What is China’s visa exemption policy?

1. Visa-free policy types
Mutual visa exemption: Citizens of China and certain countries can enter each other’s country without a visa, and the stay period and entry conditions are usually equal.

Unilateral visa exemption: China unilaterally allows citizens of some countries to enter without a visa.

Transit visa exemption: Citizens transiting through China to a third country (region) can enter China without a visa from any of the 60 open ports in China’s 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay in the specified area for no more than 240 hours.

Specific area visa exemption: Landing and visa exemption are limited to specific areas in China, and the scope of activities is also limited to the area.

2. Duration of visa exemption
Different types of visa exemption have different visa exemption durations.

Mutual visa exemption: Usually 15-30 days

Unilateral visa exemption: 30 days

Transit visa exemption: 240 hours (10 days)

Specific area visa exemption: 6-15 days. Citizens of 59 countries can stay in Hainan for 30 days without a visa, but are limited to activities within Hainan Province.

Visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering by cruise ship: no more than 15 days

Visa-free policy for tourist groups from ASEAN countries entering Xishuangbanna, Yunnan: no more than 6 days

Visa-free policy for tourist groups from ASEAN countries entering Guilin, Guangxi: no more than 6 days

Visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao entering Guangdong: no more than 6 days

Visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao entering Hainan: no more than 6 days

The above specific areas are limited to activities within the specific areas