Latest Visa & Entry Policies 2026
Travel to China Made Easy
China has officially reopened to international travelers with simplified entry policies. There are three main visa-free options for foreign visitors in 2026 :
① 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Maximum stay: 30 days (non-extendable)
Eligible purposes: Tourism, business, visiting family/friends, cultural exchange, transit
Important: Work, study, or media activities are not allowed
Effective until: December 31, 2026
50 Unilateral Visa-Free Countries included (latest update February 17, 2026):
🇪🇺 Europe (35 countries):
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Russia
🌏 Asia (7 countries):
Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
🌊 Oceania (2 countries):
Australia, New Zealand
🌎 Americas (6 countries):
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada
50+ countries can enter China directly without a visa for 30 days
27 Mutual Visa-Free Countries
🌏 Asia (10)
Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei, Malaysia
🇪🇺 Europe (5)
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino
🌎America (7)
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Suriname
🌊 Oceania (5)
Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tonga, Solomon Islands
Requirements:
✔ Valid passport
✔ Return or onward ticket
✘ Cannot work or study
✘ Stay period is non-extendable
② 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Entry
Maximum stay: 240 hours (10 days)
Eligibility: Countries not in the 30-day visa-free list
Requirement: Must transit to a third country (A → China → B)
Example: A traveler from the U.S. can enter China on the way to Japan but not back to the U.S.
Where allowed: 60 entry ports, travel permitted in 24 provinces/cities
🌏 Countries applicable:
North America: United States, Mexico
South America: Colombia
Europe: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Ukraine
Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Qatar, UAE
Africa: South Africa
③ Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Maximum stay: 30 days
Eligible countries: 59 countries
Scope: Only Hainan Province
Perfect for holiday and resort travel.
Summary for travelers:
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50+ countries → 30-day visa-free entry
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Other countries like the U.S. → 240-hour transit visa-free
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Hainan → 30-day resort visa-free
China is now fully open to global travelers!
Need Help Choosing the Right Entry Option?
If you are unsure which visa-free policy applies to your country, please contact Pandaland Trip.
Even if your country only qualifies for the 240-hour transit visa-free policy—like the United States—and you are not sure how to enter China without a visa, Pandaland Trip can help.
We will guide you to the most convenient and cost-effective entry method and ensure you enjoy the best possible China travel experience.