The short version
China runs several separate schemes, and people constantly confuse them:
- Unilateral visa-free entry — China decided on its own to let certain nationalities in. Around 50 countries, 30 days per entry. Most of these are trial policies with an expiry date, currently 31 December 2026 for the large group.
- Mutual visa exemption agreements — treaties, around 30 countries, no expiry date. Usually 30 days, a few at 60 or 90.
- 240-hour visa-free transit — for travellers passing through to a third country. 10 days, 57 nationalities, 65 ports. Covered in its own guide.
- Regional schemes — Hainan island on its own, ASEAN tour groups to parts of Guangxi and Yunnan, cruise groups, and tour groups crossing from Hong Kong or Macao.
The trap: trial policies have end dates
The big unilateral list is a trial, and it has been extended several times — most recently to the end of 2026. The UK and Canada were only added in February 2026.
What this means in practice: if you are travelling in 2027, the rule you read today may not be the rule that applies. It has been extended every time so far, but it is not a treaty. Check again before you buy anything non-refundable, and treat any blog post without a date on it as worthless.
What visa-free entry does not let you do
Visa-free entry is for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges and transit. It is not for work, study or journalism. Doing those on a visa-free entry is a straightforward way to be refused entry or banned.
Also note: the stay limit is per entry, and some mutual agreements additionally cap you at 90 days in any 180.
What you still need
- A passport valid for the whole stay. Six months' validity is the safe standard.
- Proof of onward travel. Airlines do check this.
- The online arrival card, filled in within 72 hours before you arrive.
- An address for where you are staying.
New since September 2026
Updated exit and entry regulations took effect on 15 September 2026. The part that matters to a tourist: false statements on an entry application can bring a one-to-five year entry ban. Fill things in accurately, including your real hotel address.