Quick Answer: Do You Need a Visa to Visit China in 2026 or 2027?

Not every international visitor needs a traditional Chinese tourist visa. Your eligibility depends mainly on your nationality, passport type, travel purpose, length of stay and route.

• 30-day visa-free entry: Eligible ordinary passport holders from designated countries may enter mainland China for permitted short-term purposes, including tourism, for up to 30 days.
• 240-hour visa-free transit: Eligible travelers from 57 countries may enter through designated ports while transiting to a third country or region, subject to onward-ticket and permitted-area requirements.
• 24-hour transit exemption: Eligible international transit passengers may remain in the designated restricted area of an open port for up to 24 hours without a visa.
• L-category tourist visa: Travelers who do not qualify for an applicable exemption generally need to obtain the appropriate visa before departure.
• Hainan regional visa-free entry: Eligible ordinary passport holders from 61 countries may enter Hainan under a separate regional policy for up to 30 days.

These policies are not interchangeable. A 10-day transit exemption is not a general 10-day tourist visa, and a 30-day visa-free policy does not apply to every nationality.

1. The Main Ways to Enter Mainland China

Before choosing an entry arrangement, identify which policy matches your passport and complete travel route. The following table provides a practical overview of the main options for international visitors.

The permitted length of stay, entry ports and travel areas depend on the specific policy. Check the official conditions rather than relying only on the number of days shown in a flight itinerary.

2. China's 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Policy

China's unilateral visa-free entry arrangements allow ordinary passport holders from designated countries to visit mainland China without first applying for a traditional visa, provided they meet the policy conditions.

For eligible travelers, permitted purposes include tourism, business, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits and transit. The permitted stay is generally no more than 30 days under this arrangement.

Which Countries Are Covered?

As of November 6, 2026, the current published unilateral visa-free arrangements cover ordinary passport holders from 49 countries, with different policy end dates. Brunei also has a separate 30-day visa-free arrangement for eligible ordinary passport holders.

The published 49-country group includes:

• Europe: 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, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
• Asia: Bahrain, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, the Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia.
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

The United Kingdom and Canada are included in the temporary visa-free arrangements announced for ordinary passport holders from February 17, 2026. Their current published policy period runs through December 31, 2026.

Russia is included in the 49-country group, with its 30-day visa-free arrangement announced through December 31, 2027. The policy for other countries should not be assumed to continue into 2027 unless a further extension is officially announced.

Brunei's ordinary passport arrangement is separate and has no fixed expiry date stated in the published policy information referenced here.

Important: The country list and policy dates are subject to official updates. Before booking, check the latest announcement for your nationality: National Immigration Administration — Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies .

Who Can Use the 30-Day Visa-Free Policy?

In general, travelers must:

• Hold an eligible ordinary passport.
• Travel for a purpose covered by the policy, such as tourism.
• Stay within the permitted maximum period.
• Meet China's applicable entry and immigration requirements.

A visa exemption does not guarantee admission. Immigration authorities retain the right to assess travelers at the border.

Can You Visit Multiple Chinese Cities Under the 30-Day Policy?

Eligible visitors can generally travel within mainland China during their permitted stay. This makes the policy useful for multi-city holidays connecting destinations such as Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai.

For example, an eligible traveler could plan a 12-day private journey through Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai, provided the trip remains within the applicable visa-free conditions.

Explore our China Travel Itinerary Guide for ideas on how to combine destinations and choose a realistic travel duration.

3. China's 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy: A 10-Day Stopover

China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible foreign travelers to enter mainland China for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, while transiting to a third country or region.

It is particularly useful for travelers who want to add a short China visit to a longer international journey. Depending on the permitted entry port and travel area, a stopover may include sightseeing in a major Chinese city or a short regional itinerary.

Who Is Eligible?

As of August 20, 2026, the policy covers nationals of 57 countries. Eligible travelers must hold an ordinary passport and meet the onward-transit requirements.

The 57-country list includes:

• Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico and the United States.
• Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
• Asia: Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam.

Always confirm the current list and your individual eligibility through the National Immigration Administration: Official Visa-Free Transit Policies .

What Are the Main Requirements?

The 240-hour policy is a transit arrangement, not a general short-stay tourist exemption. Eligible travelers generally need to:

• Be a national of one of the countries covered by the policy.
• Hold a valid ordinary international passport or travel document meeting the relevant validity requirements.
• Hold a confirmed onward ticket with a departure date and seat within the permitted 240-hour period.
• Be travelling to a third country or region rather than simply returning to the point of origin.
• Enter through an eligible port and remain within the permitted travel areas.
• Complete the applicable temporary-entry and immigration inspection procedures.

What Does "A Third Country or Region" Mean?

Your travel route must demonstrate genuine onward transit from China to a different country or region.

For example, a route such as:

• London → Beijing → Tokyo
• Singapore → Shanghai → Seoul
• Los Angeles → Guangzhou → Hong Kong

may be considered under the transit policy if the traveler meets all other requirements.

By contrast, a simple round trip such as London → Beijing → London should not be assumed to qualify for the 240-hour transit policy. The onward destination must satisfy the third-country or third-region requirement.

If you are unsure whether your flight combination qualifies, confirm the complete itinerary with the airline and the relevant Chinese immigration authority before departure.

Which Areas Can You Visit?

As of August 20, 2026, eligible travelers may enter through 65 designated open ports across 24 provincial-level regions. The permitted travel areas depend on the policy's regional rules.

The covered regions include Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Shaanxi.

Some regions permit travel throughout the province, while others have more specific permitted-area rules. Do not assume that entering through one city allows unrestricted travel throughout all of China.

Check the official port list and permitted areas before building a stopover itinerary: National Immigration Administration — 240-Hour Transit Policy .

Can You Use the 240-Hour Policy for Tourism?

Yes. Eligible travelers may undertake permitted short-term activities such as tourism, business, visits and family visits during the authorized stay.

Activities such as employment, formal study and news reporting that require prior approval are not permitted simply because a traveler qualifies for visa-free transit.

Example: A 5-Day China Stopover

A traveler with a qualifying international route might use a five-day stopover to explore one destination or a carefully planned combination of nearby locations.

• Beijing: Forbidden City, the Great Wall and historic hutongs.
• Shanghai: The Bund, historic districts and contemporary city life.
• Xi'an: The Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall and local food culture.
• Chengdu: Giant pandas, Sichuan cuisine and traditional teahouse culture.

Choose a route based on your arrival port, onward departure port, permitted areas and realistic transfer times. A short stopover is usually more enjoyable when it focuses on one city or one practical regional route.

4. China's 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit Exemption

China also provides a 24-hour transit exemption at all open exit-entry ports for eligible foreign nationals transiting to a third country or region.

This arrangement is different from the 240-hour policy. Travelers generally need valid international travel documents and confirmed onward transport, and must remain within the designated restricted area of the port.

If a traveler needs to leave the restricted port area, they must first obtain a temporary entry permit from the immigration inspection authority at that port.

This option is mainly intended for short international connections, not for planning a sightseeing holiday in mainland China.

For the official explanation, see China's Visa-Free Transit Policies .

5. China L-Category Tourist Visa: What If You Are Not Visa-Free?

If your passport is not covered by an applicable visa exemption, or your travel purpose or itinerary does not meet the conditions of an exemption, you will generally need to apply for a Chinese visa before departure.

The L-category visa is the standard visa category for foreign nationals visiting China for tourism.

Common Documents for a China Tourist Visa Application

The exact requirements vary according to the country or region where you apply, the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your application, and your individual circumstances. Commonly requested documents include:

• Passport: A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity and blank visa pages.
• Application form: A completed Chinese visa application form submitted through the applicable official process.
• Photograph: A recent passport-style photograph meeting the required specifications.
• Flight information: Round-trip or onward flight booking details, where requested.
• Accommodation: Hotel reservations or other accommodation information.
• Travel itinerary: A clear outline of destinations, dates and planned activities.
• Invitation letter: Where applicable, an invitation from a relevant organization or individual in China, together with supporting documents.
• Additional supporting documents: The visa centre may request proof of legal residence, employment, financial circumstances or other information depending on the application.

Do not assume that every applicant must submit exactly the same documents. Always follow the checklist published by the Chinese embassy or visa application centre responsible for your location.

How to Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa

1. Identify the correct visa centre. Check which Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application centre handles applications from your place of residence.
2. Check the current L-visa requirements. Review the latest checklist and application procedure for your jurisdiction.
3. Prepare your documents. Gather your passport, photograph, travel information and any supporting materials required.
4. Complete the application. Follow the relevant online application or appointment procedure.
5. Submit your documents and passport. Attend the required appointment or submission process, if applicable.
6. Wait for the decision. Processing times, additional checks and interview requirements may vary.
7. Check the issued visa carefully. Confirm the validity period, permitted number of entries and duration of stay before departure.

Does a Tourist Visa Guarantee a 30-Day Stay?

No. The validity period of a visa, the number of permitted entries and the duration of stay for each entry are different details. The actual terms are determined by the visa issued to the applicant.

Check the visa sticker carefully and do not assume that every tourist visa has the same validity or stay allowance.

Where Should You Apply?

Use the official Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Service Center website for your country or region. Application processes and document requirements can differ between jurisdictions.

Official information: Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

6. China Visa Policy in 2027: What Is Confirmed and What Is Not?

Travelers planning a China holiday in 2027 should be careful about relying on 2026 visa-free announcements. Some policies have published end dates, while others may be extended or revised through future government announcements.

What Is Currently Confirmed?

• Russia: The published 30-day unilateral visa-free arrangement for eligible ordinary passport holders runs through December 31, 2027.
• Other temporary unilateral visa-free arrangements: The currently published arrangements for the relevant 48-country group are generally scheduled through December 31, 2026, unless subsequently extended.
• Brunei: Its separate ordinary-passport 30-day visa-free arrangement has no fixed expiry date stated in the referenced policy information.
• 240-hour transit: The policy is in effect as of the date of this guide, but travelers should recheck the eligible nationality list, ports and permitted areas before a 2027 trip.
• Tourist visas: The L-category application route remains available to travelers who need a visa, subject to the current application requirements.

Should You Wait for a Visa-Free Policy Extension?

If you are planning travel in 2027 and your nationality currently relies on a temporary visa-free arrangement ending in 2026, do not assume that the policy will automatically continue.

Check official announcements before finalizing non-refundable flights or other arrangements. If you do not qualify for a confirmed exemption when you travel, you may need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.

For official updates, use the National Immigration Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China .

7. China's Online Arrival Card: What Travelers Should Know

China introduced an online arrival card service for foreign nationals on November 20, 2025. Travelers can submit relevant entry information through official channels before arriving.

The available official channels include:

• The National Immigration Administration website.
• The NIA government service platform.
• The NIA 12367 mobile application.
• Official WeChat and Alipay mini-programs.
• Official arrival-card QR codes provided by immigration authorities.

Travelers who cannot complete the information online in advance can use the available facilities at the port of entry or complete a paper arrival card where provided.

Is the Online Arrival Card Free?

Yes. The National Immigration Administration states that its online arrival-card service is free. Be cautious of unofficial websites that imitate government services and request payment for completing the form.

Use the official service: China NIA Online Arrival Card .

Who May Be Exempt from Filling in an Arrival Card?

The NIA lists several exemption categories, including certain permanent residents, eligible group-visa travelers, direct transit passengers who remain within the restricted area for no more than 24 hours, and certain other categories.

Whether you need to complete an arrival card depends on your entry method and status. Check the current official instructions before departure.

8. Visa Planning for Private China Tours

A private China journey often connects several destinations, hotels, domestic flights and high-speed rail services. That makes it especially important to confirm your entry eligibility before finalizing the complete route.

Start with Your Passport, Not Your Destination List

Two travelers following exactly the same itinerary may have different entry requirements because they hold different passports.

Before planning the route, confirm:

• Your nationality and passport type.
• Your passport's validity and any relevant entry requirements.
• Your intended arrival date and departure date.
• Whether you qualify for a 30-day visa-free entry arrangement.
• Whether your international flight route qualifies for 240-hour transit.
• Whether the planned destinations are within the permitted transit area, if using transit exemption.

Can You Visit Several Cities on a Private China Tour?

If you qualify for the 30-day visa-free entry policy or hold an appropriate visa, a multi-city private itinerary may connect several destinations across mainland China.

Popular combinations include:

• Classic China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai.
• Culture and Nature: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Guilin.
• Landscape Discovery: Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai.
• Yunnan Journey: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Travelers using the 240-hour transit policy must instead plan within the specific permitted areas and entry conditions of that policy. A transit exemption should not be treated as authorization for an unrestricted multi-province holiday.

Why Confirm Entry Rules Before Booking Domestic Travel?

A well-designed private journey depends on more than the number of days available. International entry and departure points, domestic transfers, hotel reservations and the permitted length of stay all affect the route.

Confirming your entry arrangement first helps avoid building an itinerary around a travel period or destination combination that does not fit your immigration conditions.

Explore our China First-Time Travel Guide for practical preparation advice, or browse our China Travel Itineraries for route ideas.

9. China Visa and Entry Checklist Before Departure

Use this checklist to organize your travel preparation. The exact documents you need depend on your entry policy and individual circumstances.

Passport and Entry Eligibility

• Confirm that your passport is accepted for your intended entry arrangement.
• Check passport validity and blank-page requirements where applicable.
• Verify your nationality against the current official visa-free list.
• Confirm the permitted length of stay and travel purpose.

Flights and Travel Route

• Keep a copy of your international flight itinerary.
• If using 240-hour transit, confirm that your onward journey meets the third-country or region requirement.
• Check whether your entry and exit ports are eligible.
• Confirm that your planned destinations fall within the permitted travel area.

Accommodation and Arrival Information

• Keep hotel reservation details accessible.
• Prepare your first accommodation address and contact details.
• Check whether you need to complete the online arrival card.
• Use only the official free NIA arrival-card service.

If You Need a Tourist Visa

• Check the latest requirements of the relevant visa application centre.
• Prepare the application form and photograph.
• Prepare supporting flight, accommodation and itinerary information where requested.
• Allow sufficient time for application processing.
• Check the issued visa's validity, entries and permitted stay.

10. Plan Your China Journey with Sunda Travel

Understanding China's entry requirements is the first step. The next is deciding how to make the most of your time in the country.

Since 1993, Sunda Travel has helped international visitors discover China through private and tailor-made journeys. Our China-based team brings together local expertise, private guides, carefully planned transfers and destination experiences across the country.

Whether you are planning a short stopover or a multi-city holiday, we can help shape a journey around your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.

• China First-Time Travel Guide — understand the essentials before your first visit.
• China Travel Guide — explore destinations, seasons, transport and practical advice.
• China Travel Itinerary — compare routes for different trip lengths.
• China Private Tours — explore private journeys across China's major destinations.
• Tailor-Made China Tours — build a private journey around your interests and schedule.

If you are unsure how your travel dates and route fit your entry arrangements, confirm your visa eligibility with the relevant immigration authority first. Once your entry conditions are clear, Sunda Travel can help you plan the journey itself.

Start Planning Your Private China Journey

Frequently Asked Questions About China Visas in 2026 and 2027

Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026?

It depends on your nationality, passport type, travel purpose and length of stay. Eligible ordinary passport holders from designated countries may enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Others may qualify for the 240-hour transit policy or need an L-category tourist visa.

Can I visit China without a visa in 2027?

Some visa-free arrangements have published validity periods extending into 2027, including the Russian ordinary-passport 30-day arrangement through December 31, 2027. Other temporary arrangements currently scheduled to end in 2026 should not be assumed to continue unless officially extended.

How many countries are eligible for China's 30-day visa-free entry?

As of November 6, 2026, the published unilateral visa-free group covers 49 countries, with different end dates, and Brunei has a separate 30-day arrangement. Check the latest official list before travelling because country coverage and validity periods can change.

How many countries qualify for China's 240-hour transit policy?

As of August 20, 2026, the policy covers nationals of 57 countries. Eligible travelers must also meet the passport, onward-ticket, entry-port and permitted-area requirements.

Is the 240-hour transit policy the same as a 10-day tourist visa?

No. It is a visa-free transit arrangement. Travelers must be transiting to a third country or region and meet the policy's other conditions. It is not a general-purpose tourist visa for any 10-day visit.

Can I travel from Beijing to Shanghai under the 240-hour policy?

The policy permits travel within designated areas, and some covered areas allow cross-region travel. However, you must check the current permitted-area rules and confirm that both your route and ports meet the transit conditions. Do not assume unrestricted travel across mainland China.

Can I enter China visa-free if I have a return ticket?

A return ticket alone does not establish eligibility for visa-free entry. For the 240-hour transit policy, the onward journey must meet the third-country or region requirement. For 30-day unilateral visa-free entry, nationality and other conditions determine eligibility.

What is the difference between 24-hour and 240-hour transit?

The 24-hour exemption generally allows eligible transit passengers to remain within a designated restricted port area for up to 24 hours, unless they obtain permission to leave. The 240-hour policy allows eligible travelers to enter designated areas for up to 10 days under additional nationality and onward-ticket conditions.

What is the L visa for China?

The L-category visa is China's standard tourist visa. It is used by travelers visiting China for tourism who do not qualify for an applicable visa exemption or whose trip does not meet the conditions of an exemption.

How long does it take to get a China tourist visa?

Processing times vary by application location, season, application type and individual circumstances. Check the current estimate and appointment availability with the Chinese visa application centre responsible for your place of residence.

Do I need to complete China's online arrival card?

Many foreign travelers can submit arrival information online through official NIA channels before arriving. Certain categories are exempt, and travelers who cannot complete it in advance may use the facilities available at the port or a paper card where provided.

Is China's online arrival card free?

Yes. The National Immigration Administration's official online arrival-card service is free. Avoid unofficial websites that charge a fee for submitting the form.

Can I work or study in China under a visa-free policy?

No. Visa-free entry and transit policies cover specified short-term purposes. Work, formal study and other activities requiring prior approval need the appropriate visa or authorization.

Where can I check the latest China visa rules?

Check the National Immigration Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your application, and the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center. These sources provide the authoritative policy and application information.