Chinese Visa Exemptions - 16 Visa Free Policies 2024/2025

● Nationality Requirements: Singapore and Thailand (Ordinaly Passport Holders)

● Visa-Free Stay Period: no longer than 30 days

● Entry Ports: any ports opened to foreigners

● Places can Visit: China's mainland.

Citizens holding ordinary passport of Singapore and Thailand are visa-exempted to China, when they enter via any port opened to foreigners, and stay in China's mainland for tourism, business or visiting friends/relatives for no more than 30 days. Thus, travelers can enjoy over 2-week long holiday to popular destinations in China, experience different types of glamour of Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, etc.

However, a Chinese Visa is required if overstaying or visiting China for other purposes, like for study, work, journalism or other activities.

● Nationality Requirements: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg

● Visa-Free Stay Period: no longer than 15 days

● Entry Ports: any ports opened to foreigners

● Places can Visit: China's mainland.

In order to further promote the exchange of personnel between China and foreign countries, serve high-quality development and high-level opening up, the Chinese government has decided to pilot the expansion of the scope of unilateral visa-free countries and implement a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Australia and New Zealand. Ordinary passport holders of the above-mentioned countries can enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit for no more than 15 days until December 31, 2025. Personnel of the above-mentioned countries who do not meet the visa-free conditions still need to apply for a visa to China before entering the country.

● Nationality Requirements: 54 foreign countries and regions (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy...)

● Visa-Free Stay Period: 72 hours (3 days)

● Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city

● Places can Visit: the transiting city or region

● Valid Cities (22): Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang (Chaoshan), Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Qingdao, Kunming, Xiamen, Harbin, Shenyang, Dalian, Changsha.

From January 1, 2013, China implemented the 72-Hour Visa-free Transit policy for citizens of certain 45 countries in Beijing and Shanghai. Later, more countries, cities and ports were added to beneift from it. With valid travel documents and connecting (air, ship, train) tickets to a third country (or region) departing within 72 hours, foreign nationals can enjoy TWOV (Transit Without Visa), enter and travel certain Chinese cities not exceeding 72 hour (3 days), including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Guangzhou, Chengdu, in total of 22 cities. Under such policy, transit passengers must enter and exit via appointed ports (most are airports) in the valid cities, stay in permitted administrative areas within 72 hour.

Each city has different range of movement, three types are included below:

◇ Transit in Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin, Kunming, Harbin, Xiamen, and Wuhan - stay in the city administrative region only;

◇ Transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Changsha, Qinhuangdao, Shijiazhuang, Jieyang (Chaoshan) - stay in whole province and specified regions;

◇ Transit in Xian - stay in Xian and Xian’yang.

Please visit our China 72-hour Visa-free Transit Guide to know more useful guide of requirements, application procedures, valid ports of entry, limited stay area and popular layover tours.

● Nationality Requirements: 54 foreign countries and regions (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand...)

● Visa-Free Stay Period:144 hours (6 days)

● Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city

● Places can Visit: the transiting city or region

● Valid Cities (20): Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xian, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming, Qingdao, Wuhan, Jieyang (Chaoshan), Dalian, Shenyang, Qinhuangdao, Ningbo, Shijiazhuang.

Until December, 2019, in China, there are altogether 20 cities cities in top popular tourist regions offering 144-Hour Visa-free Transit policy for qualified foreigners. Applicants must come from 54 certain countries, hold connecting tickets to a third country (or region) with confirmed seats and date within 144 hours. Most cities (like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu...) has extended the previous 72-Hour TWOV to 144 hours with more ports and longer duration of stay.

The updated “no-visa” rule gives aliens greater convenience and chance to make in-depth layover tour. Please read detailed requirements, application guide, airport layover and useful tips in 144-hour Visa-free Transit Policy in China to plan a wonderful visit to China.

>> Visiting Yangtze River Delta (Shanghai, Jiangsu & Zhejiang)

Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing in Yangtze River Delta were the first cities to conduct 144-Hour Visa-free Transit in China since January 30th, 2016. Ningbo in Zhejiang Province has been added from December 1, 2019. Foreigners who meet all requirements can transit and stay in Yangtze River Delta, namely, Shanghai, and any cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, without applying a Chinese Visa for up to 144 hours (6 days).

Travel Advice: visitors could spend more time appreciating the awesome highlights along the Yangtze River. It’s highly recommended to enjoy a in-depth Shanghai tour at a leisure pace, or make side trip to Hangzhou, Suzhou or other neighboring cities from Shanghai.

Ports of Entry & Exit (8): Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Ningbo Lishe International Airport.

Stay Area: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shaoxing, Jinhua, and any city in Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province.

Shanghai Jiangsu Zhejiang Administrative Region Map

>> Visiting Jing-Jin-Ji Region (Beijing, Tianjin & Hebei Province)

From December 28th, 2017, China approved Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area to use 144-Hour Visa-free Transit for better serving international layovers. Once meeting all conditions, visitors may enter and exit via one of the six opened ports, visit Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province for no more than 144 hours.

Travel Advice: A 6-day visa-free Beijing Layover Tour is available. You can make a good vacation with Great Wall Hiking , visit Forbidden City and other landmarks, join in featured activities, taste local Beijing food, experience culture and history of this prosperous economic area in northeastern China.

Ports of Entry & Exit (6): Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport, Qinhuangdao Port.

Stay Area: Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Zhangjiakou, Chengde and any city in Hebei Province.

Map of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region

>> Visiting Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, More Cities in Guangdong)

Guangdong followed Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu to take 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption from May 1, 2019. Transiting through international airports in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, foreigners who satisfy essential requirements may enjoy visa-free transit tour in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and all 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province, and exit from one of 32 ports in Guangdong.

Travel Advice: The policy perfectly links different kinds of tourist resources in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Grater Bay Area (粤港澳大湾区) via excellent transportation system. So, you can plan a 6-day stopover tour in Guangdong, discover distinctive cityscape in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Jiangmen, and so on. Then, travel further to Macau, experienceing Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, take Guangzhou-Hong Kong Through Train to get to Hong Kong directly.

Ports of Entry (3): Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Jieyang Chaoshan Airport.

Stay Area: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Shunde, Jiangmen, Shantou, Dongguan, and total 21 cities in Guangdong Province.

Guangdong Province Map
(click to enlarge)

>> Visiting Shenyang and Dalian (Liaoning Province)

Special Notes of 144-hour Visa Free Transit in China:

A. About Tickets: Before arrival, visitors should hold departing tickets with specified dates and seats to onward third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) within the 144 hours. For transit routes, your departure place to China and destination from China should be in different country or region. (Sample: Coutry A --> China's Mainland --> Country B)

B. About Ports: it’s not allowed to tranfer from one region to another outside during the layover.

C. About Duration of Stay: the visa-free hour counts from 00:00 on the day after arrival, not the time of landing.

● Visa-Free Stay Period: 24 hours/1 day (within or outside the airport)

● Entry Port: specific port in the transiting city

● Places can Visit: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou... Most Chinese Cities

According to relevant laws and regulations, the transit visa could be exempted if a foreigner directly through China by international flight, train or ship heading for a third country (or region), and stay in China less than 24 hours. No immigration formalities are needed if he/she stay inside the entry port only. For leaving airport, or the port of entry, please apply for a "Temporary Entry Permit" without any charges from the immigration zone.

The 24-Hour Visa-free Transit applies to aliens from any countries, and most Chinese cities. If the connecting time is not urgent, visitors can take advantage of the 24- Hour TWOV to have a quick one day city tour, or visit attractions near the airport.

● Nationality Requirements: 59 foreign countries or regions (including US, UK, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia...)

● Visa-Free Stay Period: up to 30 days

● Entry Ports: Sanya Fenghuang Airport, Haikou Meilan Airport, All Ports in Hainan

● Destinations can Visit: Sanya, Haikou, all Cities in Hainan.

From May 1st, 2018, Hainan Province started to offer visa-free entry to citizens from 59 designated countries for up to 30 days. Travelers must hold valid passport, be recerived by Hainan-based travel agency, enter through one of the ports in Hainan and stay within administrative region of Hainan Province, including Sanya, Haikou, etc. (Hainan will support indepent travel by individual registration and allows more purpose of visiting soon.)

Attention that, before arrival, applicants should register with a Hainan travel agency, submitting personal and current travel informations. Then, you are free to plan a Hainan Island tour to enjoy the sunshine, beach, palm tree, sea food and passion of the beatiful island in southernmost China. More about Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Policy!

59 countries eligianle for Hainan visa-free entry includes:
America Countries (6): the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and the Republic of Chile;
European Countries (40): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, and the Republic of Belarus;
Oceania Countries (2): Australia and New Zealand;
Asian Countries (11): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

● Visa-Free Stay Period: 144 hours (6 days)

● Entry Ports: ports in the Guangzhou, Shenzhen, any port in the 10 appointed city

● Places can Visit (10): Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, Shantou.

Foreigners from any country that has established diplomatic relations with China and has already stayed in Hong Kong or Macau can enjoy the visa-free travel to the Pearl River Delta for 6 days. Based on the 144-hour visa waiver rule, visitor can travel directly from Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, Huizhou and Shantou (total 10 cities) in Guangdong Province, fully discover culture, history, architecture and food of Lingnan in Pearl River Delta. 144-Hour Visa-Free Visit to Pearl River Delta >>

Foreigners must meet all the following conditions for application:

● Holding a valid passport.

● Already staying in Hong Kong or Macau, and going to visit the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong and Macau.

● Joining a group tour of a travel agency which is registered in Hong Kong and Macau.

Note: Except the above visa-free group tour, Guangdong also provide 144-Hour Visa-free Transit for transiting travelers.

● Nationality Requirements: 10 ASEAN Countries
Singapore, Maylaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao, Myanmar, Vietnam.

● Visa-Free Stay Period:144 hours (6 days)

● Entry Port:

● Places can Visit: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

The 6-day visa-free entry to Guilin for ASEAN tour groups was officially carried out from May, 2015. Nationals from the 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) can join in a travel group (at least 2 tourists) from home country, and visit Guilin for 6 days without obtaining a Chinese Visa. And Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the only port for entry and exit. 72-Hour Visa-free Transit in Guilin >>

Travel Advice: During the 6 days tour, Guilin downtown sightseeing, Li River Cruising, Longsheng Rice Terrace and Yangshuo Biking are the must-do features in Guilin.

● Visa-Free Stay Period: 15 days

● Entry Ports: Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

● Places can Visit: the transiting city or region

● Valid Cities (3) & Provinces (9): Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing & Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangdi and Hainan.

To offer more convenience and better opportunity of travelling in China for international cruise tourists, Shanghai began to operate a 15-Day Visa-Free Entry for foreign cruise ship visitors since October 1st, 2016. On May 15, 2024, the National Immigration Administration added other 12 cities which are eligable for this visa free policy. They are Tianjin, Dalian (Liaoning Province), Lianyungang (Jiangsu Province), Wenzhou and Zhoushan (Zhejiang Province), Xiamen (Fujian Province), Qingdao (Shandong Province), Guangzhou and Shenzhen (Guangdong Province), Beihai (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Haikou and Sanya (Hainan Province). The overseas cruise tour groups shall be received and organized by travel agencies legally registered in China, enter from appointed cruise terminals in above cities, and move around within costal regions of China. They can have multi-stopover in costal cities (provinces) and the maximum total duration of stay is no more than 15 days. 15-Day Visa-Free Cruise Tour Groups to Shanghai >>

● Nationality Requirements: 170 foreign countries or regions (UK, USA, Canada, Australia...)

● Visa-Free Stay Period: 7 days - 180 days

● Entry Ports: Hong Kong International Airport, Cruise & Land Ports

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong SAR) in Southeastern China has a separate visa policy different from that of China's Mainland. Untile now, Hong Kong SAR Visa/ Entry Permit is exempted for ordinary passport holders from about 170 foreign countries/territories. The accurate length of stay varies from nationality, ranging from 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 90 days to 180 days. More about Hong Kong Visa >>

* U.S.A Citizens. Australian, Canadian, New Zealand Citizen, French, Japanese - 90 Days / British Citizens - 180 Days

● Nationality Requirements: 79 foreign countries or regions (US, UK, Canada, Malaysia...)

● Visa-Free Stay Period: 14 days - 1 year

● Entry Ports: Macau Airport, Cruise or Land Ports

Like Hong Kong, Macau SAR also operate visa waiver grogram for nationals of 79 countries when they visit Macau for tourism or business matters. Foreigners coming form European Union and Schengen Agreement, are allowed to stay in Macau visa fee for up to 90 days, while visa-exempted stay in 14 days for Brunei citizens and 30 days for regular visitors. More about Macau Visa >>

*UK Citizen - 6 Months / New Zealand Citizen - 3 Months / Ameican, Canada, Austria, France, German, Italy Citizen - 30 days