China 30 Days Visa-free Entry Policy for France, Germany, Italy, Spain...
The Chinese government has launched a 30 Days Visa-free Policy for ordinary passport holders of Australia, France, Germany, Italy and other 34 countries. 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 30 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.
Eligible Countries List:
European nations - Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. In Oceania, Australia and New Zealand are listed, while in Asia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan are included.
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1. How will Chinese border inspection authorities verify the purpose of entry? Do I need to bring other materials besides my passport when entering the country?
Foreigners whose purpose of entry complies with the visa-free policy regulations, such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transit, will be allowed to enter the country after being checked and approved by the Chinese border inspection authorities in accordance with the law; for foreigners whose purpose of entry does not comply with the visa-free policy regulations or who have other legal reasons for not being allowed to enter the country, the border inspection authorities will make a decision not to allow entry in accordance with the law. It is recommended to bring supporting materials that are consistent with the purpose of entry, such as invitation letters, air tickets and hotel orders. Personnel who come to China for work, study, and interviews are not within the scope of visa-free entry.
2. How is the 30-day stay period calculated?
Foreigners who meet the visa-free entry requirements to China can stay continuously from the day of entry to 24:00 on the 30th natural day.
3. Can I depart from a non-nationality country?
Foreigners who meet the visa-free entry requirements to China can depart from any country (region) outside China.
4. Does it apply to other modes of entry other than air?
The unilateral visa-free entry is applicable to all sea, land and airports open to foreigners (except as otherwise provided by laws and regulations or bilateral arrangements). If you come to China by your own means of transport, you should also follow the relevant Chinese laws and regulations to handle the procedures for entry and exit of your own means of transport.
5. If my stay in China exceeds 30 days, can I apply for an extension?
If a foreigner intends to stay in China for more than 30 days, he/she should apply for a visa in accordance with the purpose of entry at the Chinese embassy or consulate abroad in advance. If a foreigner enters China under the visa-free policy and needs to continue to stay in China for legitimate reasons after entry, he/she should apply to the exit-entry administration agency of the public security organ for a stay permit.
6. Can I enter multiple times? Are there any requirements for the interval between entries? Are there any restrictions on the number of visa-free entries and the total number of days of stay?
If a foreigner meets the visa-free entry requirements to China, he/she can apply for the visa-free policy multiple times to enter China. At present, there is no restriction on the number of visa-free entries and the total number of days of stay, but it should be noted that activities that are not consistent with the purpose of entry are not allowed.
Other China Visa Free Policies
30 Days Visa Free - Countries Mutual Exemption of Visa with China
Citizens of below countries holding a valid ordinary passport are exempt from visa requirements for entry, exit, or transit in the territory of the other contracting party, with a single stay not exceeding 30 days and a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.
Eligible countries include Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Qatar, Armenia, Georgia, Brunei; European countries: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, San Marino; African countries: Mauritius, Seychelles; Oceania countries: Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa; North American countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Bahamas; South American country: Suriname.
China 240-Hour Visa Free Transit
Citizens of 54 countries who hold an ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity and an onward flight, train, or cruise ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours can transit in designated areas of 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China’s Mainland for up to 240 hours without a visa.
With the new policy, you are allowed to travel across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within the permitted stay areass. For example, you could fly into Beijing and then visit cities like Xi’an, Shanghai, or Chengdu, as long as your total stay does not exceed the 240-hour limit. Read more »
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Questions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
I only have 2 hours changing time in China proceeding to Japan with my wife holding a Japanese passport.
Transit within 24-hour and without leaving airport is visa free in Shanghai Pudong.
Currently Hainan is not visa free for South African.
My passport has 'Place of birth: Hong Kong' (context: my visa application for China was previously rejected because of this, prior to the introduction of the 30 days visa free entry policy). Unfortunately I'm unable to get a HPR due to time constraints.
Will I encounter any complications/questioning or be denied entry into Shenzhen or Guangzhou during border checks if I used my passport for visa free entry?
The 30 days visa free policy is for ordinary passport holders of Australia. Theoretically your passport is eligible, however the visa officer of the entry ports make the final decision based on many considerations. You can consult the immigration office of Shenzhen via 86 0755 12367 for more information.
By the way, Shenzhen also have two other visa-friendly options: 240-hour visa free transit and 5 days visa on arrival.
I am arriving to Hainan with a Hainan Airlines flight from Vienna to Sanya (transfer in Chengdu)
My flight fligh from Chengdu is domestic flight (I`m in transit in Chengdu) and from what I know it lands at Sanya Airport Terminal 1 (domestic flights)
I wanted to make sure that after landing at domestic terminal still I will be able to report to immigration officers and obtain visa-free procedure to be able to enter Hainan.
The local travel agency from Hainan sent me information that this is not possible - because the flight from Chengdu to Sanya is a local flight and arrives at the local terminal and there are no immigration officers there.
It seems strange to me - but I wanted to make sure and I am asking for help and information
I am very worried about the situation and would be grateful for help and quick explanation
China's Mainland including Hainan is currently 30 days visa free to Polish passport holders. So no need to worry about.
You still need a Chinese visa to visit China's Mainland, or you can use the 240 hour visa free transit policy. Read details here https://www.chinadiscovery.com/chinese-visa/240-hour-visa-free-transit.html
Thank you
If you have a Malaysia passport, your route is eligible for 30 days visa free policy. Actually, the 30-day visa free policy allows you to enter or exit China from any opened ports.
Thank you for your question. Yes, you can take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free policy for your trip. Additionally, you might consider adding nearby destinations like Suzhou or Hangzhou to your Shanghai itinerary—they are both beautiful places worth visiting.
Wishing you a wonderful trip!
China Discovery
Manchester to Hong Kong to Beijing to Hong Kong is not qualified for 144 hour visa free transit. You can fly to Macau or other country or region after Beijing.
