Planning a trip to China has never been easier. In a massive push to boost tourism and international exchange, China has significantly expanded its unilateral visa-free policy. As of June 2026, citizens from 50 countries can now enter mainland China without the traditional paperwork, high fees, or embassy visits.
Whether you are traveling for a 30-day vacation, a quick business meeting, or visiting family, here is the complete list of China Visa-Free Countries 2026, updated list of eligible countries and everything you need to know about the entry requirements.
1. Complete List of China Visa-Free Countries 2026 (by Continent)
As of the June 2026 update, holders of ordinary passports from the following 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
(1) Europe (35 Countries)
Europe enjoys the widest coverage under this policy. Travelers from these nations can explore China easily:
- Western & Central Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Monaco.
- Northern Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland.
- Southern Europe: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Andorra, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia.
- Eastern Europe & Balkans: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Russia.
(2) Asia (7 Countries)
- Japan
- South Korea
- Brunei
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Bahrain
(3) Oceania (2 Countries)
- Australia
- New Zealand
(4) South America (5 Countries)
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Uruguay
(5) North America (1 Country)
- Canada
2. Important Policy Deadlines
Not all visa-free periods are permanent. Make sure your travel falls within these dates:
- Russia: Policy valid until December 31, 2027.
- Brunei: Currently no set expiration date.
- All other 48 countries: Policy currently valid until December 31, 2026.
3. Key Rules of the 30-Day Visa Waiver
While you don’t need a visa, you must follow these specific regulations:
- Purpose of Travel: You must be traveling for Tourism, Business, Visiting Relatives/Friends, Exchange Visits, or Transit.
- Note: If you are coming to China for Work, Study, or News Reporting, you STILL need to apply for a traditional visa.
- Stay Duration: You can stay for a maximum of 30 calendar days. The count begins the day after your arrival.
- Entry Points: You can enter via any open air, sea, or land port. You do not need to arrive from your home country; you can fly into China from anywhere (e.g., a German citizen flying from Thailand to China).
- Passport Type: You must hold a valid Ordinary Passport. Emergency travel documents, temporary passports, or diplomatic passports follow different rules.
4. FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
All China Trip Survival Guides
(1) Do I need to apply for anything in advance?
No. Eligible travelers do not need to notify the Chinese Embassy or apply for any “travel authorization” (like an ETA) before flying. You simply show up at the border with your passport.
(2) What documents should I bring?
While only your passport is legally required for the waiver, the Border Inspection authorities recommend having the following ready to prove your “purpose of travel”:
- An invitation letter (for business or family visits).
- Flight booking confirmations (return or onward ticket).
- Hotel booking confirmations.
(3) Can I enter multiple times?
Yes. Currently, there is no restriction on the number of times you can use the visa-free entry, nor is there a mandatory “interval” between stays. However, ensure you are not using this to live in China illegally.
(4) Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
If you enter visa-free and find you need to stay longer for a legitimate reason, you must apply for a stay permit at a local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Entry-Exit Administration before your 30 days expire.