As of 2026, citizens of 38+ countries can enter mainland China visa-free for stays of 15–30 days. China has significantly expanded its visa-free policy since 2023, adding most EU member states, several Asia-Pacific nations, and others. The list includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and more. US, UK and Canadian citizens are not on the list and still require a visa. This page gives the full current list with stay limits and conditions.
Table of Contents
Which countries can enter China without a visa in 2026
European countries (15-day visa-free): France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Greece, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania
Asia-Pacific (15–30 day visa-free): Malaysia (30 days), Singapore (30 days), Thailand (30 days), Brunei (15 days), South Korea (15 days), Australia (15 days — verify current status as this is subject to change)
Middle East/Other: UAE (30 days), Maldives (30 days), and several others — check the current official list as this category is expanding
⚠️ Not on the visa-free list (visa required): United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan (check current status — previously on the list but removed), India, Pakistan, and most of Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Always verify your current status on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your local Chinese embassy before travelling.
What conditions apply to visa-free entry?
Visa-free does not mean unconditional entry. When arriving visa-free, you must:
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country with ≥6 months remaining validity
- Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave China within the permitted stay
- Have proof of hotel accommodation or a clear travel plan
- Have sufficient funds for your stay
- Enter for legitimate tourist, business meeting, or transit purposes only — not for employment or study
- Enter through an approved international port of entry
How long can you stay? Most nationalities get 15 days. Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and UAE citizens get 30 days. The stay limit begins from your date of entry and cannot be extended under visa-free status — if you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a proper visa.
Can I extend a visa-free stay? No — visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than your permitted visa-free period, you must leave China and re-enter, or apply for a visa before you travel.
Is China’s visa-free policy likely to expand further?
Yes — China has been actively expanding its visa-free policy as part of a deliberate strategy to boost inbound tourism and improve international relations. Since announcing the initial unilateral visa-free policy in late 2023, China has added new countries multiple times.
Key trends:
- The EU expansion appears largely complete for Western/Northern Europe
- Several Eastern European nations have been added in 2024–2025
- Asia-Pacific expansion is ongoing (South Korea was added; Australia was added to some programmes)
- The US and UK remain outside due to diplomatic and reciprocal considerations
Always verify before you travel — the list can change with relatively short notice. The authoritative source is the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (english.mfa.gov.cn) or your local Chinese embassy.
Which countries can visit China without a visa in 2026?
As of 2026, 38+ countries can enter China visa-free, including most EU nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.), Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, UAE and others. Most get 15 days; some (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand) get 30 days. US, UK and Canada are not on the list.
Can US citizens enter China without a visa?
No — as of 2026, US citizens are not on China’s visa-free list and need to apply for a visa before visiting mainland China.
How long can I stay in China without a visa?
Most visa-free nationalities are permitted 15 days. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand citizens get 30 days. These stays cannot be extended — you must leave before the permitted period expires.
What happens if I overstay my visa-free period in China?
Overstaying in China results in fines (¥500 per day, up to ¥10,000 maximum) and can result in detention, deportation, and a ban from future entry. Take the permitted stay limit seriously.
← China Visa Guide (Pillar Page)
