Do you need a visa for China?
Pick your passport and get a straight answer — visa-free, visa-free transit, or visa required — plus the entry rules that catch travellers out. 79 nationalities can now enter China without a visa at all, and the list changed as recently as February 2026.
Or pick a common one
Visa-free for 30 days (49 countries)
China's unilateral policy — no visa, no onward ticket, any open port of entry. Currently runs through 31 December 2026.
Visa-free by mutual agreement (30 countries)
Bilateral treaties for ordinary passports — not tied to the unilateral list or its end date.
Visa needed, but visa-free transit available (6 countries)
Not on the visa-free list, but eligible to transit visa-free for up to 240 hours en route to a third country.
Every nationality, A to Z
Each page gives that passport's verdict, the caveats specific to it, and the rules that apply to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
It depends on your passport. 49 nationalities can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days under China's unilateral policy, and a further 30 under mutual visa-exemption agreements. Most other nationalities need a visa, though a small group qualifies for 240-hour visa-free transit when continuing to a third country.
Which countries can enter China visa-free in 2026?
The 30-day visa-free list includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina and nearly all of Europe. The policy currently runs through 31 December 2026.
Do Americans need a visa for China?
Yes. United States passport holders are not covered by China's 30-day visa-free policy and need a visa for a normal visit. Americans can instead use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit scheme when travelling onward to a third country, entering via a designated port with an onward ticket.
How long can I stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry if your nationality is on the visa-free list. The count starts at 00:00 on the day after you enter, not from your arrival time. Visa-free transit is a separate scheme allowing up to 240 hours (10 days).
China TravelPal publishes travel information, not immigration advice. Entry rules change frequently and can depend on your circumstances — confirm your situation with China National Immigration Administration ↗ or your nearest Chinese embassy before booking. Last checked July 2026.