ENTRY / CHECK YOUR PASSPORT

Can I visit China visa-free?

Possibly—but first decide whether you mean ordinary visa-free entry, 240-hour transit or a geographically limited scheme.

Official ruleReviewed 30 August 20267 min read

THE SHORT VERSION

The useful headline counts describe different programs and cannot be combined.
Transit normally requires an onward journey to a third country or region, not a simple return home.
Check the latest official page for your passport immediately before booking and again before departure.

Ordinary visa-free entry

A 3 June 2026 Chinese embassy FAQ listed 50 ordinary-passport countries for stays of up to 30 days for named purposes. Expiry dates differ, so the list is a dated research snapshot—not a permanent eligibility checker.

240-hour visa-free transit

NIA's 20 August 2026 update described 57 eligible nationalities and 65 designated ports. The traveller needs a qualifying travel document with at least three months' validity, confirmed onward arrangements to a third country or region, and permission to enter that onward destination. The stay is limited to designated ports and permitted areas and remains subject to border inspection.

Hainan and other schemes

Hainan's 30-day policy has its own nationality, entry and geographic rules. Bilateral agreements and group schemes are separate again. Never choose a route from a generic total alone.

The arrival card is free

Use only NIA's official channels. NIA has warned about fraudulent third-party sites charging for the arrival card; online, on-arrival digital and paper completion remain official options where applicable.

SOURCE DESK

Check the underlying sources

Policies, provider terms and local operations change. Recheck the named authority before a consequential booking or travel decision.