China is opening up to international travellers with a growing visa waiver program. Over the past year, Beijing has added more countries to the list. This change makes it easier for travellers to enter without long paperwork or consulate visits.
Let’s break down the latest updates, who qualifies, and how you can use this program to travel visa-free.
What Is China’s Visa Waiver Program?
The visa waiver program lets citizens of specific countries with regular passports enter Mainland China without needing to apply for a visa ahead of time. Stays are limited to 30 days and allowed for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit.
Earlier, visa-free entry was limited to only 15 days. The new rules allow travellers to stay for up to a month, providing much more flexibility. Visitors can now also participate in cultural exchange activities, which were not permitted under the previous rules.
Latest Updates on Visa-Free Entry
The most recent addition to China’s visa-free entry program is Russia, which will join the list starting September 15, 2025. Earlier, Azerbaijan was also added on July 16, 2025.
China has been rolling out changes in phases, often with one-year trial periods:
| Country | Visa-Free Entry Period |
| Russia | From September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, Russian nationals can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. |
| Gulf Countries | Starting June 9, 2025, until June 8, 2026, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are eligible. |
| South America | From June 1, 2025, until May 31, 2026, nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can travel visa-free. |
| Eastern Europe and Japan | From November 30, 2024, through December 31, 2025, citizens of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania were added. |
Each expansion signals China’s push to make travel smoother and easier for business and tourism, while also strengthening international ties.
Full List of Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to China
As of now, 75 countries are included in the program. Travellers holding ordinary passports from the following nations can enter Mainland China visa-free 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
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia (Effective from Sep. 15, 2025)
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
Asia
- Brunei
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- United Arab Emirates
- Uzbekistan
- Azerbaijan (Effective from July 16, 2025)
Middle East
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
Latin America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Uruguay
Oceania
- Australia
- Fiji
- New Zealand
Africa
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Tunisia
Caribbean and North America
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Others
Georgia
San Marino
Note: The list continues to expand as China strengthens ties with different regions. Russia officially joins in September 2025, and more countries may be added in future updates.
How to Travel to China Visa-Free
If your country is on the list, the process is straightforward:
- Check passport validity: Your ordinary passport should be valid for at least six months.
- Confirm your purpose of visit: Business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit are allowed.
- Plan your stay: You can remain in China for up to 30 consecutive days. Overstaying may lead to fines or future visa issues.
- Keep documentation handy: Immigration officers may ask for return tickets, hotel bookings, or proof of financial means.
- Cultural exchange activities: New rules permit participation, so students, artists, and researchers now have more options without applying for a separate visa.
This visa-free policy makes it easier to plan trips and encourages more flexibility for international visitors who want to experience Mainland China.
Why This Matters for Travellers
For frequent travellers, the program saves time and money. There is no need for consular visits, paperwork, or visa fees. It also allows for more spontaneous trips, whether for a quick business meeting in Shanghai or a month-long cultural journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu.
What this really means is simple: China is opening its doors wider. More travellers than ever can now walk through them without the red tape.
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