In 2024, China actively worked to attract tourists by simplifying migration policy. Find out which countries' citizens have received the right to travel to the PRC without a visa and which rules will be relevant in 2025

Since the gradual opening of the borders, China has been actively attracting foreign visitors due to the abolition of the visa regime. The main goal is to increase the number of tourists to the country and strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties.

About the countries that received the right and visa-free travel to China, as well as the rules of entry further in this article.

Citizens of which countries have the right to visa-free travel to China?

Citizens of the following 32 countries are already eligible for visa-free travel to China:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Cyprus, Denmark, Georgia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal , Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Spain and Switzerland.

Important! From November 30, 2024, China will allow visa-free entry for representatives of 9 more countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Estonia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Latvia and Japan.

After this decision, the total number of countries that have received the right to visa-free travel has increased to 41 countries.

The inclusion of Japan on the visa-free travel list is expected to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Conditions for visa-free travel to China

Until December 31, 2025, tourists and business travelers from visa-free countries will not need a visa to enter China.

From November 30, 2024, visitors from visa-free countries will be allowed to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days, instead of the previous 15 days. This move is also aimed at developing tourism and strengthening international relations.

The purpose of the visit is short-term business travel, tourism, family visits and transit travel. China is also introducing a new purpose of stay under the visa-free policy. Exchange visits classified as “type F” stays will now be allowed without a visa. This update is aimed at promoting educational and cultural exchanges between China and other countries.

Importantly! Visitors wishing to extend their stay or work in China must follow the normal visa procedures.

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To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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Rules for visa-free travel to China

For visa-free entry to China, you must present:

 - Foreign passport valid for the entire period of stay.

- Any documents confirming the purpose and duration of the trip, such as an invitation letter, return ticket, hotel reservation confirmation, etc.

All entry checkpoints (air, land or sea) can be used for visa-free entry into China.

There is no limit to the number of times you can use the visa-free regime, but it is important to remember that only an immigration officer is authorized to grant entry into China without a visa.

The development of tourism in China after the pandemic

2023 saw a sharp increase in bookings from Europe to China (663% compared to 2022 and almost 29% compared to 2019).

Citizens of Great Britain and Germany became the leaders in terms of the number of tourists who arrived in China.

The most popular destination remains Shanghai, because this city perfectly combines modernity and tradition. Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are also popular. Sanya, a coastal city on Hainan Island, and Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.

By easing visa requirements, China aims to revive its tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic, and boost economic and cultural exchanges with these countries. For tourists, this is a good chance to explore the nature and culture of China.

We will remind you! A Chinese port visa is a special permit that a foreigner can obtain at one of the airports of the PRC upon arrival, but only if there are valid reasons. We have already told who can get a port visa in China and what features this permit has.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to China, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.