China is back on the travel radar in a big way. In a move that’s already reshaping global travel patterns, the country has thrown open its doors to tourists from 74 countries, no visa required for up to 30 days. The goal? Boost inbound tourism, rebuild post-pandemic momentum, and strengthen economic ties.
Let’s break it down: who qualifies, what the rules are, and what it means if your country isn’t on the list.
74 Countries Can Now Enter China Visa-Free for 30 Days
In a sharp shift from past policies, China now offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days to passport holders from 74 countries. This has led to a surge in tourism, with over 20 million foreign travellers entering visa-free in 2024, more than double the year before.
The policy started small but grew quickly. It began in late 2023 with just six countries, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, and expanded rapidly across Europe, Latin America, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Full List of 74 Countries Eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Entry
Here’s the current list of countries whose citizens can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days:
Europe (Most of the continent is included):
- Albania
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
- Hungary
Asia:
- Brunei
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Azerbaijan (Effective from July 16, 2025)
Middle East:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Latin America:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Peru
Oceania:
- New Zealand
- Fiji
Africa:
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- Tunisia
Caribbean and North America:
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Jamaica
Others:
- Georgia
- San Marino
Note: The list is expected to expand further, with Azerbaijan officially joining on July 16, 2025.
Requirements for Visa-Free Entry to China
To qualify for the 30-day visa exemption, travellers must:
- Be a citizen of one of the 74 listed countries
- Hold a valid ordinary passport
- Enter for tourism, business, family visits, or transit
- Not to exceed a continuous stay of 30 days per visit
- Do not engage in paid employment or long-term study
No pre-registration or prior approval is needed; just land in China, show your passport, and you’re in.
Is the 30-Day Stay Extendable?
Here’s the catch: No, the 30-day visa-free stay is not extendable.
If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to exit and re-enter China, or apply in advance for a visa suited to your purpose (like a tourist, student, or work visa). Overstaying is taken seriously and could lead to fines, deportation, or bans
What If Your Country Isn’t on the Visa-Free List?
If you’re from a country not included in the 30-day program, there’s still some good news.
✈️ 10-Day Transit Visa-Free Option
China offers a 10-day visa-free transit policy for citizens of 10 excluded countries if they’re connecting to a third country. To be eligible, you must:
- Be transiting through one of 60 designated ports
- Show proof of onward travel to a third country
- Stay no more than 10 days
This option applies to travellers from:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Mexico
- Indonesia
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Czech Republic
- Lithuania
- Sweden
This route is particularly useful for short visits or quick business meetings, though it’s more restrictive than the 30-day visa-free policy.
What’s Driving the Change?
China’s goal is clear: attract more foreign tourists and reconnect with the world. So far, it’s working. Tour operators report spiking demand, especially from Europe, and airlines are ramping up direct routes into major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Still, domestic tourists far outnumber foreigners at most attractions. But with this policy shift, that balance may start to change, especially during peak summer travel
Final Thoughts
This visa-free expansion is one of the biggest shifts in China’s travel policy in decades. For travellers from the 74 eligible countries, the door is wide open. Whether you’re in it for the food, history, business, or just curiosity, now’s a great time to go.
Just check your passport, book a flight, and enjoy up to 30 days in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations, no visa paperwork required.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!