China will allow 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of 74 countries in 2025. Find out who is eligible, what documents are required, and what to do if your country is not on the list

China has significantly expanded the opportunities for tourists, allowing citizens of 74 countries to enter the country without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. This policy is aimed at stimulating tourism, restoring the economy after the pandemic and strengthening international ties. We tell you who exactly can take advantage of the visa-free regime, what conditions must be met and what to do if your country is not on the list.

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Who can travel to China without a visa in 2025?

In 2025, China offers visa-free entry for a period of up to 30 days to passport holders from 74 countries. The country introduced this policy at the end of 2023. Initially, this opportunity became available only to citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, and over time it covered most European, Asian, Latin American, African and Middle Eastern countries.

In 2024, the number of visa-free tourists visiting China exceeded 20 million, double the number of last year. With a significant increase in the number of foreigners eligible for visa-free entry in 2025, further growth in tourism development in the country is expected.

Full list of countries eligible for a 30-day visa-free entry

Europe (almost all territory)

Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine.

Asia

Brunei, Japan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan (from July 16, 2025).

Middle East

Bahrain, Iran, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.

Latin America

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru.

Oceania

New Zealand, Fiji.

Africa

Seychelles, Mauritius, Tunisia.

Caribbean and North America

Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica.

Note: The list is constantly updated. In particular, Azerbaijan will officially join the program from July 16, 2025.

Requirements for Visa-Free Entry to China in 2025

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

- A valid passport 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.

Important! The purpose of the visit is short-term business trips, tourism, family visits and transit trips. 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.

For visa-free entry to China, all entry checkpoints (air, land or sea) can be used.

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 has the authority to allow entry into China without a visa.

Can I extend my 30-day stay?

No, the 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you must either leave the country and re-enter, or apply for an appropriate visa in advance (tourist, student, work, etc.). Overstaying is severely punished by fines, deportation, or a ban on further entry.

Reasons and consequences of the changes

China is striving to restore tourist flows after the pandemic and strengthen economic ties. Tour operators are already reporting significant demand, especially from European countries, and airlines are actively opening new direct flights to major cities - Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.

Despite the fact that local tourists currently predominate in places of interest, the expansion of the visa-free regime could significantly change this situation, especially in summer.

What to do if your country is not on the list?

For citizens of some countries not included in the 30-day program, there is an opportunity to take advantage of the 10-day transit visa-free. It is available when transiting through one of the 60 officially designated ports of China and provided that there is a ticket to a third country.

- Countries eligible for the 10-day transit visa-free

USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Sweden.

This option is convenient for short visits or business trips, but is less flexible than the 30-day visa-free.

The extension of the 30-day visa-free regime is one of the most significant changes in China's tourism policy in recent decades. If your country is on the list, now is the best time to take advantage of this opportunity: explore the amazing culture, history and modernity of China without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. The extension of the 30-day visa-free regime is one of the most significant changes in China's tourism policy in recent decades. If your country is on the list, now is the best time to take advantage of this opportunity: explore the amazing culture, history and modernity of China without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures.

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Reminder! The visa-free transit period in China has been increased to 10 days. The main goal of this policy is to attract the maximum number of tourists. We have already told you what the conditions of visa-free transit are and which countries can benefit from the benefits.

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