Q: Who does the unilateral visa waiver apply to?

A: Nationals of 43 countries who hold valid ordinary passports, can be exempted from visa requirements if entering into China for the purpose(s) of business, tourism, family reunion, visits to friends, exchange and/or transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without visas.

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Uruguay (The unilateral visa waiver policies for Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will take effect on June 1, 2025).

Q: Does a foreign national eligible for a visa waiver need to make declarations to a Chinese embassy or consulate in advance?
A: A foreign national eligible for a visa waiver does not need to declare in advance to a Chinese embassy or consulate before entering China without a visa.

Q: Will the purpose of the intended stay in China be examined by a Chinese border inspection authority when entering China? How will it be done? Are other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport?
A: Foreign nationals traveling for purposes of business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit that meet the visa waiver requirements can be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval in accordance with law by border inspection authorities. Entry into China shall be denied by border inspection authorities in accordance with laws to foreign nationals who travel for purposes that do not meet the visa waiver requirements or who are not allowed to enter China in accordance with laws and regulations. It is recommended to take documents such as an invitation letter, air tickets and reservation records of accommodation as proof corresponding to your purpose of entry into China. Visa waiver does not apply to those who come to China for work, study, journalistic or any other purpose alike.

Q: Is there any additional requirement for a minor eligible for a visa waiver?
A: Visa waiver requirements for minors are the same as for adults.

Q: Is there any requirement on the type and validity of entry documents?
A: For a foreign national, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of the intended stay period in China is needed. Holders of travel documents or temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not allowed to enter China without visas.

Q: How to calculate the duration of stay of 30 days?
A: The duration of visa-free stay is calculated from the next day of entry and lasts continuously for 30 calendar days.

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel from a third country?
A: Eligible foreign nationals can depart for China from any country or region.

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel by forms of transport other than aviation?

A: The visa waiver applies to all travelers coming to China through any seaport, road port or airport open to foreign nationals (except where laws, regulations or bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). For arrivals in China by private transport, certain procedures for entry and exit of means of transport shall be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.

Q: Does the visa waiver apply to tour groups?
A: The visa waiver applies to eligible foreign nationals either in tour groups or as individuals.

Q: If the length of the intended stay exceeds 30 days, can the visa waiver be extended?

A: Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 30 days shall apply for visas corresponding to their purposes of stay in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates. If they have to stay longer than 30 days for appropriate and sufficient reasons after entering China without a visa, they shall apply for stay permits to the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities of China.

Q: Does the visa waiver allow multiple entries? Is there any requirement on the length of intervals between each entry, or any restriction on the number of entries without a visa or total days of stay?A: Foreign nationals eligible for the visa waiver can enter China without visas for multiple times. Currently, there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but those who enjoy visa-free travel to China shall not engage in activities inconsistent with their purposes of entry.