Entry & Visa
Visa-free countries, 240-hour transit visa, customs rules — get into China smoothly.
Visa-Free Entry (30 Days) — 50 Countries
Updated as of February 17, 2026. Source: China National Immigration Administration.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe (35) | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Asia (7) | Japan, South Korea, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain |
| Americas (6) | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada |
| Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
Note: Brunei — indefinite; Russia — valid until Sep 14, 2026; all other 48 countries — valid until Dec 31, 2026. This info was last updated February 2026. Since visa rules tend to shift, it’s always worth confirming the latest policy closer to your departure date.
240-Hour Transit Visa-Free
Citizens of 55 countries (including USA, Canada, UK, Russia) can transit through China visa-free for up to 240 hours (10 days).
Requirements
- Valid passport (3+ months remaining)
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not the country you came from)
- Enter through one of 60 designated ports
- Stay within the designated travel area (varies by port)
Key Ports
Beijing (Capital & Daxing), Shanghai (Pudong & Hongqiao), Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu Tianfu, Shenzhen Bao’an, Xi’an Xianyang, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, Chongqing Jiangbei, and 52 more.
Customs Regulations
Before you arrive, make sure you’re aware of China’s customs regulations to avoid issues at the border.
| Item | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash (foreign currency) | Yes | Up to $5,000 — declare if more |
| Cash (RMB / CNY) | Yes | Up to ¥20,000 — declare if more |
| Alcohol (>12°) | Yes | 1.5L for personal use |
| Cigarettes | Yes | 400 cigarettes, or 20 cigars, or 500g tobacco |
| Personal medications | Yes | Bring prescription/doctor letter in English |
| Fresh food/meat | No | Prohibited — includes fruits, dairy, meat, seeds |
| Pornography | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Political/religious material | Caution | May be confiscated at customs discretion |
| Drones | Caution | Must register with CAAC before flying |
| VPN apps on phone | Caution | Personal use is common but exists in a legal gray area |