China Visa Guide 2026: The Complete Entry Rules

1. The 30-Day Visa-Free List (Direct Trips)

This is the policy most travelers want: fly in, stay up to 30 days, fly home — no third country required. Valid until December 31, 2026 for most of the 50; Russia until December 31, 2027.

Europe (35): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand

Asia (7): Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Americas (6): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay

Plus Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei under mutual visa-free agreements (separate from the unilateral list).

What it covers: tourism, business, family visits, transit, exchanges — up to 30 days per entry.

2. The 240-Hour Transit Policy (For US Citizens & Stopovers)

The US is *not* on the 30-day list — this is the main route for American tourists. It covers 55 nationalities (full list on the 240-hour transit guide). Rules:

• Transit A → China → C only (a round trip to the US doesn't qualify; routing via Hong Kong does);
• Up to 240 hours (10 days), counted from midnight after arrival;
• Enter/exit via one of 65 eligible ports across 24 provinces;
• No advance application — granted at the border with your onward ticket.

3. Who Still Needs a Visa

• US citizens staying over 10 days (or doing a direct round trip): apply for an L visa — 10-year multiple-entry visas are available;
• India and Vietnam nationals (not on either list): L visa required;
• Anyone staying beyond their policy's limit, or traveling for work/study/media (visa-free entry doesn't cover those).

4. How to Apply for a Tourist (L) Visa

1. Fill the COVA form online (china visa application site for your country);
2. Book an appointment at the nearest Chinese visa center;
3. Bring: passport, photo, form printout, flight + hotel bookings, and (often) proof of funds;
4. Standard processing: ~4 working days; fees vary by country and entry count.

5. Policy Watch: What Could Change

• The 30-day visa-free list has been expanding (the UK and Canada were added February 17, 2026);
• Current end date is December 31, 2026 for most of the 50, and December 31, 2027 for Russia — re-check before booking 2027 travel.

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