China Opens Visa-Free Travel to Citizens of 75 Countries for 30 Days

Key Takeaways

• China allows visa-free stays up to 30 days for citizens of 75 countries starting July 2025.
• Visa-free transit of up to 240 hours applies to travelers from 55 countries at 60 ports.
• Overstaying visa-free period can cause fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

Visa-Free Travel to China for Citizens of 75 Countries: An In-Depth Guide

China’s decision to expand visa-free travel to citizens of 75 countries marks a major change in its approach to international visitors. This policy, effective as of July 2025, allows travelers from these countries to enter China and stay for up to 30 days without needing a visa. The move is designed to boost tourism, support business, and improve China’s image as a welcoming destination after years of strict COVID-19 controls.

This guide explains what visa-free travel to China means, who is eligible, how the process works, and what travelers need to know to make the most of this opportunity. It also looks at the broader impact of this policy, compares it to previous rules, and offers practical advice for visitors.

What Is Visa-Free Travel to China?

Visa-free travel means that citizens of certain countries can enter China without applying for a visa in advance. They do not need to visit a Chinese embassy, fill out long forms, or pay visa fees. Instead, they can simply arrive at a Chinese airport, port, or land border and show their passport to enter the country for a short stay.

As of July 2025, China’s visa-free policy covers 75 countries. Travelers from these countries can stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, family visits, business, exchange visits, or transit. This is a big change from the past, when only a few countries had visa-free access to China.

Key Features of the New Policy

• Number of eligible countries: 75 (74 as of July 8, 2025; Azerbaijan will be added on July 16, 2025)
• Length of stay: Up to 30 days per visit
• Passport type: Only ordinary (regular) passports are eligible
• Allowed purposes: Tourism, family visits, business, exchange visits, and transit
• Trial period: The policy is on a one-year trial, running through at least the end of 2025
• Geographic coverage: Includes countries from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East; no major African countries are included yet

Who Is Eligible for Visa-Free Travel to China?

To qualify for visa-free travel to China, you must:

• Hold a valid ordinary passport from one of the 75 eligible countries
• Be traveling for tourism, family visits, business, exchange, or transit
• Plan to stay in China for no more than 30 days per visit

It’s important to note that this policy does not apply to holders of diplomatic, service, or special passports. Also, some countries are not included due to diplomatic reasons. For example, Sweden is not on the list because of ongoing tensions between the two countries.

List of Eligible Countries

While the full list is available on the official website of the National Immigration Administration of China, it includes most European Union countries, several Latin American nations, many Asian countries, and some from the Middle East. Azerbaijan will join the list on July 16, 2025.

For the most current and official list, travelers should check the National Immigration Administration of China before making travel plans.

How Does the Visa-Free Process Work?

The process for visa-free entry to China is simple:

1. Check eligibility: Make sure your country is on the list and your passport is valid for at least six months.
2. Book your trip: You can book flights, hotels, and tours as you would for any other international trip.
3. Prepare documents: Bring your passport and any documents showing your travel plans (such as hotel bookings or return tickets).
4. Arrive in China: At the border, present your passport to the immigration officer. You may be asked about your travel plans and how long you plan to stay.
5. Entry stamp: If approved, you’ll receive an entry stamp allowing you to stay for up to 30 days.

There is no need to fill out a visa application form or pay a visa fee. However, you must still follow all Chinese laws and entry requirements.

Important Reminders

• Do not overstay: Staying beyond 30 days can lead to fines, deportation, or being banned from entering China in the future.
• Purpose of visit: Visa-free entry is only for tourism, family visits, business, exchange, or transit. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, you need to apply for the correct visa in advance.
• Return or onward ticket: While not always required, having proof of your return or onward travel can help at the border.

Visa-Free Transit Policy: What’s New?

In addition to the 30-day visa-free entry, China has also improved its visa-free transit policy. This allows travelers from 55 countries to stay in China for up to 240 hours (10 days) if they are passing through on their way to another country.

Key points about the visa-free transit policy:

• Duration: Up to 240 hours (10 days)
• Eligible countries: 55
• Ports of entry: 60 ports across 24 provinces
• Purpose: For travelers transiting through China to a third country
• Recent updates: Indonesia was added to the list on June 12, 2025

This policy is especially useful for travelers with long layovers in China, as it allows them to leave the airport and explore cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Chengdu without a visa.

Comparing the New Policy to Previous Rules

Before the pandemic, China’s visa-free policy was much more limited. Only a handful of countries, such as Singapore and Japan, had visa-free access. Most travelers had to apply for a visa, which could take days or weeks and required paperwork and fees.

The new policy is a major change. It opens China to millions more visitors, making it easier for people to visit for short trips, business meetings, or family reunions. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this expansion is part of China’s plan to rebuild its tourism industry and show the world that it is open for business.

Why Did China Expand Visa-Free Travel?

Several reasons explain why China has chosen to expand visa-free travel:

• Boosting tourism: After COVID-19, China wants to attract more tourists to cities like Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shenzhen.
• Supporting business: Easier entry helps business travelers attend meetings, trade shows, and events.
• Improving international image: By making travel easier, China hopes to show it is friendly and open to the world.
• Economic recovery: More visitors mean more spending in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist sites.

In 2024, over 20 million foreign travelers entered China visa-free, more than double the number from the previous year. This accounted for nearly one-third of all international arrivals, showing the strong impact of the new policy.

Practical Implications for Travelers

For travelers from the 75 eligible countries, the new visa-free policy brings several benefits:

• No need for advance visa applications: Save time and money by skipping embassy visits and paperwork.
• Flexible travel: Plan last-minute trips or make changes without worrying about visa delays.
• Short stays for multiple purposes: Visit family, attend business meetings, or explore China’s culture and history with ease.
• Transit options: Use China as a stopover on the way to other destinations, with up to 10 days to explore during layovers.

However, travelers must also be aware of the rules:

• Strict enforcement: Overstaying the 30-day limit can result in fines, deportation, or being banned from future entry.
• Limited to certain purposes: Working or studying in China still requires the proper visa.
• Trial period: The policy is only guaranteed through the end of 2025. It may change or end after the trial period.

Real-World Examples

Tourism companies have already seen the effects of the new policy. For example, WildChina, a travel company, reported a 50% increase in business compared to pre-pandemic levels. European travelers now make up 20% of their clients, up from less than 5% in 2019. This shows that the visa-free policy is making China more attractive to visitors from around the world.

Business travelers also benefit. With easier entry, companies can send staff to China for meetings, trade shows, or factory visits without long waits for visas. This helps strengthen business ties and supports economic growth.

What Happens If You Overstay?

China takes visa rules seriously. If you stay longer than the allowed 30 days, you could face:

• Fines: You may have to pay a penalty for each day you overstay.
• Deportation: Authorities can order you to leave the country at your own expense.
• Blacklisting: You may be banned from entering China in the future.

To avoid problems, always keep track of your entry date and plan your departure before your visa-free period ends.

How to Check for Updates

Because the visa-free policy is on a trial basis, it’s important to check for updates before you travel. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China is the main authority for immigration policies. Official updates are posted on their website and on Chinese embassy websites in each country.

For the latest information, visit the National Immigration Administration of China.

What About Other Types of Visas?

If you want to work, study, or stay in China for more than 30 days, you still need to apply for the correct visa. The most common types are:

• Z Visa: For work
• X Visa: For study
• S Visa: For family visits longer than 30 days

Each visa type has its own requirements and application process. You can find official forms and instructions on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website.

Future Outlook: Will the Policy Continue?

The visa-free policy is currently a one-year trial. The Chinese government will review its impact on tourism, business, and international relations before deciding whether to extend or expand it. Success may lead to more countries being added or the policy becoming permanent. However, changes in diplomatic relations or security concerns could also affect the policy.

For now, travelers should take advantage of the opportunity while it lasts and always check for the latest updates before planning a trip.

Summary Table: Visa-Free Travel to China (2025)

Actionable Takeaways for Travelers

• Check your eligibility: Make sure your country is on the list of 75 eligible for visa-free travel to China.
• Plan your trip: Book flights and hotels, and prepare your documents.
• Follow the rules: Do not overstay your 30-day limit and stick to the allowed purposes of your visit.
• Stay informed: Visit the National Immigration Administration of China for the latest updates.
• Consider your needs: If you plan to work, study, or stay longer, apply for the correct visa in advance.

China’s expanded visa-free travel policy is a major step toward making the country more open and accessible. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or visiting family, this new rule makes it easier than ever to experience China’s rich culture, history, and modern cities. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this policy is already having a big impact on tourism and business, and it may shape the future of travel to China for years to come.

Learn Today

Visa-free travel → Entering a country without needing a visa or prior approval for a short stay.
Ordinary passport → A regular passport issued for general citizens, excluding diplomatic or special passports.
Transit → Passing through a country temporarily while traveling to another destination.
Overstay → Remaining in a country beyond the authorized period allowed by visa or visa-free entry.
National Immigration Administration → China’s government agency responsible for immigration policies and border control.

This Article in a Nutshell

China expands visa-free travel for 75 countries from July 2025, allowing 30-day stays. This boosts tourism, business, and international ties. Travelers benefit from simpler entry without visa fees or applications. The policy includes transit privileges, aiding global visitors while enhancing China’s economic and cultural openness post-pandemic.
— By VisaVerge.com