The China 30-day visa-free entry policy lets passport holders from over 50 eligible countries — including most European Union members, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea — visit China for up to 30 consecutive days without applying for a visa, paying a fee, or filling out an advance application. The policy applies to tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short academic exchanges. As of February 2026, the UK and Canada joined the eligible-country list, bringing total coverage to most major Western and East Asian source markets.
For Beijing visitors specifically, the China 30-day visa-free policy is dramatically simpler than the older L-visa application process — show up at Beijing Capital Airport or Beijing Daxing Airport with a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation, and you’re stamped through immigration in minutes. This guide explains who qualifies, how it works, key differences from the 240-hour transit policy, and practical tips for using the policy at Beijing airports.
China 30-day visa-free entry quick summary
- Duration: Up to 30 consecutive days in mainland China
- Eligibility: 50+ countries (full list below)
- Trip type required: Any (tourism, business meetings, family visit, transit). No third-country requirement.
- Cost: Free
- Application: No advance application — granted on arrival
- Travel zones: All of mainland China except Tibet (separate permit required)
- Validity period: Through December 31, 2026 for most countries (Russia September 14, 2026)
- Restrictions: Cannot work, study long-term, engage in journalism. Not extendable in-country.
Eligible countries for China 30-day visa-free entry
As of early 2026, over 50 countries have been added to the China 30-day visa-free entry policy. The list has expanded throughout 2024–2026 as China has rolled out its broader visa-liberalisation strategy.
European countries (28+)
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Belgium, plus the United Kingdom (added February 2026).
North America
Canada (added February 2026). The United States is not currently on the 30-day visa-free list as of March 2026 — Americans should use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy or apply for a tourist visa.
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand.
Asia
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.
Other regions
Belarus, Serbia, Georgia, plus a few others. Russia has a separate similar policy.
Eligibility may change — verify your country’s status before booking through your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, or via the National Immigration Administration website (en.nia.gov.cn).
How the China 30-day visa-free entry works
The policy is essentially “walk through immigration with your passport.” No advance application, no fees, no in-country registration beyond standard hotel registration. The 30-day clock starts at 00:00 on the day after arrival — so a flight landing at 6 PM on Day 0 gives you nearly 31 calendar days of effective stay.
Eligible passport holders simply present their passport at any Chinese international port of entry (most Beijing airports included) and receive a 30-day visa-free entry stamp. You can travel anywhere in mainland China during that 30-day window with the exception of Tibet (which requires a separate Tibet Travel Permit).
You can leave and re-enter China during the 30 days as long as your stamp is still valid — but each entry uses up calendar days. Most travellers do not re-enter; they simply use the 30 days as one continuous trip.
Step-by-step: using the 30-day visa-free entry in Beijing
Before you fly
- Confirm eligibility. Your passport must be from one of the eligible countries listed above. The policy applies to ordinary passports only — diplomatic, official, and service passports may have different rules.
- Confirm passport validity. At least 6 months of validity beyond your stay.
- Book accommodation. Print or save digital copies of hotel confirmations.
- Book a return ticket. Immigration will want to see proof of departure within 30 days.
- Print your itinerary. Day-by-day plans help if asked.
At the airport (Beijing Capital or Daxing)
- Fill in the Arrival Card on the plane (English provided).
- Disembark and follow signs to Foreign Passports / Immigration.
- Look for the “Visa-Free Entry” lane (often signed in English). If unclear, the regular foreign passports lane handles this.
- Present passport, arrival card, and (if asked) printed return ticket.
- You’ll be fingerprinted (over-14s) and photographed.
- Officer stamps the 30-day visa-free entry into your passport with the departure deadline written.
- Proceed to baggage claim and customs.
During your stay
- Hotel registration is automatic. Hotels register you with police within 24 hours.
- Carry passport at all times. Required by law for foreigners in China.
- Tibet requires a separate permit. The 30-day visa-free entry does not cover Tibet — apply for a Tibet Travel Permit separately if planning to visit.
- Don’t overstay. Penalties are significant.
30-day visa-free vs. 240-hour transit comparison
If your country qualifies for both policies, here’s how to choose:
| Feature | 30-day visa-free entry | 240-hour visa-free transit |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 days | 10 days |
| Trip type | Any (round-trip, transit, etc.) | Transit to third country only |
| Travel zones | All mainland China except Tibet | 24 provincial regions |
| Application required | No | No |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Best for | Pure China trips, longer stays, return-flight itineraries | Multi-country trips with China stop |
If your country qualifies for both, the 30-day visa-free entry is almost always the better choice — same simplicity at the border, more flexibility on duration, and no third-country routing requirement.
If your country qualifies only for the 240-hour transit (e.g., USA), you can still spend 10 days in Beijing — just route through a third country instead of round-trip. See our China 240-hour visa-free guide for full details.
Common questions about the 30-day visa-free entry
Does the 30-day visa-free entry cover Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan?
No. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have their own separate entry policies. The China 30-day visa-free entry covers mainland China only.
Can I extend my 30-day stay in China?
Generally no. The 30-day visa-free entry is not extendable in-country. If you need more than 30 days, apply for a regular tourist visa before traveling, or leave and re-enter (but check that your country’s policy allows multiple entries — some have specific re-entry restrictions).
Can I work on the 30-day visa-free entry?
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, family visits, and short business meetings only. Paid work, journalism, or long-term study require appropriate work or student visas.
What about remote work / digital nomad activities?
Remote work performed for an overseas employer while on a tourist visa-free entry occupies a grey area. Most travellers do this without issue, but it’s not technically permitted. Avoid public-facing work activities (interviews, content creation that’s clearly Chinese-targeted) which may attract scrutiny.
Can I bring family members on the 30-day visa-free entry?
Each family member must individually qualify based on their own passport. Children with passports from eligible countries qualify; under-14s are exempt from fingerprinting.
Does the 30-day visa-free entry require a specific entry port?
No. Unlike the 240-hour transit policy (65 specific ports), the 30-day visa-free entry can be used at any major international port of entry. All Beijing airports qualify.
Does the visa-free entry count toward my passport stamps?
Yes. Each entry uses one entry stamp. The 30-day clock starts the day after arrival.
Can I leave and re-enter China within the 30 days?
Yes, technically — but each entry consumes calendar days from your 30-day window, and the policy may have specific re-entry rules per country. Most travellers don’t re-enter during a single 30-day visa-free trip.
2026 policy status and changes
The China 30-day visa-free entry policy was rolled out gradually starting in late 2023, with major expansions through 2024 and 2025. Key milestones:
- December 2023: Policy first introduced for 9 European countries.
- 2024: Expansion to 38 total countries, including most of Western Europe.
- November 2024: Expansion to 46 countries; expanded to 30 days from 15 days.
- February 2026: UK and Canada added, bringing total to 50+ countries.
- End of 2026: Policy expires for most countries unless renewed (December 31, 2026).
The policy has been generally expanded with each iteration. Check the current eligible-country list before booking — see official source: en.nia.gov.cn.
Tips for the 30-day visa-free entry at Beijing airports
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Terminal 3 handles most international arrivals. The Visa-Free Entry signage is well-marked. Allow 30–45 minutes from disembark to exit. Free Wi-Fi available; verification SMS often required, so an active eSIM helps.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Newer (2019), generally faster through immigration. Easy lift access throughout. The starfish-shaped terminal is a destination in itself.
For full airport guides see our Beijing Capital Airport guide and Beijing Daxing Airport guide.
Practical considerations for 30 days in China
Thirty days is generous for most travellers — enough to combine Beijing with several other major cities. Sample 30-day China itineraries leveraging the visa-free policy:
30-day China classics tour
- Days 1–7: Beijing
- Days 8–10: Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors, ancient city wall)
- Days 11–14: Chengdu (pandas, Sichuan food, day trip to Leshan Buddha)
- Days 15–18: Yunnan (Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge)
- Days 19–22: Guilin/Yangshuo (Li River, karst landscape)
- Days 23–26: Hong Kong (separate entry, fly back to mainland)
- Days 27–30: Shanghai (Bund, French Concession, day trip to Suzhou)
30-day Northern China focus
- Days 1–7: Beijing (with Great Wall, Forbidden City)
- Days 8–10: Datong (Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple)
- Days 11–13: Pingyao (ancient walled city)
- Days 14–18: Xi’an + Mt Hua
- Days 19–25: Silk Road (Lanzhou, Zhangye, Dunhuang)
- Days 26–30: Return via Shanghai or Beijing
For Beijing-specific itineraries, see our how many days in Beijing guide.
China 30-day visa-free FAQ
Is the China 30-day visa-free entry permanent?
The current policy was originally announced as a trial expanding through 2025 and 2026. As of February 2026, it remains in effect through December 31, 2026 for most countries. Renewal is expected based on policy trajectory but not formally announced.
Are American citizens eligible?
As of March 2026, no. US citizens should use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy or apply for a regular tourist visa. Watch for policy changes — China has signaled willingness to add more countries.
Can I apply for the 30-day visa-free entry online before flying?
No advance application is needed. The status is granted on arrival.
What’s the difference between 30-day visa-free entry and a regular tourist visa?
The 30-day visa-free entry is free, requires no advance application, and is granted on arrival — but limited to 30 days, no extensions, restricted to most of mainland China (no Tibet). A regular L tourist visa requires advance application (typically 5–10 working days), costs $80–$185, allows up to 60 days per entry, and is generally a multi-entry visa valid for 6–10 years.
Can my passport from a non-eligible country qualify if I have residency in an eligible country?
No. Eligibility is based on passport nationality, not residency. If your passport is from a non-eligible country, you need a regular visa.
Do I need to register my address in China?
Yes, by Chinese law, foreigners must register their address with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically. If you stay with friends in private accommodation, you (or your host) must visit the local police station to register.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstay penalties include a fine of up to ¥10,000 and potential deportation/re-entry ban for 1–10 years. Take the 30-day deadline seriously.
The bottom line on China 30-day visa-free entry
If your country is on the eligible list, the China 30-day visa-free entry is the simplest, cheapest, and most flexible way to visit Beijing in 2026. No fee, no application, no third-country routing requirement, and 30 days of stay covering all of mainland China except Tibet. For UK, EU, Australian, Japanese, Canadian, and most other major Western source-market passport holders, this has effectively eliminated the visa hassle entirely.
If you’re a US passport holder, you don’t qualify for 30-day visa-free entry — but the 240-hour visa-free transit policy still works for most Beijing trips routed through a third country. See our 240-hour visa-free guide for that route. For travellers from non-eligible countries needing longer than 30 days, see our China tourist visa application guide.
Once your visa situation is sorted, plan the rest of your trip with our complete Beijing travel guide, and check practical first-time tips in our first-time visitors guide. Welcome to Beijing.