Visa & Entry on China Cheat Sheet

Is China Still Visa-Free? Live Status & Expiry Tracker

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Last updated 2026-10-15

Unilateral list size (NIA): 50 countries under 30-day visa-free (unilateral)

Official NIA country list (2026-02-17)
Extension notice (2026-08-26)

In all cases, the latest information published by China's National Immigration Administration and the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country takes precedence over this page. This page is an independent summary, not a government publication, and is not legal advice.

China 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy 2026: Complete Guide

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

China 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Policy 2026: The Complete Guide

If you are planning a trip that routes through China on the way to another destination, one of the most traveler-friendly immigration policies in the world may apply to you. China now allows citizens from 57 countries to enter without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when they are transiting to a third country or region. That means you can leave the airport, explore multiple cities, attend meetings, visit friends, and experience Chinese culture — all without applying for a visa in advance.

China 30-Day Visa-Free Policy 2026: Complete Guide (50 Countries)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

China 30-Day Visa-Free Policy 2026: Complete Guide (50 Countries)

Short answer: If you hold an ordinary passport from one of the 50 countries on China’s unilateral visa-free list, you may enter mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days per visit for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange visits, or transit—plus short sports, exhibition, or study-tour stays as clarified by Chinese embassy FAQ. You do not need advance paperwork from a consulate. You do need a clean passport, credible travel proof, and a plan that matches what border officers expect. United States, Indian, and most other passports not on the NIA list must use a visa or a different visa-free route such as 240-hour transit.

China Tourist Visa (L Visa) 2026: Requirements, Fees & Application Guide

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

China Tourist Visa (L Visa) 2026: Requirements, Fees & Application Guide

Short answer: If you are planning a tourism trip to mainland China and no visa exemption applies to your passport and itinerary, you need a Category L (tourist) visa issued by a Chinese embassy or consulate before travel. United States passport holders are not on China’s unilateral 30-day visa-free nationality list; many Americans either apply for an L visa (often multiple entries for up to ten years when approved) or use the 240-hour visa-free transit only when routing through China to a third country or region with a confirmed onward ticket. Applications at US missions run through the China Online Visa Application (COVA) portal, followed by an in-person passport submission. Last updated: October 19, 2026.