China’s entry rules now cover more travelers

China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Stays and 240-Hour Transit

China’s entry rules now cover more travelers

China’s 30-day visa-free entry now applies to about 50 countries, including the U.K. and Canada, which were added Feb. 17, 2026. Eligible passport holders can enter for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit. The policy stays in force through Dec. 31, 2026.

The country also widened its 240-hour visa-free transit program to 55 countries and 65 designated ports across 24 provinces. Travelers must hold a passport valid for more than three months, plus a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region within 144 hours.

What it means for nomads, expats and business travelers

For nomads and expats, the biggest change is simpler short stays. The 30-day visa-free rule cuts out paperwork for eligible visitors, though longer stays still need the right visa. The new online arrival card also replaces the paper form that used to be handed out on planes and at borders.

Business travelers can use the transit program for meetings and other short visits in approved areas. The expanded list now includes ports such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and West Kowloon Station.

How to get through immigration faster

Most foreign travelers now must complete China’s digital arrival card before entry through the official National Immigration Administration website, the NIA 12367 app or WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. The process ends with a QR code to show at immigration. Read our full China guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more policy changes.