China, one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, has established several visa-exempt arrangements to make travel easier for citizens of various countries. If you’re wondering which countries can travel to China without visa, China offers several visa-free options for travelers from select countries. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or a layover, China offers several visa-free options for travelers from select countries. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different visa-free travel policies available, including mutual visa exemption agreements, China’s unilateral visa policies, and 240-hour transit visa exemptions.

1. Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements
A mutual visa exemption agreement allows citizens of two or more countries to enter each other’s borders without the need for a visa, based on certain conditions. As of December 2024, China has signed visa-exemption agreements with 25 countries. These citizens can travel to China for short stays (usually up to 30 days) without a visa.
Countries with Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements with China (25 countries)
Country | Passport Type | Agreement Effective Date |
---|---|---|
Albania | Ordinary Passport | March 18, 2003 |
UAE | Ordinary Passport | January 16, 2018 |
Antigua and Barbuda | Ordinary Passport | May 11, 2024 |
Barbados | Ordinary Passport | June 1, 2017 |
Bahamas | Ordinary Passport | February 12, 2014 |
Belarus | Ordinary Passport | August 10, 2018 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Ordinary Passport | May 29, 2018 |
Dominica | Ordinary Passport | September 19, 2022 |
Ecuador | Ordinary Passport | August 18, 2016 |
Fiji | Ordinary Passport | March 14, 2015 |
Grenada | Ordinary Passport | June 10, 2015 |
Georgia | Ordinary Passport | May 28, 2024 |
Kazakhstan | Ordinary Passport | November 10, 2023 |
Qatar | Ordinary Passport | December 21, 2018 |
Maldives | Ordinary Passport | May 20, 2022 |
Mauritius | Ordinary Passport | October 31, 2013 |
Serbia | Ordinary Passport | January 15, 2017 |
Seychelles | Ordinary Passport | June 26, 2013 |
San Marino | Ordinary Passport | July 22, 1985 |
Suriname | Ordinary Passport | May 1, 2021 |
Solomon Islands | Ordinary Passport | December 28, 2024 |
Thailand | Ordinary Passport | March 1, 2024 |
Tonga | Ordinary Passport | August 19, 2016 |
Singapore | Ordinary Passport | February 9, 2024 |
Armenia | Ordinary Passport | January 19, 2020 |
Key Notes:
- The stay duration for most of these countries is up to 30 days.
- It’s important that the passport is valid for at least 6 months with no visible damage.
- Travelers are advised to check the specific entry requirements for each country before traveling.
2. China’s Unilateral Visa Policy
China also has a unilateral visa policy, meaning China allows citizens of certain countries to enter without a visa, even though those countries do not grant China the same privilege. As of November 2024, China’s unilateral visa exemption applies to 38 countries.
Countries with China’s Unilateral Visa Exemption (38 countries)
Region | Countries |
---|---|
Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia |
Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Asia | Brunei, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan |
Conditions for Unilateral Visa Exemption:
- This policy applies only to ordinary passport holders.
- Exemption applies to tourism, business, or family visits.
- The stay limit varies, but typically ranges from 30 to 90 days.
- Overstaying the permitted stay can lead to penalties, so ensure your stay is within the allowed duration.
3. China’s 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy
Starting from December 17, 2024, China has further relaxed its transit visa exemption policy. Foreign travelers from 54 countries can stay in China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days), provided they meet certain conditions. This policy allows travelers to explore China while on their way to another destination.
Countries Eligible for the 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy
Region | Countries |
---|---|
Europe | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Belarus, Norway |
Americas | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile |
Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Asia | South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar |
Key Conditions for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit:
- Travelers must hold a valid international travel document (passport) with a validity of at least 3 months.
- A confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country within 240 hours of arrival.
- Travelers can stay in specific regions only, depending on the airport or entry point.
4. Additional Notes on Visa-Free Travel to China
- Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and is undamaged.
- Visa Conditions: While these visa exemptions apply to most tourism or business visits, travelers engaging in work or study need to apply for the appropriate visa.
- Changes in Policy: Keep in mind that visa exemption policies can change, so always check the latest information before booking your trip.
Conclusion
Traveling to China without a visa is easier than ever for citizens from numerous countries due to mutual visa exemption agreements, unilateral policies, and the 240-hour transit visa-free policy. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, or a layover, these policies offer flexible and convenient options. Stay informed by checking official sources for updates, as visa policies may change based on diplomatic relations and global circumstances.
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