Introduction
China’s evolving visa-free policies have made it easier for foreign nationals to visit for short-term purposes, enhancing business, tourism, and international relations. This guide provides a detailed overview of the latest updates and the various visa-free options available for travelers to China.
Latest Updates on China’s Visa-Free Policies
Port Visa for Emergencies (July 18, 2024)
The Beijing Port Visa Office has introduced a guideline for travelers facing emergencies. Inbound travelers can now apply for a “port visa” via email, receiving a ‘Pre-Acceptance Receipt’ to board flights to China. Upon arrival, they complete the visa application process at 24/7 Port Visa Offices in Beijing airports, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.
Expansion of the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy (July 15, 2024)
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has expanded the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports, including Zhengzhou aviation port and multiple cities in Yunnan Province. New entry points such as Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport and Lijiang Sanyi International Airport have been added, facilitating easier access to Mainland China.
Visa-Free Entry for Polish Citizens (June 24, 2024)
President Xi Jinping announced the removal of visa requirements for Polish citizens, allowing visa-free entry for stays up to 15 days. This move aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote tourism and business.
Visa-Free Entry for Australia and New Zealand (June 17, 2024)
Premier Li Qiang announced that Australia and New Zealand will be included in the list of unilateral visa-free countries, permitting stays up to 15 days for tourism, business, and visiting relatives.
Visa-Free Entry for Cruise Tourists (May 15, 2024)
China’s National Immigration Administration has introduced a visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China via cruise ships. Groups can stay for up to 15 days, provided they remain with the same cruise ship until the next port of call.
Expansion of Hainan Visa-Free Policy (February 18, 2024)
The 30-day visa-free travel policy in Hainan now includes additional purposes such as business, family reunions, medical treatment, and exhibitions, while excluding work and study.
China-Singapore Visa-Free Agreement (January 25, 2024)
China and Singapore have agreed to a mutual visa-free policy for citizens, allowing stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, and family visits, effective February 9, 2024.
China-Thailand Visa-Free Policy (January 8, 2024)
A permanent visa-free policy between China and Thailand allows citizens to stay for up to 30 days, promoting tourism and economic exchanges.
Comprehensive Overview of Visa-Free Policies
Countries with Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements
China has mutual visa exemption agreements with over 150 countries, primarily for diplomatic or official passports. However, ordinary passport holders from the following countries can travel visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, and visiting family or friends:
• Armenia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Dominica
• Fiji
• Grenada
• The Maldives
• Mauritius
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Seychelles
• Suriname
• The United Arab Emirates
15-Day Visa-Free Travel
Travelers from several countries can enjoy 15-day visa-free travel to China. This includes those visiting for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. The eligible countries for this policy are:
• Brunei
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• The Netherlands
• Spain
• Malaysia
• Switzerland
• Ireland
• Hungary
• Austria
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• New Zealand
• Australia
• Poland
This policy is valid until November 30, 2024, and applies to tourism, business, and family visits. However, travelers planning to stay longer or engage in activities such as study or work will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
30-Day Visa-Free Travel
Citizens from several countries can also benefit from a 30-day visa-free travel arrangement with China. This includes Singapore, Poland, Georgia, Thailand, and others. Travelers from these countries can stay in China for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, and visiting family.
Visa-Free Transit Policies
China offers visa-free transit options for travelers from certain countries:
144-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• Eligible travelers from 54 countries can apply for a six-day entry permit at designated ports.
• Travelers must show a connecting ticket to a third country to avail of this policy.
72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• This option is available at ports including Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, Harbin Taiping International Airport, and Changsha Huanghua International Airport.
• Travelers are restricted to specific areas and must show a connecting ticket to a third country.
24-Hour Visa-Free Transit
• Available for all international travelers at any international airport in China.
• Travelers must remain within the city of arrival and depart within 24 hours.
Special Visa-Free Policies for Tour Groups
Pearl River Delta Region
Tourist groups organized by travel agencies in Hong Kong or Macao can travel visa-free to nine cities in the Pearl River Delta region for up to six days.
Hainan Province
Citizens from 59 countries can travel to Hainan visa-free for 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, and other short-term purposes.
Guilin
Tour groups from 10 ASEAN countries can stay in Guilin for up to six days without a visa.
Visa-Free Travel for Tour Groups on Cruise Ships
Foreign tourist groups can enter 13 coastal cities in China visa-free for up to 15 days if they stay with the same cruise ship.
Special Cards Enabling Visa-Free Entry
APEC Business Travel Card Holders
Valid for citizens of 21 APEC member economies, allowing multiple entries to China for business purposes for up to 60 days per entry.
Permanent Residence Card Holders
Holders of Chinese permanent residence cards can travel freely in and out of China for work, business, family visits, and travel.
Residence Permit Holders
Foreigners with residence permits for work or study can leave and enter China multiple times within the permit’s validity period.
Conclusion
China’s visa-free policies provide a range of options for short-term travel, enhancing business, tourism, and international relations. These policies reflect China’s commitment to high-level openness and economic integration. For more information and assistance with visa applications, contact us today.
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