China Mutual Visa Exemption: Countries and Duration of Stay

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on April 23, 2025:

1. China has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for 36 eligible countries, including several European nations — 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, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea and Japan are included. This policy is valid till December 31, 2025. Read more »

2. 240-Hour Visa Free Transit (10 days) has been lanched. 54 eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, etc. Eligible travelers can now travel across provinces, for example traveling from Beijing to Xian, then to Shanghai. Mohan Railway Port at China-Laos border can be used to enter/leave Yunnan. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 240-hour transit visa-free. Read more »

3. As of now, China has established full visa exemption agreements with 28 countries, including Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.

4. Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province is 6 days visa-free for tour groups (at least two persons) from ASEAN countries.

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Exceptional journeys, unforgettable memories! See what our recent happy travelers have shared about their private China tours with us.

Karen

"Jack, please meet my friend Darrell. I have been telling Darrell what a great trip we had in Dunhuang and Xian. Also how wonderful our guides and drivers were when we were there..." read more »

Reviewed on April 30, 2025

Richard

"This is my 3rd group trip with China Discovery planned by Jack Li. A wonderful itinerary of 19days/18days from Guilin, to Guizhou and Hunan..." read more »

Reviewed on April 30, 2025

Visa Exemption saves much time, energy and money for international travel. Therefore, it’s a vital process to figure out if need a visa to China. (Do I Need A Visa for China?) Mutual Visa Exemption is one of the important Visa Free Policy of China, which allows citizens from both countries to travel without visa for a certain period, when meeting related requirements. Until now (May 2025), China has signed bilateral visa-free policy between 150+ countries, including 25+ countries for holders of ordinary passports.

30 Days Visa Free - Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China

Citizens of below countries holding a valid ordinary passport are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, or transit in the territory of the other contracting party, with a single stay not exceeding 30 days (or 60 days, 90 days varying by countries) and a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.

Eligible countries include Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.

Important Notes:

1. The above two-way visa-free agreement is listed for holders of ordinary passport only. You can read and download the updated full List of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between China and Foreign Countries 20250402 Version

2. Mutual Visa Exemption do NOT mean visitors can stay/reside in China for an infinite period. Foreigners must stay within the permitted duration of stay. If you intend to stay beyond the limitation, you’re required to apply for stay permit in local official authority.

Travel China Visa Free with China Discovery

China Discovery is a professional and experienced travel companion who offers high-value and worry-free tours for you. To fulfill your dream tour to China, we not only design ideal itinerary covering sightseeing, dining, transfer and hotel, but also will provide you Invitation Letter and useful guide about 72-Hour Visa-free Transit, 144-Hour Visa-free Transit to help you obtain Chinese Visa, even customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.

Popular China Visa-free Tours:

• ● 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Great Wall Hiking
• ● 5 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Real Hutong Life
• ● 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
• ● 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
• ● 2 Days Xian City Break
• ● 3 Days Classic Xian Tour
• ● 2 Days Guilin Ideal Li River Cruise with Yangshuo Essence
• ● 3 Days Classic Guilin Tour - Guilin Brief Vacation
• ● 3 Days Chengdu City Break including Panda Volunteering
• ● 3 Days Chengdu Highlights Tour
• ● 1 Day Valuable Hong Kong Tour
• ● 2 Days Essence of Hong Kong Tour

If you are interested in China visa-free tour, we could also customize a China Visa-free Tour in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou and more available destinations if you meet relevant visa requirements.