Visa-Free Travel in China: What You Need to Know in 2025
- China Vistas
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
China might once seem far and mysterious. But do you know that in 2025 you could actually travel to China on a whim?
In our previous blog, we explored China's innovative instant tax refund policy, which allows foreign tourists to receive immediate VAT refunds at the point of purchase, enhancing the shopping experience and encouraging more spending during their stay. This initiative, introduced in April 2025, is part of China's broader efforts to attract international visitors by making travel more convenient and enjoyable.
Besides, China had already expanded its visa-free travel policies in late 2024, enabling citizens from 38 countries to enter without a visa for up to 30 days and citizens from 54 countries to enjoy 10-day visa-free transit. This development opens up even more opportunities for travelers to explore China's rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.
Who Can Travel Visa-Free in China?
From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from the following 38 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days:
Europe: 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, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland
Asia-Pacific: Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Brunei
This policy applies to visits for business, tourism, family visits, exchange programs, and transit purposes.
240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy
In addition to the visa-free entry for the aforementioned countries, China has expanded its visa-free transit policy:
Duration Up to 240 hours (10 days) of visa-free transit.
Eligibility Applies to travelers from 54 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and members of the European Union.
Entry Points Available at 60 designated ports of entry across 24 provinces, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Conditions Travelers must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region and stay within the permitted areas during the transit period.
Regional Visa-Free Entry Option
China also offers regional visa-free entry policies:
Hainan Province: Citizens from 59 countries can enter Hainan visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visit.
Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region: Tourist groups from ASEAN countries can enter Guilin visa-free for up to 6 days, provided they are organized by a Chinese travel agency.
Tips for Visa-Free Travelers
Check Eligibility: Ensure your country is listed under China's visa-free policies and confirm the duration of stay permitted.
Travel Documents: Carry a valid passport with at least six months' validity and any required supporting documents.
Entry and Exit Points: Be aware of the designated ports of entry and exit applicable to your visa-free status.
Stay Informed: Visa policies can change; the information provided in this blog is updated to 14 April, 2025. Consult official sources or your local Chinese embassy before traveling.
China's visa-free policies in 2025 provide an excellent opportunity for travelers to experience its vast attractions with greater ease. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient history, natural wonders, or modern cities, these policies make it more convenient to plan your adventure.
Ready to explore China the best way possible? Book your customized tour with us to make the most of your visa-free journey!
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