This post has been last updated on 24/11/2024 by Magda Sawyer
Introduction
In recent months China has been introducing a temporary visa waver for travellers planning to visit China for up to 30 days (extended from previous 15 days). It is a great opportunity to get a first taste of China on a limited budget.
This post keeps an up-to-date list of the countries which can take advantage of the new policy.
30-days visa-free travel
In November, China has once again expanded its visa-free travel policy to include even more countries, as well as extending the visa-free travel period to 30 days.
Here is the list of the countries included in the 30-days visa-free scheme:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
While I regularly check for updates of the list, make sure to double-check your country on an official website of Chinese consulate of your home country or other official source.
Our experience of visa-free travel
In September 2024 our family took advantage of the 15-day visa-waver (now extended to 30 days), travelling on Polish and Irish passports.
We were a bit nervous before the trip, as our whole trip was 24 days long flying in and out of Beijing, with intended exit and re-entering in Hong Kong by land (train).
Before our trip we made cancellable bookings and bought a train ticket to Hong Kong, in case being questioned about the purpose of the travel or intended duration of travel.
Upon arrival we had to fill out the standard landing card, where we marked that we are travelling visa-free with the purpose of tourism, also listing intended destinations and hotel we were staying in Beijing.
The border control didn't ask us anything, nor did he ask for proof of onwards travel, both times when we entered China.
I would advice however to have that documents ready, just in case.
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FAQ
Which nationalities are eligible for the 30-day visa-free travel to China?
As of 24.11.2024, the following countries are eligible for the 30-day visa-free travel:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
Do I need to apply for the visa-free travel in advance?
No, you don't need to apply in advance. You can declare your intention to use the visa-free option upon arrival in China.
How is the period of 30 days calculated?
When you enter China without a visa, you can stay for 30 whole days. Your stay starts on the day you arrive and ends at midnight on the 30th day. You need to leave China before that time is up.
Here's an example to make it clearer:
Let's say you arrive in China on October 1st at 3:00 PM.
- October 1st is Day 1 of your stay.
- October 30th is Day 30 of your stay.
You must leave China by 11:59 PM on October 30th. If you stay even one minute past midnight (into October 31st), you'll be breaking the rules.
Remember, it doesn't matter what time you arrive on the first day - that whole day counts as Day 1. So arrive early to make the most of your time!
Can I use the 30-day visa-free option if my total trip is longer than 30 days?
Yes, you can use this option as part of a longer trip, as long as you exit and re-enter China before the 30 days are up.
The easiest way to plan a trip around the visa-free policy is to include Hong Kong or Macau in your itinerary (if you are travelling south), or Laos (when traveling to Yunnan province) - both options are accessible with direct high-speed rail connection.
You can also exit to Kazakhstan when traveling the far west on the Silk Roads itinerary, but it is more complicated.
You can always also fly in and out of the country, but in that case it might be easier to just apply for the visa.
What documents should I prepare for visa-free travel?
While we weren't asked for additional documents, it's advisable to have:
- A valid passport
- Proof of onward travel (e.g., train or flight tickets leaving China)
- Hotel reservations
- A general itinerary of your planned destinations in China
Do I need to fill out any forms upon arrival?
Yes, you'll need to fill out a standard landing card. Make sure to mark that you're traveling visa-free for tourism purposes, and list your intended destinations and accommodation.
Which entry points are included in the 30-day visa-free policy?
All airports and land border crossings are eligible to take advantage of the policy.
Which modes of transport are included in the new 30-day visa-free policy?
Enter/exit is not limited to aviation - you can enter by train, boat or plane.
Can you enter multiple times using the 30-day visa-free policy?
Yes! There is no limitation on the number of stays during your journey.
It is worth noting that traveling to Hong Kong or Macau is considered exiting Mainland China so if you include one of those destinations as part of your trip, you can "extend" the visa-free travel period.
We exited and re-entered by land in Hong Kong, without any problems.
Does the 30-day visa-free policy apply to children?
Yes, both children and adults can take advantage of the policy.
Is there an overall yearly time limit for your stays using 30-day visa free policy?
No, currently there is no limit of overall time spent in China.
Do I need a proof of onwards travel when traveling visa-free?
While we were at no time asked about our onwards travel, it is advisable to have proof of onwards travel, if you have it booked.
Are extensions of the 30 days visa-free period possible?
Standard Procedure: For stays exceeding 30 days, visitors are required to obtain an appropriate visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate prior to their journey.
Emergency Extension: In the event of unforeseen circumstances necessitating an extended stay beyond the 30-day limit, visitors may apply for a temporary stay permit. This application must be submitted to the local Exit and Entry Administration of the Public Security Bureau before the expiration of the 30-day visa-free period.
Important Notes:
- Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted solely at the discretion of Chinese authorities.
- Substantial evidence supporting the need for an extended stay must be provided.
- It is strongly advised to plan trips within the 30-day limit to avoid potential legal complications.
- Overstaying the 30-day period without proper authorization may result in serious consequences, including fines, detention, or future entry restrictions.
Travelers are urged to carefully consider their itinerary and travel plans to ensure compliance with visa-free entry regulations.
For more of your questions answered, you can visit the FAQ site of the Chinese consulate:
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