry decision. This guide helps you plan; it is not an entry permit.
Let’s work out your arrival
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