Planning a trip to China and wondering, “Can I Travel To China Without A Visa?” Yes, depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay, you might be eligible for China’s visa-free policies. TRAVELS.EDU.VN provides you with an up-to-date guide to navigate China’s evolving visa regulations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. Explore the current agreements, unilateral policies, and transit options that can help you experience China without the hassle of visa applications.
1. Understanding China’s Visa-Free Policies
China has been actively updating its visa policies to encourage tourism and business travel. These policies include mutual agreements, unilateral exemptions, and transit options. Understanding these options is crucial for planning your trip effectively.
1.1. Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements
China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with over 150 countries. However, many of these agreements are limited to diplomatic or official passports. A smaller subset allows ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits.
Which countries have mutual visa exemption agreements with China?
As of November 25, 2024, citizens from the following 25 countries can travel to China without a visa for a single stay of up to 30 days or a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within any 180 days:
| Country | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Albania | March 18, 2023 |
| United Arab Emirates | January 16, 2018 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | May 11, 2024 |
| Barbados | May 11, 2024 |
| Bahamas | February 12, 2014 |
| Belarus | August 10, 2018 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | May 29, 2018 |
| Dominica | September 19, 2022 |
| Ecuador | August 18, 2016 |
| Fiji | March 14, 2015 |
| Grenada | June 10, 2015 |
| Georgia | May 28, 2024 |
| Qatar | December 21, 2018 |
| Kazakhstan | November 10, 2023 |
| Maldives | May 20, 2022 |
| Mauritius | October 31, 2013 |
| Serbia | January 15, 2017 |
| Seychelles | June 26, 2013 |
| San Marino | July 22, 1985 |
| Solomon Islands | December 28, 2024 |
| Suriname | May 1, 2021 |
| Thailand | March 1, 2024 |
| Tonga | August 19, 2016 |
| Singapore | February 9, 2024 |
| Armenia | January 19, 2020 |
For stays longer than 30 days, activities like employment, study, or journalism require a visa.
1.2. Unilateral Visa-Free Travel Policies
China offers unilateral visa-free travel to citizens of several countries. This means that citizens of these countries can enter China without a visa for specific purposes and durations, typically for business, tourism, or transit.
Which countries have unilateral visa-free travel to China?
As of November 25, 2024, citizens from the following 38 countries can enjoy visa-free travel to China:
| Country | Effective Date | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei | July 26, 2023 | Not specified |
| France | December 1, 2023 | December 31, 2025 |
| Germany | December 1, 2023 | December 31, 2025 |
| Italy | December 1, 2023 | December 31, 2025 |
| The Netherlands | December 1, 2023 | December 31, 2025 |
| Spain | December 1, 2023 | December 31, 2025 |
| Malaysia | December 1, 2023 | December 31, 2025 |
| Switzerland | March 14, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Ireland | March 14, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Hungary | March 14, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Austria | March 14, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Belgium | March 14, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Luxembourg | March 14, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| New Zealand | July 1, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Australia | July 1, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Poland | July 1, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Portugal | October 15, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Greece | October 15, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Cyprus | October 15, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Slovenia | October 15, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Norway | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Slovakia | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Finland | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Denmark | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Iceland | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Andorra | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Monaco | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Liechtenstein | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| South Korea | November 8, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Bulgaria | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Romania | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Croatia | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Montenegro | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| North Macedonia | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Malta | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Estonia | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Latvia | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
| Japan | November 30, 2024 | December 31, 2025 |
Most of these countries enjoy a 30-day unilateral visa-free stay for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit.
1.3. Visa-Free Transit Policies
China offers 24-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policies for travelers passing through China to a third country.
1.3.1. 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Eligible travelers from 54 countries can apply for a six-day entry permit upon arrival, provided they hold a passport from an eligible country and a connecting ticket to a third country.
Which countries are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
The 54 eligible countries are:
- Europe (Schengen Area): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- Other European Countries: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and Belarus.
- The Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile.
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.
- Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Travelers must enter through one of the 60 designated ports and are restricted to traveling within a specific area.
1.3.2. 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
All international travelers, except those with specific restrictions, can apply for a 24-hour visa-free entry permit upon arrival, provided they have a connecting ticket to a third country. During this 24-hour stay, travelers are not permitted to leave the city of arrival.
| Policy | 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit | 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable Countries | 54 countries | All countries |
| Entry-Exit Ports | 60 ports | All international airports |
| Scope of Permitted Travel | Travelers can cross provincial boundaries within the 24 eligible regions. | Within the city where the entry port is located after applying for a temporary entry permit on arrival. |
| Exemptions | People who are not permitted to enter the country as stipulated by laws and administrative regulations; people holding a passport valid for less than three months; people with records of illegal entry/exit, residence, or employment; people who have violated accommodation registration regulations. | Same as the 240-hour visa-free transit. |
| Requirements | Travelers must have a connecting ticket to a third country. | Travelers must have a connecting ticket to a third country. |
2. Regional Visa-Free Policies in China
Certain regions in China offer specific visa-free policies to attract tourists and boost local economies.
2.1. Pearl River Delta
Travelers in a tourist group organized by a travel agency registered in Hong Kong or Macao can visit nine cities in the Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and Huizhou) for up to six days without a visa. This policy also applies to tour groups visiting Shantou, provided their activities remain within the city’s administrative area.
2.2. Hainan Province
Citizens of 59 countries are eligible for 30 days of visa-free travel to Hainan for business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, sports competitions, and other needs, excluding long-term work or study.
Which countries are eligible for the 30-day visa-free travel to Hainan?
The 59 eligible countries are:
- Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, and Belarus.
Additionally, a 144-hour visa-free policy is available for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao entering Hainan.
| Key Points | Description |
|---|---|
| Implementation Date | From July 30, 2024 |
| Entry Conditions | Travel to Hainan from Hong Kong or Macao SAR in a tourist group organized by a registered travel agency. |
| Visa-Free Duration | Stay not exceeding 144 hours (calculated from 00:00 the day after entry). |
| Entry and Exit Ports | All open ports in Hainan Province. |
| Activity Scope | Administrative region of Hainan Province. |
| Special Requirements | Must enter and exit as a group. Those meeting other visa-free agreements can follow those regulations. |
2.3. Guilin
Tour groups from the 10 ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines) can enter and exit through Guilin airport and stay for up to six days without a visa.
2.4. Xishuangbanna
Groups from ASEAN nations can enter and exit through Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port, and Mohan Highway Port without a visa, staying up to six days.
3. Special Cards for Visa-Free Entry
Certain cards and permits can grant visa-free entry to China.
3.1. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)
Holders of a valid ABTC can enter China multiple times for business purposes, staying up to 60 days at a time. The ABTC is valid for five years and acts as a multi-entry visa.
Which economies are eligible for the APEC Business Travel Card?
The 21 APEC member economies are:
- Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.
Note that while Canada and the US offer ABTCs, they only provide fast-track immigration processing and do not offer reciprocal entry arrangements.
3.2. Permanent Residence Card
Holders of a Chinese permanent residence card can freely enter and exit China through all passenger ports for work, business, family visits, and travel.
3.3. Residence Permit
Foreigners with residence permits issued by Chinese public security organs for work or study can leave and enter China multiple times without applying for a visa each time, provided it is within the permit’s validity period.
4. Navigating China’s Visa Policies: Tips for Travelers
To ensure a smooth trip, consider these tips:
- Check Eligibility: Verify if your nationality qualifies for any of the visa-free policies.
- Purpose of Visit: Ensure your travel purpose aligns with the permitted activities under the visa-free policy.
- Duration of Stay: Be mindful of the maximum stay duration allowed under the specific policy.
- Entry and Exit Points: Use the designated entry and exit ports if availing of the transit policies.
- Supporting Documents: Carry necessary supportive documents like invitation letters, flight tickets, and hotel reservations.
5. TRAVELS.EDU.VN Can Help You Plan Your Trip to China
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- Up-to-Date Information: We provide the latest updates on China’s visa policies, ensuring you have accurate and reliable information.
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6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do foreign citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China need to notify Chinese embassies or consulates in advance?
No, pre-notification is not required.
Q2: Do Chinese immigration authorities check the purpose of visits before allowing foreign citizens to enter China? Are additional documents other than a passport required upon entry?
Yes, immigration authorities check the purpose of the visit. Supportive documents like invitation letters, flight tickets, and hotel reservations are encouraged. Individuals coming to China for work, study, or journalism purposes do not qualify for visa-free entry.
Q3: Are there special requirements for minors who are eligible for visa-free entry?
No special requirements; the same rules apply as for adults.
Q4: Are there certain requirements for the type and validity period for border-entry certificates?
Passports should be valid for the duration of your stay. Travel documents, temporary or emergency document holders do not qualify for the visa-free entry policy.
Q5: How do I interpret the 30-day or 15-day stay period?
The stay period includes consecutive natural days, until the 24th hour of the 15th or 30th natural day before leaving China.
Q6: Can foreign citizens applying for the visa-free entry policy depart from countries other than the one(s) of citizenship(s)?
Yes, departures can be from any country (region) outside of China.
Q7: Does the visa-free entry policy apply to travel methods other than aviation?
Yes, it applies to all open sea, land, and air travel to foreign citizens, unless otherwise specified by laws or agreements.
Q8: Are tour groups eligible for the visa-free entry policy?
Yes, both groups and individuals can apply for the visa-free entry policy.
Q9: If the stay in China exceeds 30 days or 15 days, can an extension be requested?
For stays longer than allowed, apply for a visa in advance. If unforeseen circumstances require a longer stay after entering China visa-free, apply for a temporary stay permit before the initial stay permit expires.
Q10: Are multiple entries allowed? Are there requirements for the duration of entry intervals? Are there limits on the number of visa-free entries or total days of stay limit?
Multiple entries are allowed with no current restrictions on the number of entries or total days of stay. Be mindful not to engage in activities inconsistent with your purpose of entry.
This guide ensures you have the latest information to plan your trip to China with ease. At travels.edu.vn, we are committed to providing you with seamless and unforgettable travel experiences. Safe travels!
