Which Countries Can Enter China Visa-Free in 2025?
China visa-free entry in 2025 applies to holders of ordinary passports from a list of countries agreed with Chinese authorities. Travellers from these countries can enter for business, tourism, family visits, exchange, or transit and stay for up to 30 days without a visa, under the policy in force until 31 December 2025. If you are planning a trip, checking whether you qualify for visa-free China entry is the first step.
30-Day Visa-Free Stay: Full List of Eligible Nationals
The full list of countries whose ordinary passport holders can enjoy China visa free 30-day stays includes France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, and the United Arab Emirates. The list may be updated; always confirm with the Chinese visa application service or your nearest Chinese mission. Malaysia also has a separate bilateral visa exemption agreement (from 17 July 2025) allowing ordinary passport holders to stay up to 30 days per visit and up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, and other permitted purposes.
Purpose and Conditions for Visa-Free Entry
China visa exemption for short stays is limited to specific purposes: business, tourism, visiting family or friends, exchange visits, and transit. Single stays must not exceed 30 days. You must hold a valid ordinary passport and meet entry requirements. The policy is subject to change; for the latest China visa free rules, refer to official announcements from the Chinese visa authorities or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
China 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free: Rules and Ports
In addition to the 30-day visa-free arrangement, China offers a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy. This replaced the previous 72-hour and 144-hour schemes and allows eligible travellers to leave the port area and explore designated provinces while in transit to a third country or region. China visa free transit is a convenient option if you are connecting through a Chinese city and want to spend a few days sightseeing.
Who Qualifies for 240-Hour Transit Without a Visa
Nationals of 55 countries can use the 240-hour China transit visa free. The list includes the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and many European and Asian countries (e.g. Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand). You must have a valid international travel document, an onward ticket with a confirmed seat to a third country or region (your trip must not start and end in China), and you must enter and leave through one of the approved ports within the allowed time and area.
Provinces and Ports Where 240-Hour Transit Applies
The 240-hour transit visa-free policy applies in 24 provinces and 65 open ports. Coverage has been expanded so that in several provinces the permitted area is the whole province (e.g. Anhui, Hainan, Guizhou, Fujian, Hubei, Shaanxi). In others, such as Shanxi and Jiangxi, only certain cities are included (e.g. Taiyuan and Datong in Shanxi; Nanchang and Jingdezhen in Jiangxi). Guangxi allows stays in 12 cities. Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong remain key hubs with their own port and regional rules.
Major Airports and Regions (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, etc.)
Major entry points for China visa free transit include Beijing (Capital and Daxing airports), Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao), and the Shanghai–Jiangsu–Zhejiang area, as well as Guangdong (e.g. Guangzhou, Shenzhen), Fujian, Shandong, and others. Each port has specific conditions; check the National Immigration Administration or your airline for the exact ports and boundaries that apply to your itinerary.
How to Use This China Visa-Free Eligibility Tool
Our China visa-free checker helps you see whether you might qualify for visa-free entry or transit based on your nationality and planned entry city. It is designed for quick reference only; always confirm with official sources before travel.
Select Your Nationality and Entry City
Choose your passport country and the city where you plan to enter China (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou). The tool will indicate whether 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit visa free may apply. Results are based on current policy and may not cover every bilateral agreement or special case.
Understanding Your Result
If the result shows that you may be eligible for China visa free travel, you still need to meet all conditions at the border (valid passport, onward ticket where required, and compliance with stay limits and permitted areas). If you are not in a visa-free or transit category, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa before travelling.
Payment and Connectivity Tips for Visa-Free Visitors
When visiting China without a visa, bring a payment method that works locally (e.g. UnionPay, Alipay/WeChat Pay linked to a card, or cash in RMB where accepted). Having a local SIM or roaming data can help with navigation and translation. These tips apply whether you enter under the 30-day China visa exemption or the 240-hour transit visa-free scheme.