See if you can enter China visa-free, use 240-hour transit, or need to apply by nationality.
Last reviewed: July 13, 2026. This checker is a planning aid, not an official eligibility decision.
2026 policy update: China's new entry and exit administration rules take effect on September 15, 2026.
They do not automatically change visa-free eligibility, but your passport, route, hotel address, purpose of visit,
and onward-ticket evidence should be consistent. Read the
2026 entry rules update.
Policies change frequently and depend on your specific circumstances. Always confirm with a
Chinese embassy or consulate before booking travel. This tool provides general guidance only.
Visa-free country lists, entry ports, permitted travel areas, and airline boarding checks can change.
Treat official government and airline rules as final.
The most common error is mixing up ordinary visa-free entry with visa-free transit. A
normal round trip and a stopover to a third country are not the same itinerary. Airlines
check documents before boarding, so a misunderstanding can stop the trip before you reach
China.
Check passport nationality first. Residence country and card billing country do not decide visa-free eligibility.
Separate entry from transit. Transit usually requires confirmed onward travel to a third country or region.
Confirm entry ports. Transit policies depend on designated ports and permitted travel areas.
Keep proof ready. Airlines and border officers may ask for onward ticket, hotel, itinerary, or invitation details.
About This Tool
Check in seconds whether your nationality qualifies for China's visa-free entry, 240-hour transit without a visa, or needs a regular tourist visa application. Updated for 2026 immigration policies.
How to Use This Tool
Select your nationality from the dropdown — 54 countries are eligible for some form of visa-free or transit entry.
Choose your trip type: tourism, business, or transit. The requirements differ for each.
View your result. Green means you qualify visa-free; yellow means transit is available; red means you need to apply at a Chinese embassy or visa center.
Click through to relevant guides for payment setup, eSIM, and transport once your entry method is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which nationalities can enter China visa-free?
As of 2026, 54 nationalities qualify for some form of visa-free or visa-free transit entry. This includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, Japan, South Korea, and Russia. Check the tool above with your specific nationality for the exact rule.
What is the difference between visa-free entry and transit?
Visa-free entry means you can enter China without a visa for tourism or business for a set number of days. Transit means you can stop in China between two other countries for up to 240 hours without a visa. Transit requires that your arrival and departure countries are different.
Does the 240-hour transit rule apply at all Chinese airports?
No. The program covers 37 designated ports, including Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu Tianfu, and Shenzhen Baoan airports. Check the full port list on our transit guide before booking.