The Short Answer
If you hold a valid ordinary passport from one of the 50 countries below, you can currently enter China for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchange visits, or transit for no more than 30 days without first applying for a visa.
Full China Visa-Free Country List for 2026
The National Immigration Administration groups the 50 eligible nationalities as follows.
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Australia and New Zealand.
When Does the Policy Expire?
| Passport group | Current policy end date | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei | No stated expiry | The current unilateral arrangement has no published end date. |
| Russia | December 31, 2027 | China announced an extension in May 2026. |
| Other 48 countries | December 31, 2026 | Check again if your trip is close to or after this date. |
Six Rules Travellers Often Miss
Visa-Free Entry Is Not the Same as 240-Hour Transit
The 30-day policy is nationality-based and can support a normal short visit. The 240-hour policy is route-based: you must be travelling from one country or region, through China, to a different country or region using an approved port.
If your passport is not on the 50-country list, you may still qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit, a bilateral visa exemption, Hainan's regional policy, or 24-hour direct transit. Use the entry checker as a starting point.
What to Prepare Before Flying
Check Your Exact Entry Option
Search your passport country, then follow the official source link shown in the result before you book.
Open the Entry Policy CheckerFrequently Asked Questions
Can UK citizens visit China without a visa in 2026?
Yes. Ordinary British passport holders can currently enter for an eligible short-stay purpose for up to 30 days without a visa, through December 31, 2026.
Can Canadian citizens visit China without a visa in 2026?
Yes. Canada joined the 30-day unilateral policy on February 17, 2026. The current measure runs through December 31, 2026.
Are US citizens on the 30-day visa-free list?
No. A normal mainland tourist trip generally requires a visa for US passport holders. However, Americans are eligible nationalities for the 240-hour transit policy, and Hainan has a separate 30-day regional policy.
Do I need to apply online before using the 30-day policy?
No advance visa-waiver application is currently required, but you should complete the free arrival card and carry documents supporting your trip.
Official Sources
Policy checked July 13, 2026. This independent guide is for planning and does not replace a decision by Chinese border inspection authorities.