China Extends Visa-Free Travel Until 2026
Exciting News for Travellers: China Extends Its Visa-Free Policy
The Chinese government has announced that it will extend its visa-free policy until 31 December 2026, allowing citizens from 45 countries to enter China for up to 30 days without applying for a visa.
This means travellers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain can continue to enjoy easy travel to China — perfect for short holidays, business trips, or family visits.
The goal of this policy is simple: to make visiting China easier and to encourage more people to experience its incredible culture, food, and natural beauty.
Who Can Enter China Visa-Free?
If your passport is from one of the approved countries (check most up to date list here):
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Uruguay.
You can take advantage of the China visa free 30-day stay. This includes travel for:
Tourism
Business or conferences
Visiting family and friends
Short-term transit through China
There’s no need to apply for a visa ahead of time — just make sure your passport is valid and you meet the standard entry requirements on arrival.
UK or USA?
Unfortunately, UK and US passport holders are not included in the 30-day visa-free list.
But don’t worry — there are still good options for you!
You can apply for a standard tourist visa (usually valid for 30, 60, or 90 days).
Or, if you’re passing through China on your way to another country, you may be able to use the 240-hour transit visa-free policy.
The transit policy allows you to stay up to 10 days (240 hours) in certain Chinese cities, without a visa, as long as you’re travelling onward to a third country (for example, London → Shanghai → Tokyo).
Check out our 10 Day Transit Visa Itinerary here
Why This Is Great News for Travellers
This policy makes planning a trip to China easier than ever. Here’s why:
✈️ No paperwork stress – skip the visa application process.
💰 Save money – no visa fees or service charges.
🕒 Perfect for short getaways – explore major cities or join a guided tour without extra admin.
📸 Ideal for multi-country travellers – combine China with nearby destinations like Japan, Vietnam, or Thailand.
Whether you’re dreaming of walking the Great Wall, seeing the Terracotta Warriors, or meeting pandas in Chengdu, you can do it all with less hassle.
Important Things to Know
Before you pack your bags, keep these details in mind:
The visa-free stay is for up to 30 days only.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
Make sure your return or onward travel is clearly documented.
The current policy runs until 31 December 2026, but always check for updates before travelling.
Thinking About Visiting China?
Now is the perfect time to plan your trip! With the China visa free policy extended, it’s easier than ever for travellers from 45 countries to discover this incredible destination.
If you’re from the UK or USA, don’t worry — we can still help you plan your China adventure using either a tourist visa or transit-free entry.
At Eventurus, our team specialises in custom China itineraries — from city breaks to full adventure tours — and we handle all the tricky parts so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
✈️ Ready to start planning your China trip?
👉 Contact Eventurus today and let us help you plan the perfect itinerary — with or without a visa!
