If the idea of visa free travel in China is enough to make you look twice at the best China tours, then now is the perfect time to capitalize on the advantages provided by the China visa waiver program initiated late in 2024.
Benefits of visa free travel to China
Let’s start with the benefits.
In the past, it hasn’t always been straightforward for foreign travelers wanting to discover all the magic, history, cuisine, and culture that China has to offer. Factors such as the language barrier, visa processing times, and in some cases, the need for in-person applications meant travelers needed to be super organised well in advance of departure dates. Spontaneous vacations were not really possible. Note, however, that ordinary passport holders from some countries (including Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates) are exempt from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days because of the Mutual 30-Day Visa-Exemption Arrangement.
With visa free travel – also known as the visa waiver program – all that changed on November 30, 2024. At least that’s the case for ordinary passport holders from 38 countries that China has extended the unilateral visa-free policy to.
Apart from making China a more appealing travel destination, the visa free policy saves travel adventurers time, money, and visa application headaches. Forget difficult to complete forms. Entering China as a tourist from these countries (check out the list below) is now infinitely easier.
| Brunei France Germany Italy Spain Netherlands Malaysia Malta | Ireland Hungary Austria Belgium Luxembourg New Zealand Australia Latvia | Switzerland Poland Portugal Greece Cyprus Slovenia Japan Estonia | Finland Denmark Iceland Andorra Monaco Slovakia Norway Bulgaria | Romania Croatia Montenegro North Macedonia Liechtenstein Republic of Korea |
But don’t think this arrangement will be in place forever. At this stage, visa free travel in China is available only until December 31, 2025.
What does visa free travel in China mean?
Whether it’s for business, tourism, family, exchanges, visits or transit, a full 30 days really expands the possibilities for a meaningful immersion experience in China, rather than a rushed trip that is limited by tight deadlines. In fact, 30 days of visa free travel is the perfect platform on which to build your very own custom China tour.
If you are unsure about whether this visa free policy applies to you, speak to one of our friendly travel consultants who can point you in the right direction. Just keep in mind the three key points:
- If you are an ordinary passport holder from one of the 38 countries listed above, you can be exempt from needing a visa.
- Travel must be for the purpose of business, tourism, visits to family or friends, exchanges and transit.
- Travel for 30 days only.
To make things even easier for holiday makers, foreign travelers eligible for a visa waiver are not required to declare in advance to Chinese embassies and consulates before entering China without a visa. You can even enter China without a visa upon examination and approval.
And the bonus? If you are eligible for the visa waiver, you can enter China multiple times without a visa. Currently there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay. This makes it entirely possible to tick off bucket list items, like walking the Great Wall, visiting the Terracotta warriors, or discovering pandas in Chengdu – all on separate trips to China, if you choose. Just remember, however, visa free travel to China means you can’t deviate from the primary purpose of entry.
Is visa free travel in China really that simple?
In the interests of encouraging tourism and putting the very best of the culture, people, and cuisine on show, China is working at making things easier for foreign visitors. That said, it is recommended you carry identifying documents, just as you would on any international trip. For example, you might consider taking originals and copies of invitation letters, air tickets, and accommodation reservations that cover your holiday activities. And in case you were wondering – the visa waiver does not apply if you are traveling to China for the purpose of work, study or journalism.
As with travel to most other countries, to qualify for visa free travel in China, you are required to carry an ordinary passport that is valid for at least the duration of your intended stay. Unfortunately, if you only have travel documents, or temporary or emergency documents other than an ordinary passport, you are not allowed to enter into China without a visa.
And a few other things to keep in mind:
- Foreigners eligible for a visa waiver may stay in China continuously without a visa from the date of entry to the 30th calendar day until 24:00.
- You can depart for China from any country or region. That means you don’t need to travel directly from your country of origin.
- The visa waiver applies to all travelers coming to China by sea, road and air – open to foreign nationals, except where laws, regulations and bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). However, let’s say you’re traveling on your private jet or yacht (or any private transport), certain procedures for entry and exit apply, requiring that entry must be processed in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Regardless of whether you travel as a solo traveler or tour group, as a retired couple or family with children, the visa waiver applies, providing you meet the requirements outlined above.
What if I need to extend my stay?
Maybe you’re having a fantastic time on your China travels and you want to extend your stay. What then?
Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 30 days are required to apply for visas in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates. Applications must correspond to purposes of stay. If a stay needs to be extended beyond the 30 days – and the extension of time can be justified for appropriate and sufficient reasons after entering China without a visa, you will need to apply for stay permits. These applications are lodged with the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities. An in-country travel guide can assist you with this process if needed.
The wrap up
Thirty days is a long time to be on the road, and not everyone has the time or budget to sustain such a long time on vacation. If you think a shorter visit might work best for you, keep in mind there are countless other options available for visa free travel to China. During short small group or private tours of three, six, and nine days, a lot of ground can be covered, especially when you draw on the expertise and on-the-ground advice of our lovely guides. We are always here to help design an adventure that becomes your next beautiful travel memory. Get in touch today if you’re ready to take flight.
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