Entry rules · 5 Nov 2026
Is China still visa-free in 2027? What we know
Right now, ordinary passport holders from 50 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, for tourism, business, family visits or transit. The list includes the UK and Canada (added in February 2026), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most of Europe.
For almost all of these countries, the policy is officially a trial that runs until 31 December 2026. Russia is the exception: its trial was extended to the end of 2027. As of early November 2026, China had not yet announced whether the trial will be extended for everyone else.
Here is why we expect good news, while not promising it. China has extended the policy every year since it began, and last year’s extension was announced in early November. The government’s tourism plan aims for 190 million inbound visits a year by 2030 and talks about expanding visa-free entry, not reducing it. And visa-free travel now accounts for nearly 8 in 10 foreign arrivals, according to the National Immigration Administration.
What this means if you’re planning a 2027 trip: you can book now. As soon as the rules for 2027 are published, we update this page and email everyone booked. If your passport ends up needing a visa, we send the invitation letter and itinerary for your application, and our free 48-hour cancellation applies to every new booking.
Not on the list? US citizens, among others, can still use 240-hour visa-free transit when flying on to a third country, or apply for a tourist visa. Use the passport checker on our planning guide, or ask us.