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In the context of globalization and the strong recovery of the tourism industry post-pandemic, China is actively opening up more than ever before. One of the most prominent policies is visa-free entry for citizens from a wide array of countries, aimed at promoting cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges. According to announcements from China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), as of July 2025, China has expanded its visa-free policy to a total of 75 countries, including both bilateral agreements and unilateral measures. This not only saves travelers time and costs but also contributes to economic growth, with non-visa entries surging over 50% in the first half of 2025.
The policy is implemented flexibly, offering stays of up to 30 days for most cases, applicable for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting relatives, exchanges, and transit. However, not all countries enjoy equal benefits, and some policies are temporary until the end of 2025 or specific dates. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, application conditions, benefits, and tips for traveling to China.
China's visa-free policy gained momentum from late 2023, when the country eased border controls following COVID-19. Initially, only 12 European countries and Malaysia benefited from a 15-day visa-free stay until the end of 2024. By 2025, the list has expanded significantly through bilateral agreements and unilateral policies.
According to the NIA, as of July 2025, China has signed bilateral visa-free agreements with 22 countries, allowing mutual visa-free entry for short stays. At the same time, unilateral policies apply to 53 other countries, mainly from Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Key updates include:
April 2025: Agreement with Azerbaijan, effective from July 16, 2025, allowing a 30-day stay.
May 2025: Expansion to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.
June 2025: Addition of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 9, 2025.
July 2025: Extension to Russia from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, and Indonesia eligible for 240-hour transit from June 12, 2025.
September 2025: Policy with Malaysia upgraded to bilateral from July 17, 2025, allowing 30-day stays with a total of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
Overall, 74 countries now qualify for 30-day visa-free stays, and 55 countries are eligible for 240-hour (10-day) transit. These changes reflect China's "high-level opening-up" strategy, aiming to attract over 100 million international visitors by 2025, as per the 14th Five-Year Plan.
The list below is compiled from official sources of the NIA and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, categorized by region for easy reference. The stay duration is primarily 30 days for ordinary passports, applicable for tourism, business, visiting relatives, and transit. Some countries have temporary validity until December 31, 2025, or other dates.
Note: This list excludes territories like Hong Kong and Macau (which have separate policies). Citizens from 55 other countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Japan if not directly visa-free) can transit visa-free for 240 hours at 60 ports of entry.
In addition to direct visa-free entry, China offers several special programs:
240-Hour (10-Day) Visa-Free Transit: Applies to 55 countries, allowing travelers transiting to a third country to leave the airport and travel within 24 provinces/cities. Eligible countries include most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and newly Indonesia. Requirements: Round-trip ticket to a third country, valid passport.
Hainan 30-Day Program: Citizens of 59 countries (including most from the list above, plus Russia and Mexico) can stay 30 days in Hainan Province without a visa, via individual or group tours.
144-Hour Transit at 20 Cities: Allows a 6-day stay in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, for 53 countries.
APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC): Citizens of APEC countries (including Vietnam) get visa-free entry for 60 days for business purposes.
ASEAN Tourism Groups in Guilin and Xishuangbanna: From February 10, 2025, groups from 10 ASEAN countries (including Vietnam) get 6-day visa-free stays in these areas.
This policy offers dual benefits. For travelers, skipping visa applications saves 2-4 weeks of preparation and costs around $100-200. You can effortlessly explore the Great Wall, modern Shanghai, or street food in Beijing without bureaucratic hassles. Data from SCMP shows that in the first half of 2025, Shanghai welcomed 2.6 million international visitors, up 44.8% from the previous year, largely due to visa-free access.
Economically, tourism contributes 5-6% to China's GDP. Cities like Beijing and Hainan have seen surges in hotel and airline revenues. According to PBS News, no major African countries are on the list, but Europe and Asia account for 70% of visitors, boosting China's "soft power."
Despite the convenience, travelers should prepare thoroughly:
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months, with blank pages.
Return Ticket: To prove plans to depart within the allowed period.
Accommodation and Itinerary: Recommended to demonstrate purpose.
Residency Registration: Within 24 hours at a hotel or local police station.
Restrictions: No work, study, or overstaying (fines or 2-year entry ban).
Updates: Check the NIA website (nia.gov.cn) or embassy before travel, as policies may change.
Vietnamese citizens are not yet on the direct visa-free list but can use 144-hour transit or ASEAN groups. For visas, the process takes 4-7 days at about $60.
China's 2025 visa-free policy is not just a strategic move but a sincere invitation to the world. With 75 countries benefiting, it's the perfect time to plan trips for tourism, business, or cultural exchanges. Imagine strolling Tiananmen Square or savoring dim sum in Guangdong without visa worries—just a flight away. If you're from an eligible country, don't miss out! And remember, responsible tourism will help sustain this policy. For more details, follow official updates at https://quoctichthuhai.com/.
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