China Records 22.91 Million Foreign Entries in H1 2026 — 77.7% Visa-Free (2026)
China recorded 22.91 million foreign entries in the first half of 2026, a 20.4% increase year-on-year, with visa-free entries accounting for 77.7% of all arrivals. Discover what the record numbers mean for your next China trip.
Key takeaway
China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported on July 10, 2026 that foreign entries reached 22.91 million in H1 2026 — a 20.4% increase year-on-year. Of those, 17.82 million (77.7%) entered under visa-free policies. Total cross-border trips hit a record 369 million. The 30-day unilateral visa-free policy (50 countries) and the 240-hour transit program (37 ports) are the primary drivers of the surge.
How the rules work
What Changed
According to the National Immigration Administration, the first half of 2026 shattered previous records for cross-border travel to and from China. The 369 million total crossings represent the highest half-year figure in Chinese history, driven overwhelmingly by expanded visa-free access programs.
Foreign entries alone reached 22.91 million, with visa-free entries making up 17.82 million of that total — or 77.7%. The NIA reported that the 30-day unilateral visa-free policy, which now covers 50 countries including the United Kingdom and Canada (added in February 2026), and the 240-hour (10-day) transit-without-visa (TWOV) program at 37 ports of entry are the two primary drivers.
The surge is not evenly distributed. Major gateway cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and the Hengqin Port (connecting Zhuhai with Macao) — reported the sharpest increases, with Shanghai alone seeing over 2.05 million visa-free arrivals in H1 2026 according to China Daily.
Who this is for
Foreign travelers planning a trip to China — especially first-time visitors from the 50 visa-free countries, transit passengers considering a China stopover, business travelers, and digital nomads evaluating short-term China visits.
What to do next
- Check if your country is on the 50-country visa-free list at en.nia.gov.cn. 2. If not eligible, verify if your itinerary qualifies for 240-hour TWOV through one of 37 designated ports. 3. Prepare your passport (6+ months validity), onward ticket, and hotel bookings before departure.
Watch for
❌ Assuming Americans cannot enter visa-free at all → ✅ U.S. citizens can use 240-hour TWOV if transiting to a third country.
❌ Booking flights to non-TWOV regional airports → ✅ Verify your arrival port is one of 37 designated TWOV ports.
❌ Thinking visa-free means unlimited re-entry → ✅ The 30-day waiver has a 90-day cooling-off for some nationalities.
What may vary
The 30-day unilateral visa-free policy is authorized through December 31, 2026 and may be extended, modified, or terminated. TWOV eligibility requires a confirmed ticket to a third country — return/open-jaw tickets to origin country do not qualify.
Backup plan
If visa-free entry fails, apply for a port visa at Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou airports or use the COVA system (cova.mfa.gov.cn) for an L visa before departure (4–7 business days).
FAQ
Can U.S. citizens enter China visa-free in 2026?
Not under the 30-day unilateral waiver — the U.S. is not on the 50-country list. However, U.S. passport holders can use the 240-hour TWOV program if transiting to a third country through one of 37 designated ports (NIA, July 2026).
How long can I stay in China under the 240-hour transit policy?
Up to 240 hours (10 days) from clearing immigration. You must stay within the permitted region and depart to a third country. Source: NIA (en.nia.gov.cn).
Which 50 countries qualify for 30-day visa-free entry to China?
Most EU countries, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and others. UK and Canada added February 2026. Full list: en.nia.gov.cn.