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China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Policy in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about visiting China without the hassle of getting a visa? Great news! In 2025, China has expanded its 30-day visa-free entry policy, making it easier than ever for travelers from 43 countries to explore the country—visa free.

Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing, business meetings, or to reconnect with friends and family, this China visa free policy opens the door for a smoother journey.


🧳 What Is the 30-Day China Visa-Free Policy?

As of 2025, citizens from 43 countries can enjoy visa-free travel to China for up to 30 calendar days. This applies to visitors coming for:

  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Short-term exchange
  • Transit

No visa application, no embassy appointment, no paperwork. Just book your ticket and go.


🌍 Eligible Countries for Visa-Free Entry to China

Travelers holding valid ordinary passports from the following countries can now enter visa China free for 30 days:

Europe:
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia

Asia-Pacific:
Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand

Latin America:
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay


🧾 Do You Need to Apply in Advance?

No. One of the best parts of this visa-free China policy is that no pre-declaration or application is required. You can just show up at the border with:

  • A valid ordinary passport
  • Proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel bookings or invitation letter)
  • Return or onward flight ticket

🔒 Note: This policy does not apply to those traveling for work, study, or journalism.


🧒 Does It Apply to Children?

Yes! Children from eligible countries enjoy the same visa waiver benefits as adults.


🗓️ How Is the 30-Day Stay Counted?

Your 30-day visa-free stay in China begins the day after your arrival and includes weekends and public holidays. No extensions unless you apply for one while in China.


🛬 Ports of Entry That Accept Visa-Free Travelers

You can enter China visa-free through:

  • ✈️ Airports
  • 🚢 Sea ports (cruises or ferries)
  • 🚆 Land borders (car or train)

Private vehicles must comply with China’s entry regulations and customs rules.


👥 Can Tour Groups Use the Visa Waiver?

Absolutely! Both independent travelers and tour groups from eligible countries are covered by the visa-free policy.


🔁 Can You Re-Enter China Without a Visa?

Yes, multiple entries are allowed. Each stay must still be within 30 days and must match the stated purpose (tourism, business, etc.).


⏳ Want to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?

You’ll need to:

If already in China, apply for an extension at a local Public Security Bureau.

Apply for a China visa before arriving, or


🕓 Need to Stay Longer Than 30 Days?

If you plan to stay in China for more than 30 days, you must:

  1. Apply for a visa in advance before entering China, or
  2. If you’re already in China and an extension is necessary, apply for a stay permit at a local Public Security Bureau with valid reasons.

❌ Who Is Not Eligible for the Visa-Free Policy?

The following documents do not qualify:

  • Temporary or emergency passports
  • Refugee travel documents
  • Diplomatic or service passports (unless a bilateral visa-free agreement applies)

Only valid ordinary passports are accepted.


✅ Final Travel Tips for Visa-Free Visitors

Before you fly to China, remember to:

Carry printed proof of your accommodation and return flight

Bring an invitation letter if visiting friends or on business

Do not overstay—violating the 30-day limit may result in fines or bans

Ensure each re-entry still meets visa-free conditions


✈️ Ready to Travel China Visa Free?

At Big Panda Tours, we offer budget-friendly group tours across China—from the Great Wall to pandas in Chengdu and the skyline of Shanghai. Whether you’re eligible for visa-free entry or not, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Not from one of the 43 visa-free countries? No worries—Big Panda Tours can help you handle the paperwork and make your China dream trip happen.
👉 Browse Our China Tours Now and travel with ease!


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