China 30 Days Visa-free Entry Policy for France, Germany, Italy, Spain...

The Chinese government has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for ordinary passport holders of Australia, France, Germany, Italy and other 40+ countries. Ordinary passport holders of the above-mentioned countries can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 30 days until December 31, 2025 (Valid till May 31, 2026 for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay‌; Valid till June 8, 2026 for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain). Personnel of the above-mentioned countries who do not meet the visa-free conditions still need to apply for a visa to China before entering the country.

Eligible Countries List:

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, Switzerland, and Russia. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain are included. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay‌ in South America are also eligible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How will Chinese border inspection authorities verify the purpose of entry? Do I need to bring other materials besides my passport when entering the country?

Foreigners whose purpose of entry complies with the visa-free policy regulations, such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transit, will be allowed to enter the country after being checked and approved by the Chinese border inspection authorities in accordance with the law; for foreigners whose purpose of entry does not comply with the visa-free policy regulations or who have other legal reasons for not being allowed to enter the country, the border inspection authorities will make a decision not to allow entry in accordance with the law. It is recommended to bring supporting materials that are consistent with the purpose of entry, such as invitation letters, air tickets and hotel orders. Personnel who come to China for work, study, and interviews are not within the scope of visa-free entry.

2. How is the 30-day stay period calculated?

Foreigners who meet the visa-free entry requirements to China can stay continuously from the day of entry to 24:00 on the 30th natural day.

3. Can I depart from a non-nationality country?

Foreigners who meet the visa-free entry requirements to China can depart from any country (region) outside China.

4. Does it apply to other modes of entry other than air?

The unilateral visa-free entry is applicable to all sea, land and airports open to foreigners (except as otherwise provided by laws and regulations or bilateral arrangements). If you come to China by your own means of transport, you should also follow the relevant Chinese laws and regulations to handle the procedures for entry and exit of your own means of transport.

5. If my stay in China exceeds 30 days, can I apply for an extension?

If a foreigner intends to stay in China for more than 30 days, he/she should apply for a visa in accordance with the purpose of entry at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad in advance. If a foreigner enters China under the visa-free policy and needs to continue to stay in China for legitimate reasons after entry, he/she should apply to the exit-entry administration agency of the public security organ for a stay permit.

6. Can I enter multiple times? Are there any requirements for the interval between entries? Are there any restrictions on the number of visa-free entries and the total number of days of stay?

If a foreigner meets the visa-free entry requirements to China, he/she can apply for the visa-free policy multiple times to enter China. At present, there is no restriction on the number of visa-free entries and the total number of days of stay, but it should be noted that activities that are not consistent with the purpose of entry are not allowed.

Other China Visa Free Policies

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, Uzbekistan; 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.

China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit

Citizens of 55 countries who hold an ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity and an onward flight, train, or cruise ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours can transit in designated areas of 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China's Mainland for up to 240 hours without a visa.

With the new policy, you are allowed to travel across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within the permitted stay areass. For example, you could fly into Beijing and then visit cities like Xi'an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, as long as your total stay does not exceed the 240-hour limit.