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Do I actually need a visa for China in 2026? Start here.
The rules have changed a lot in the last two years, and most of what ranks on Google is out of date. Here is where things actually stand.
Visa-free entry
Nationals of 50 countries holding ordinary passports can currently enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit — for stays of up to 30 days. The stay is counted from 00:00 on the day after you enter.
The list, as published by China’s National Immigration Administration on 17 February 2026:
- 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, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia
- Americas (6): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Uruguay
If your passport is not on that list, you need a visa — an application, an appointment at a visa centre, and roughly a week.
The two things people get wrong
- It depends on your passport, not on where you are flying from.
- Visa-free entry covers the purposes listed above. If you are working, studying or reporting, you need the correct visa.
Last verified: 1 October 2026. Rules change often — check the National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy before you book.
What passport are you travelling on? Tell me below and I will point you at the right rule.
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