China Extends Visa-Free Travel Through 2026: 77 Countries Now Eligible
Key Takeaways
For International Travelers
- China's 30-day visa-free policy extended to December 31, 2026 for 77 countries
- 240-hour transit visa-free expanded to 65 ports across 24 provinces
- Canada and UK joined visa-free list on February 17, 2026
- Inbound tourism increased 35.8% during 2026 New Year holiday
- Domestic travel diversifies: 97 cities receive foreign visitors
China Extends Visa-Free Travel Through 2026: 77 Countries Now Eligible
China has significantly expanded its visa-free entry program, extending the 30-day policy through December 31, 2026 for 77 countries. The expansion, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, includes Canada and the United Kingdom, which joined the program on February 17, 2026. This move aims to stimulate international tourism and business travel, positioning China as a more accessible destination for global travelers.
Expanded Visa-Free Coverage
Under the extended policy, ordinary passport holders from 77 countries can enter mainland China visa-free for stays up to 30 days. The program includes:
- 48 countries under unilateral visa-free arrangements: Including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Canada (effective February 17, 2026)
- 29 countries with mutual visa exemption agreements: Including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Qatar, the UAE, and Kazakhstan
- Sweden joined on November 10, 2025: Extending coverage to Northern Europe
The unified 30-day limit applies to all eligible countries, replacing previous 15-day waivers for European states. Travelers can enter for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit purposes. However, employment activities—including both paid and unpaid work—remain prohibited under visa-free entry.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free Expansion
Parallel to the 30-day policy, China's 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free program has expanded significantly:
- Coverage increased to 65 ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government
- Five new ports added in March 2026: Including Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port, and West Kowloon Station of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
- Eligible for 55 countries: Including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, all EU countries, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, and major Gulf states
Transit travelers must hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region and remain within designated areas. Cross-provincial travel is permitted within the 24 approved zones, offering flexibility for multi-city itineraries.
Record Growth in Inbound Tourism
The visa-free expansion has delivered tangible results in visitor numbers:
- 292,000 foreign visitors entered China under visa-free arrangements during the 2026 New Year holiday period, up 35.8% year-over-year
- Inbound tourism orders increased 100% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the previous year
- Orders from visa-free countries surged 153% on average
- Beijing attracted over 5 million inbound tourist visits in 2025
- Russian visitors jumped 205% after the separate visa-free arrangement took effect in September 2025
Domestic Travel Diversification
Visitor distribution shows a shift beyond traditional gateway cities. During the 2026 New Year holiday, travelers holding non-Chinese passports booked domestic flights to 97 cities across China. Several leisure-focused destinations recorded exceptional growth:
- Haikou and Sanya led the rise in inbound flight bookings
- Dali, Xishuangbanna, Beihai, Xuzhou, and Zhanjiang each recorded increases of more than threefold
- Chongqing Municipality posted a 170% year-on-year rise in inbound visitors
- Hotel bookings in some commercial districts climbed eightfold
Regional Highlights for Visitors
For travelers planning trips under the expanded policy, key provinces offer diverse experiences:
- Guangdong Province: Home to Pearl River Delta manufacturing hubs, Canton Fair business opportunities, and convenient land entry via Hong Kong
- Zhejiang Province: Hangzhou's West Lake tea culture, digital innovation centers, and coastal attractions
- Hunan Province: Zhangjiajie's natural wonders, Changsha's new media ecosystem, and spicy cuisine
- Yunnan Province: Ancient tea routes, ethnic minority cultures, and subtropical landscapes
Plan Your China Journey
Ready to explore China under the expanded visa-free policy? ChinaTravelPlus specializes in customized inbound experiences across Guangdong, Zhejiang, Hunan, and Yunnan provinces. Our bilingual guides, local expertise, and seamless logistics ensure your visit exceeds expectations.
Contact us today:
Sam@ChinaTravelPlus.com - Visa & Entry Services, Business Tours
Luppy@ChinaTravelPlus.com - Group Bookings, Family Escapes
Luppy@ChinaTravelPlus.com - Group Bookings, Family Escapes
