The Latest Visa Policy for Coming to China

In order to further promote the exchange of personnel between China and foreign countries, China has decided to expand the scope of unilateral visa waiver countries on a trial basis. China has successively launched a number of visa policy to further facilitate the exchange of personnel between China and foreign countries. Data shows that in 2023, China have 424 million entries and exits. An increase of 266.5% year-on-year, of which foreigners increased by 693.1% year-on-year.

Which Countries Can Enter China Without Visa?[JS1]

Various type of visa-free rules are implemented in China for international visitors, who visit China through specific ways of transportation, ports of entry and holding different nationality of passport.

(1) 30 Days Visa Free Entry (Singapore,Thailand)

China and Singapore have officially agreed to implement a visa-free entry policy for their citizens, allowing stays of up to 30 days. Starting from February 9, individuals holding ordinary passports and traveling for tourism, family visits, or business purposes will benefit from this new agreement. The agreement, signed in Beijing, marks a significant step in creating closer ties between the two nations and facilitating smoother travel for their citizens.

China and Thailand have agreed to a permanent visa-free policy starting March 2024, fostering diplomatic relations and stimulating economic activity in their respective tourism sectors. Click here for more information regarding this mutual free-visa agreement between China and Thailand.

(2) 15 Days Visa Free Entry (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Brunei, and Japanese)

According to the official announcement on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China will grant unilateral visa-free travel for holders of ordinary passports from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, during the period from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024. Holders of ordinary passports from the above countries may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days. Click here for more information on this new 15-day visa-free travel/transit policy granted to citizens of five European nations and Malaysia.

According to official news, China will expand its unilateral visa-free travel policy to six additional European countries including Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, during the period from March 14 to November 30, 2024. Ordinary passport holders from the above countries may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days.

(3) 72-Hour & 144-Hour Visa-free Transit (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Russia, Singapore…)

It is valid for citizens of appointed 54 countries to visa-free transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Chengdu, etc. Applicants must hold connecting transportation tickets to onward destinations within 72/144 hours. (Notes: Visitors can only enter from certain ports and stay in specific administrative area as stated.)

Country List of the 54 Countries:

European Countries (39): European Countries under Schengen Visa Agreement (25): Austria, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Monaco. Other European Countries (14): Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, and Belarus.

American Countries (6): United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile.

Oceania Countries (2): Australia and New Zealand.

Asia Countries (6): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Visiting China for Urgent Reasons…? Consider Port Visa![JS2]

What Is A Port Visa?

A port visa is also known as visa on arrival (VOA). It allows foreigners to enter China without having to obtain a visa at the Chinese embassy before their departure.

Once approved, the port visa allows an entry period of no more than 5 days for individuals and 15 days for groups, and a stay period of no more than 30 days.

Who Can Apply?

Passport holders of most countries can apply, except for Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Cameroon, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Sudan, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and some Southeast Asian countries.

The applied circumstances include but are not limited to:

Foreigners who are invited at short notice to attend trade fairs by their Chinese hosts.

Click here to find more information about the application procedures for port visa. If you have further questions regarding the policy, please consult local embassies.

*Note: Visa policies between countries are constantly updated. If necessary, please check the relevant government websites in time. Mutual visa exemption or unilateral visa exemption generally requires the applicant’s ordinary passport to be valid for more than 6 months.

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