It depends on your passport, purpose, and itinerary — not on a single “China is visa-free now” headline. In 2026, 50 countries are on the unilateral 30-day visa-free list (NIA, as of 17 February 2026). 57 countries are on the 240-hour visa-free transit list. The two lists are not the same: US ordinary passports are on transit, not on 30-day entry. The United Kingdom and Canada are on the 30-day list. Confirm on the official National Immigration Administration pages; some visa-centre pages are behind, and forum posts are often wrong.
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Key facts
| 30-day visa-free | 50 countries. Stay counted from 00:00 on the day after entry, 30 calendar days. Purpose: tourism, business, family visit, exchange — not work |
|---|---|
| End dates (official, as of Nov 2026) | 48 countries: 31 December 2026 on pages we checked. Russia: through 31 December 2027. Brunei: no published end date. We have not seen a public 2027 extension for the 48 |
| 240-hour transit | 57 countries, 65 ports. Onward ticket to a third country or region. Shenzhen entry ports: Bao’an, Shekou, West Kowloon HSR — not Luohu, Futian or Shenzhen Bay |
| United States | Not on the 30-day list. On the 240-hour transit list if you qualify. Otherwise, apply for a visa |
| United Kingdom, Canada | On the 30-day list (from 17 February 2026). Forum posts saying otherwise are out of date |
| India | Not on either visa-free list we cite. Apply for a visa |
It depends on your passport and itinerary, not on a “China is visa-free now” headline. 50 countries are on the 30-day list; 57 on the 240-hour transit list; the United States is on transit only.
Who this is for
- Anyone who needs a yes-or-no starting point before they open an embassy form.
Skip this if
- You already have a visa in the passport — go to the arrival-card and hotel-registration guides.
A simple decision tree
- Open the visa eligibility checker and enter your passport and itinerary.
- If your country is on the 30-day unilateral list (50 countries, compiled by NIA as of 17 February 2026), and your purpose is tourism, business talks, family visit or exchange — not employment — you may be able to enter without applying for a visa. Re-read the official conditions. The clock is 30 calendar days from 00:00 the day after entry.
- If you are only transiting, with a confirmed ticket to a third country or region, check the 240-hour visa-free transit (57 countries, 65 ports). Shenzhen’s qualifying entry points are Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX), Shekou Port, and the Hong Kong West Kowloon high-speed rail station — not Luohu, Futian or Shenzhen Bay.
- If neither list covers you, or your purpose is work, study, or a longer stay, apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorised visa centre. This page will not walk through a visa-form tutorial; official instructions change.
Who is on which list — and who is often confused
The official English compilation of the 30-day programme, as of 17 February 2026, is on the National Immigration Administration site. The Chinese embassy in Canada published a May 2026 FAQ that states the same 50-country count, and notes: Brunei has no published expiry; Russia is valid through 31 December 2027; the other 48 through 31 December 2026. We are citing that wording as of 12 November 2026. We have not seen a public extension of those 48 into 2027.
Two frequent errors:
- United Kingdom and Canada. They are on the 30-day list, from 17 February 2026. Older forum posts, and some visa-centre pages that still say “47” or “49,” are incomplete. Trust NIA and embassy pages over Reddit.
- United States. US ordinary passports are not on the 30-day list. They are on the 240-hour transit list. A tourist who flies in, stays a week, and flies home the same way usually still needs a visa. See Can Americans visit China without a visa?.
The arrival card is separate
Visa-free is not the same as skipping the arrival card. Since 20 November 2025 you can fill it online, for free, at the official NIA page. Details: China’s official online arrival card.
Do not cut it fine
Overstaying is an administrative offence with a range of penalties under the Exit-Entry Administration Law. Use the stay calculator and read what happens if you overstay. Plan a visa if you might need more time; do not assume an on-the-spot extension.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my own passport quickly?
Use our visa eligibility checker, then open the official NIA English list. If the two disagree, the official page wins.
When does the 30-day clock start?
From 00:00 on the day after you enter, for 30 calendar days, according to official wording. Use the stay calculator and do not cut it fine.
Can I extend a visa-free stay?
Do not plan on an extension. Official programme pages describe a fixed duration. If you might need more time, apply for a visa before you travel.
Is the 24-hour direct transit still a thing?
Yes, as a separate, narrower rule for travellers who remain in the port’s permitted area and leave within 24 hours. It is not a 30-day stay. Read the official wording.