(CHINA) — China has extended its unilateral visa-free entry policy for a large list of countries—heavy on Europe—through December 31, 2026, giving many travelers a simple 30-day way to get into the mainland without a pre-trip visa.
For digital nomads, the key differentiator is duration and paperwork. China’s visa-free entry is fast and flexible for short stays, while Europe’s digital nomad visas are built for longer bases with clearer residency rules. If your goal is a “China month” between Schengen stints, the new policy can be a clean fit. If you want a year in Europe with predictable admin, Europe’s dedicated programs still win.
🌍 Visa Highlight: China’s unilateral visa-free scheme increased the stay from an earlier 15-day trial to 30 days, and it now runs through Dec. 31, 2026.
1) Overview: China expands and extends visa-free travel for Europe and beyond
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has framed the expansion as part of “high-standard opening up,” with tourism and business exchange as the headline goals. For travelers, the practical change is simple: more nationalities + a longer stay allowance than earlier pilots.
This matters for nomads who plan visa-free travel in chunks. A 30-day China stop can fit neatly between time in most of Europe, especially if you’re watching the Schengen 90/180 rule (see our guide to the Schengen clock).
What it does not mean:
- It is not a right to work for a Chinese employer.
- It is not long-term residence.
- It does not remove compliance checks at airlines and border control.
Use this guide like a checklist: confirm (1) nationality and passport type, (2) permitted trip purpose, (3) length-of-stay counting rules, and (4) carrier/airport enforcement before you fly.
2) Expanded eligibility and allowed activities (and the remote-work reality)
Eligibility is tied to nationality and an ordinary passport. If your country is on the unilateral list, you can generally enter for the permitted short-stay purposes shown in official notices.
Permitted purposes are typically labeled as:
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting relatives
- Transit
For remote workers, the safe, common scenarios look like:
- A week of client meetings in Shanghai, then sightseeing.
- A trade show or conference, then a few days in Beijing.
- Visiting family, with occasional work calls for a foreign employer.
Non-qualifying scenarios often include:
- Taking local employment in China.
- Staying beyond the permitted period through “border bounces.”
- Activities that look like you are operating locally without the right visa.
What airline staff and immigration officers often want to see:
- Onward or return ticket.
- Hotel booking or local address.
- Proof of funds (bank app screenshots can help, but bring a statement).
- A simple, consistent story for trip purpose.
If you want a deeper prep routine, keep a printable folder like our (/border-proof-travel-docs).
3) Expiration date and geographic scope
The planning anchor is the end date: the policy runs through December 31, 2026—useful if you’re planning “now through the end of 2026” travel blocks.
The scope is broad and Europe-forward. The list spans much of the EU and wider Europe, plus a set of Asia-Pacific and South American countries.
Sweden is a notable late addition. It was included effective November 10, 2025.
One nuance that surprises frequent flyers: eligibility depends on passport nationality, not where you live. A German resident in Singapore uses German eligibility. A U.K. resident with a U.S. passport does not become eligible.
Carrier and port-of-entry practices can vary. Verify shortly before departure on the official Chinese embassy/consulate notices and the National Immigration Administration site.
4) Affected regions and notable inclusions (non-exhaustive)
Europe is the center of gravity. Examples of included countries named in official reporting include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and others across Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe.
Outside Europe, examples include Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and several South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Avoid assumptions in edge cases:
- Dual nationals should enter on the passport that is eligible and matches their booking.
- Emergency/temporary passports may not qualify for visa-free entry.
- Residency permits do not substitute for nationality.
5) U.S. eligibility and the main alternative: 240-hour transit
U.S. passport holders are not covered by the unilateral 30-day visa-free scheme described above.
The realistic workaround is China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy, when you meet the transit definition. In practice, that means:
- You enter China from Country A.
- You leave China to Country B (a third country/region).
- Your itinerary qualifies at designated ports, under the published rules.
Airlines frequently police this at check-in. If your onward ticket or routing does not match “transit,” you may be denied boarding.
When you still need a regular visa:
- Non-transit point-to-point trips.
- Longer stays.
- Activities outside the permitted scope.
6) Context: why China is doing this, and what travelers may notice
China is clearly pushing inbound demand. The Ministry of Commerce reported inbound retail spending nearly doubled in 2025, following earlier visa waivers.
The National Immigration Administration also reported 697 million inbound and outbound crossings in 2025, with over 73% of international travelers using visa-free or transit-exempt entry.
On the ground, that can translate into:
- More flight capacity returning on major routes.
- More competition for hotels in peak weeks.
- More documentation checks, especially when policies change quickly.
📶 Internet Note: China’s internet can be fast in tier-one cities, but access to Western apps and cloud tools may require backup workflows. Test your stack before you commit to deadlines.
7) Related U.S. government context (awareness, not alarm)
As of January 2026, the U.S. Department of State lists Mainland China at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Level 2 generally means you should plan more carefully, keep documents in order, and stay alert to local rules.
U.S. policy memos and statements can also affect certain travelers’ comfort levels or documentation planning, especially if you have complex immigration history.
Practical actions before departure:
- Check the latest State Department advisory.
- Carry printed copies of key documents and entry/exit history if relevant.
- Follow local registration rules for lodging.
Comparison: China (short stay) vs Europe (long-stay nomad visas)
| Factor | China (Visa-free entry) | Spain (Digital Nomad Visa) | Portugal (D7/DN) | Croatia (Digital Nomad) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical stay | 30 days | 12 months (+ renewals) | 12 months (+ renewals) | 18 months |
| Income requirement | None stated (carry proof of funds) | €2,300/mo (~$2,500) | €3,040/mo (~$3,300) | €2,540/mo (~$2,750) |
| Tax status | Possible tax residency after 183 days | Taxed after 183 days | NHR-style options may apply | Tax exempt (nomad permit) |
| Processing time | None (entry screening) | ~2–3 months | ~2–4 months | ~1–2 months |
| Difficulty | Low paperwork, higher entry discretion | Medium | Medium | Low–medium |
| Internet | Fast cities, tool access limits | Strong in cities | Strong in cities | Strong on coast/cities |
| Best use | Short sprint + meetings + travel | EU base with structure | EU base + longer runway | Longer EU stay, simpler tax story |
⚠️ Tax Disclaimer: Tax obligations for digital nomads are complex and depend on your citizenship, tax residency, and the countries involved. This article provides general information only. Consult a qualified international tax professional before making decisions that affect your tax status.
Cost of living snapshot (monthly, 1 person)
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $700 | $1,400 | $2,800 |
| Coworking | $120 | $220 | $400 |
| Food | $300 | $550 | $900 |
| Transport | $60 | $120 | $250 |
| Health Insurance | $80 | $180 | $400 |
| Entertainment | $120 | $250 | $500 |
| Total | $1,380 | $2,720 | $5,250 |
These numbers fit tier-one cities on a wide range, and a lower range in smaller hubs. China can be excellent value, but plan for VPN, backup SIMs, and coworking day passes.
Best picks by use case
| Category | Top Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for budget | China (30-day visa-free) | No visa fee for eligible travelers, short commitment, and strong value outside luxury districts. |
| Best for EU access | Portugal (D7/DN) | Schengen base, renewals, and a longer settlement path for those who qualify. |
| Best for families | Spain (DN Visa) | Larger school ecosystem, healthcare access, and stable 12-month residency structure. |
“Choose X if…” recommendations
- Choose China (visa-free) if. You want a 30-day sprint for meetings, tourism, and a reset from Schengen time. Keep your trip purpose clean, and carry onward proof.
- Choose Spain if. You want a structured EU base and can meet €2,300/month income. Expect normal residency admin and possible taxation after 183 days.
- Choose Portugal if. You want Schengen access with a longer runway and can show €3,040/month. Plan consulate timelines carefully.
- Choose Croatia if. You want the longest stated stay here (18 months) with a straightforward nomad permit and tax-exempt treatment during the stay.
Next steps (do this in the next 7–30 days)
- This week: Confirm your passport’s eligibility on the official Chinese embassy/consulate notice, and re-check the NIA entry rules. Save PDFs offline.
- Within 10 days: Book a refundable onward ticket and first lodging. Print confirmations for airline check-in.
- Before you fly: Prepare a “border pack”: passport, travel insurance, proof of funds, itinerary, and a one-paragraph trip-purpose statement.
- If choosing Europe instead (start 8–12 weeks early): Collect bank statements, contracts, health insurance, and appointment availability for Spain/Portugal/Croatia on official immigration pages.
- Community intel: Cross-check current entry experiences in expat forums and city-based WeChat/WhatsApp groups, plus Nomad List for neighborhood-level costs.
