FAQ
Q
Who does not need a visa?
A
Nationals holding valid ordinary passports of 50 countries, namely Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru， Uruguay，Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Russia, Sweden, Canada and UK are exempted from visa requirement if coming to China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without a visa.
Q
How long will the visa waiver be effective?
A
Brunei：no expire date Russia：remain in effect until September 14, 2026 Other 48 Countries：remain in effect until December 31, 2026
Q
Is there any additional requirement for minors eligible for a visa waiver?
A
Visa waiver requirements for minors are the same as for adults.
Q
Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who come to China for the purpose of sports competitions，conferences and exhibitions, and study tours (summer/winter camps)？
A
Visa waiver applies to those who come to China for the purpose of sports competitions, conferences and exhibitions, and study tours (summer/winter camps),and stay in China for no more than 30 days. However, a valid ordinary passport is needed.
Q
Does the visa waiver apply to tour groups?
A
The visa waiver applies to eligible foreign nationals either in tour groups or as individuals.
Q
Will the purpose of intended stay in China be examined by Chinese border inspection authorities when entering China? How will it be done? Are other documents needed for entering China in addition to a passport?
A
Foreign nationals traveling for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friends visit，exchange and transit that meet the visa waiver requirements can be allowed to enter China without a visa upon examination and approval in accordance with law by border inspection authorities. Entry into China shall be denied by border inspection authorities in accordance with law for foreign nationals who travel for purposes that do not meet the visa waiver requirements or who are not allowed to enter China in accordance with laws and regulations. It is recommended to take documents such as invitation letters, air tickets and reservations of accommodation as a proof corresponding to the purposes of entry into China. Visa waiver does not apply to those who come to China for work, study, news coverage or purposes alike.
Q
Are there any requirements on the type and validity of entry documents?
A
For foreign nationals, an ordinary passport valid for at least the duration of intended stay in China is needed. Holders of travel documents or temporary or emergency documents other than ordinary passports are not allowed to enter into China without a visa.
Q
Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel from a third country?
A
Eligible foreign nationals can depart for China from any country or region.
Q
Does the visa waiver apply to foreign nationals who travel by forms of transport other than planes?
A
The visa waiver applies to all travelers coming to China through any sea, road and air port open to foreign nationals (except where laws, regulations and bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). For arrivals in China by private transport, certain procedures for entry and exit of means of transport shall be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of China.
Q
How to calculate the duration of stay of 30 days?
A
The duration of stay without a visa is calculated from the next day of entry and lasts for 30 calendar days.