In a move to further streamline cross-border travel, China has decided to extend its unilateral visa-free policy to more countries. This will involve visa-free treatment for travelers holding a passport from the following countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Brunei.
From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, passport holders from the above 38 countries will be exempt from visa requirements to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, family visit, exchange visit and transit purposes. Those who do not meet the criteria for the visa-free policy, or who wish to stay in China for longer than 30 days, will still be required to apply for a visa.
Q1: Do I need to make declarations to Chinese embassies and consulates in advance?
A1: Foreign nationals eligible for a visa waiver do not need to declare in advance to Chinese embassies and consulates before entering China without a visa.
Q2: Will the purpose of the stay in China be examined by the Chinese border?
A2: When traveling to China for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit, those who meet the visa waiver requirements can be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval in accordance with law by border inspection authorities.
Q3: Which further documentation is required for entry to China?
A3: It is recommended that applicants provide documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and accommodation reservations, which should correspond to the purposes of entry into China. Please note that the visa waiver does not apply to those traveling to China for work, study, journalistic, or similar purposes.
Q4: Is there are any additional requirements for minors who are eligible for a visa waiver?
A4: Visa requirements for minors are the same as for adults.
Q5: Are there any requirements on the type and validity of entry documents?
A5: A passport valid for at least the duration of the stay in China is required. Please note that no travel documents or temporary/emergency documents other than passports will be permitted entry into China without a visa.
Q6: How do calculate the duration of stay of 30 days?
A6: The date of entry to the 30th calendar day until 24:00.
Q7: Is it possible to travel from a third country?
A7: Eligible foreign nationals are permitted to depart for China from any country or region.
Q8: Does the visa-free policy apply to tour groups?
A8: This policy applies to either tour groups or individuals.
Q9: Does the visa-free policy permit multiple entries?
A9: Yes. Entry to China is permitted multiple times. At present, there are no restrictions on the number of entries or total days of stay permitted. However, individuals who benefit from visa-free travel to China must not engage in activities that are inconsistent with their stated purposes of entry.
Q10: What kind of hotel can I book during my stay?
A10: Should you opt to stay in a hotel during your visit, the hotel will register your stay with the local police station using your passport or another international travel document. Please note that not all hotels are equipped to accommodate foreign guests due to this requirement. It is therefore advisable to double-check with the hotel in advance to ensure that they can host foreign guests.
Disclaimer: Please note that this information may be subject to change. Expats Holidays is not responsible for the accuracy of the travel policy given by the government.
If you have any questions regarding China's visa-free policy, please feel free to contact our travel consultant at any time.
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