2025 China Visa-Free Policy Guide:
38 Countries Eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Travel
Latest Update : 2025/5/13
Key Policy Updates
38-Country Visa-Free Entry + Transit Upgrades + Hainan Special Zone (with Official Links)
- Eligible Countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and 32 others (check the full list on the[National Immigration Administration of China](https://s.nia.gov.cn)).
- Stay Period: Holders of ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, suitable for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family.
- Official Verification: Confirm the latest policy via the “Immigration Service” section on the National Immigration Administration WeChat official account (search: National Immigration Administration，English service available).
- Available Ports: 60 airports and land crossings, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Huangshan (view the port map on the [General Administration of Customs of China] (http://www.customs.gov.cn/Portals/0/en/index.htm)).
- Eligible Nationals: 54 countries (including Russia, the U.S., and Australia) can travel across provinces for 10 days with a confirmed onward/return flight.
- Key Requirement: Provide a confirmed flight itinerary (paper or digital) with specific dates and flight numbers.
• Included Countries: Russia, the U.S., Australia, Canada, and 55 others (details on the [Hainan Provincial Government English Website] (http://en.hainan.gov.cn/)).
• Unique Experiences:
- Medical Tourism: Receive international-standard care at Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone (e.g., stem cell therapy, cancer precision medicine).
- Duty-Free Shopping: Enjoy tax-free shopping at Sanya International Duty-Free City (annual quota: RMB 100,000 per person).
• Entry Points: 7 ports including Haikou Meilan Airport and Sanya Phoenix Airport; download “Hainan Health Code” in advance for fast-track clearance.
Pre-Trip Checklist
✅ Must-Have Documents (Non-Negotiable)
✔Passport
Valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended stay (e.g., 60-day validity for a 30-day trip).
✔Return/Onward Ticket
Paper or digital itinerary with confirmed dates, flight numbers, and destinations (no “OPEN tickets”).
✔Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking confirmation (with check-in/check-out dates and contact info); for homestays, include the host’s name and address.
✅ Pro Tips for Smooth Clearance
✔Itinerary Plan
Print an English version (include daily activities and transportation; business travelers add a company invitation letter).
✔Document Copies
Save digital copies of your passport data page and carry a physical copy (separate from your passport).
Port Selection Guide
Match Your Trip Type to the Best Entry Point
Cultural Deep Dive
Recommended Port : Beijing/Xi’an Airports
Close to the Great Wall/Terracotta Warriors; duty-free shops accept foreign currency, extensive English signage.
Transit Quick Tour
Recommended Port : Shanghai Pudong Airport
Most international flights; 2-hour high-speed rail to Suzhou/Hangzhou; 24/7 English service counters at the airport.
Island Retreat + Medical Tour
Recommended Port : Sanya Phoenix Airport
Direct flights from 30+ global cities; direct transfer to Yalong Bay/Boao Lecheng, which offers medical pickup services.
Border Exploration
Recommended Port : Shenzhen Luohu Port
10-minute access to Hong Kong, 7-day visa-free stay with a Hong Kong-Macao permit, ideal for Greater Bay Area trips.
Itinerary Templates:
3 Practical Routes
- Itinerary: Beijing (3 days: Forbidden City, Badaling Great Wall) → Xi’an (2 days: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter) → Chengdu (3 days: Giant Panda Base, Dujiangyan) → Shanghai (2 days: Bund, Yu Garden)
- Transport: Take high-speed trains between cities (12306.cn supports English booking; scan your passport to board).
- Accommodation: Choose international chains (e.g., Rosewood Beijing, InterContinental Chengdu); filter “English spoken” on booking platforms for homestays.
- Itinerary: Sanya (5 days: Yalong Bay diving, Nanshan Temple) → Wanning (3 days: Shimei Bay surfing, Xinglong Coffee Plantation) → Boao (3 days: Lecheng medical checkup, Yudai Beach) → Haikou (4 days: Qilou Old Street, Volcanic Crater Park)
- Tip: Take the circular high-speed rail from Sanya to Haikou (1.5 hours); rent a car with an international driving permit translation (some companies accept Chinese license + English notarization).
- Itinerary: Shanghai (3 days: Lujiazui, Tianzifang) → Suzhou (1 day: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Pingjiang Road) → Hangzhou (2 days: West Lake, Lingyin Temple) → Depart from Shanghai Pudong Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Notify your new hotel front desk, and they will register your stay with local police (no need to handle it yourself).
Bring a notarized English authorization letter from parents (stating “permission to travel alone and assume responsibility”) and a birth certificate copy.
Call the National Immigration 24/7 Hotline: +86-10-12367 (press 2 for English) or use the “Port Clearance” feature in the “Immigration Bureau” WeChat mini-program.