In recent years, China has expanded its visa-free entry policies to boost tourism. Here's how you can take advantage of these schemes.

Visiting China used to be complicated and costly, with typical visas requiring lengthy forms, high fees over $100, and long approval waits.

However, Beijing has made significant changes in recent years, introducing several visa-free entry schemes to attract foreign tourists and boost the tourism sector.

One of the most notable changes is the new policy allowing travelers from certain countries to transit through China without a visa for up to 10 days. This applies to passport holders from 55 nations, with Indonesia being the latest addition in June.

There are also other visa-free options, each with its own rules and requirements. Below are five ways travelers can enter mainland China without a visa.

1. Arrive by Cruise Ship

Visitors arriving in China on an international cruise can stay for 15 days without a visa.

• Eligible Ports: Cruise passengers can enter through ports in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Haikou, and Dalian.
• Tour Group Requirement: Travelers must be part of a group, and the group must enter and exit the country together.
• Extension of Previous Rule: This policy extends a pilot scheme that began in 2016 for passengers arriving in Shanghai, and it has been reinstated since 2023.

2. Transit Through Chinese Cities

Passport holders from 55 countries, including the United States, Australia, Russia, and many European nations, can stay in certain Chinese cities for up to 10 days when transiting through one of its international airports.

This policy covers 60 ports of entry across 24 provincial regions, including major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.

• Eligible Countries: A full list includes countries from Europe, North America, and others.
• Available Ports: Airports in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and more.
• Stay Requirements: Travelers must stay within the designated city or its surrounding areas. They can't travel to other regions of mainland China but may enter or exit to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan.
• No Additional Costs: There is no fee, and no application is required beforehand. However, you must show proof of an onward ticket to leave the city within the 10-day transit window.

A hotel reservation can help speed up the immigration process.

For example, a traveler arriving in Shanghai from Singapore can leave for Seoul, or someone flying from Macau to Xiamen and onward to Taipei. Round-trip tickets are not allowed under this scheme.

3. Stay in Hainan Province

Hainan, a tropical island province, allows nationals from 59 countries to visit without a visa. Visitors can enter by flying to Sanya or Haikou, the province's two main airports, or use seaports with immigration facilities.

• Eligibility: Visitors need only to book a round-trip flight to either of the two airports and complete an arrival form, which may be provided on the plane.
• Restrictions: Travelers cannot visit other parts of China during the 30-day period unless they have the necessary visa.
• Promoting Tourism: Hainan has been offering visa-free access since 2018, aiming to attract more international tourists.

4. Book a Group Tour to Guangdong Province

Travelers from any country with diplomatic ties to China can join a group tour organized by a registered agency in Hong Kong or Macau to enter Guangdong province without a visa.

• Eligible Countries: Citizens from any country that has diplomatic relations with China.
• Tour Requirements: The group must consist of at least two people but no more than 40.
• Approved Destinations: The nine cities of Guangdong’s Pearl River Delta, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou, are eligible.
• Transport: Tours can enter Guangdong by land, sea, or air.

This scheme may change, so check with a tour operator for the latest details. Citizens from 10 ASEAN countries can join short tours to Guilin in Guangxi or Xishuangbanna in Yunnan without a visa for up to six days.

5. Unilateral Visa-Free Entry for 47 Countries

Citizens from 47 countries, including most of Europe and several Middle Eastern and Latin American countries, can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days.

• Eligible Countries: Countries include France, Germany, and Brazil, along with others from the Middle East and Latin America.
• Recent Additions: As of June 9, 2025, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia nationals are also part of this group.
• Visa-Free Duration: This rule applies to travelers for business, tourism, family visits, or transit.

China aims to boost its tourism economy by making it easier for foreigners to visit. However, this policy is unilateral, meaning it doesn't guarantee reciprocity for Chinese nationals visiting those countries.

By offering more flexibility, China makes it simpler for international travelers to explore its rich culture and history without the hassle of a traditional visa. Whether passing through or staying longer, these five options open up new travel possibilities.

Disclaimer: This content was refreshed in June 2025. Please confirm all travel details with relevant embassies, agencies, and airlines for complete accuracy.