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China Visa Guide 2026: 30-Day Visa-Free, 240-Hour Transit, and Full Visas

38+ countries can visit China visa-free for 30 days in 2026. 55+ more can use 240-hour transit. Everyone else needs a tourist (L) visa. Here is the current ruleset and how to apply.

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China Visa Guide 2026: 30-Day Visa-Free, 240-Hour Transit, and Full Visas cover photo

TL;DR

As of 2026, passport holders from 38+ countries (including the UK, Canada, Australia, most of the EU, and several South American and Asian countries) can visit mainland China for up to 30 days visa-free. Travelers from another 55+ countries can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days) through eligible ports. If your passport is not on either list, you need a tourist (L) visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. UK and Canada 30-day visa-free access was added in February 2026.
Visa-free countries38+ (including UK, Canada, AU, NZ, most EU, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea)
Stay length (visa-free)Up to 30 days per entry
Transit visa-free240 hours (10 days) for 55+ countries
Processing time (L visa)4–7 business days standard, 2–3 business days express
Fee (L visa, single entry)USD $30–$140 depending on nationality and reciprocity
Last updated2026-06-10
Last updated

Do I need a visa for China in 2026?

It depends on your passport. Citizens of 38+ countries can enter visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days; another 55+ can transit visa-free for 240 hours. Everyone else needs an L (tourist) visa before travel. Check the official list before booking — it has expanded each year since 2023.

Sources: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — visa-free list

Which countries get 30-day visa-free access?

As of June 2026, the list includes most EU member states, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The list has been expanded incrementally, with the UK and Canada added in February 2026. Always confirm on the official Chinese government site before booking, as the list changes.

Sources: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — visa-free list, IATA Timatic — passport requirements lookup

How does 240-hour transit visa-free work?

You can transit through 60+ designated ports (including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an) and stay in mainland China for up to 240 hours (10 days) before exiting to a third country. You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a different country than your origin, and stay within the permitted regions for your port of entry.

Sources: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — visa-free list

How do I apply for an L (tourist) visa?

Apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate, or via a visa service (CTS, CITS, or a private agent). Standard processing is 4–7 business days. You will need a passport valid 6+ months, a completed application, a photo, proof of accommodation, and an itinerary. Some nationalities are eligible for a 10-year multi-entry visa.

Sources: China Visa Application Service Center (official)

What about the China e-visa or visa-on-arrival?

China does not currently offer a general e-visa or visa-on-arrival for tourism. Limited pilot programs exist in Hainan and for specific cruise passengers. The standard tourist visa is paper-stamped in your passport at a consulate before travel.

Sources: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — visa-free list

Frequently asked questions

Can I extend my 30-day visa-free stay?
No. 30-day visa-free stays cannot be extended inside mainland China. If you need more time, you must exit and re-enter (to Hong Kong, Macau, or another country) and re-apply at the border.
Do I need a visa for Hong Kong or Macau?
Most Western passport holders can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 90 days and Macau for 30 days, separate from mainland China rules.
Does Taiwan count as a third country for 240-hour transit?
Yes. Transit through mainland China to or from Taiwan counts as a third-country transit, eligible for the 240-hour visa-free scheme.
What if my passport is from a country not on either list?
You must apply for an L (tourist) visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel. Processing is typically 4–7 business days.
Can I do business on a tourist visa?
Technically no. Business activities require an M (business) visa. In practice, light meetings are tolerated on an L visa, but signing contracts or working is not.

References

  1. China Visa Application Service Center (official)
  2. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs — visa-free list
  3. IATA Timatic — passport requirements lookup

Written by

Mei Lin

Former consular officer, Beijing · Updated weekly

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