China Expands 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to 50 Countries, Adding UK and Canada (2026)
China now offers 30-day visa-free entry to 50 countries including the UK and Canada as of February 17, 2026 — here's the full list, entry rules, and what you need to know.
Key takeaway
As of February 17, 2026, China's unilateral 30-day visa-free policy covers 50 countries, including the newly added United Kingdom and Canada. Ordinary passport holders may enter mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, or transit. The policy is valid through December 31, 2026. This is separate from the 240-hour transit program which covers different nationalities and requires travel to a third country.
How the rules work
What Changed
On February 17, 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced that the United Kingdom and Canada had been added to China's unilateral visa exemption program, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 50. This is the latest in a series of expansions that began in late 2023, when China first piloted the 15-day visa-free policy with a handful of European countries.
According to the official NIA announcement, nationals of all 50 designated countries holding ordinary passports may now enter mainland China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. The stay duration is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry — meaning a traveler arriving on a Monday at 23:00 would have their 30-day clock start at Tuesday 00:00.
The policy was first extended through December 31, 2026 in a November 2025 announcement reported by Xinhua, giving travelers nearly a full year of visa-free access under the current framework. The UK and Canada joined on February 17, 2026, after months of diplomatic negotiations, as confirmed by China Daily.
This unilateral policy is separate from China's 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free program, which covers 55 nationalities at 65 ports across 24 provinces, and also distinct from bilateral mutual visa exemption agreements China holds with 28 other countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and the UAE.
Who this is for
Ordinary passport holders from the 50 eligible countries planning tourism, business trips, family visits, or cultural exchange in mainland China. UK and Canadian citizens who previously needed visas will benefit most. US and Indian passport holders are not covered by this policy.
What to do next
- Check the official NIA list at en.nia.gov.cn to confirm your country qualifies. 2. Verify your passport has at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned China departure date. 3. Book flights and accommodation — carry a return ticket and proof of funds for smoother entry.
Watch for
❌ Assuming all foreign passports are visa-free → ✅ Always check the official NIA list — the US and India are NOT on it.
❌ Confusing 30-day visa-free with 240-hour transit → ✅ The 30-day policy allows direct round-trip travel; the 240-hour transit requires a third-country onward ticket.
❌ Booking flights with an almost-expired passport → ✅ China requires 6 months of passport validity beyond your departure date.
What may vary
Entry decisions remain at individual immigration officers' discretion. The policy expires December 31, 2026, with no guaranteed renewal. Hainan Province and certain border regions have separate visa-free programs with different rules. Hong Kong and Macau are separate immigration jurisdictions — crossing between them and mainland China resets your 30-day clock but requires valid entry documents for each territory.
Backup plan
If your passport is not on the 50-country list, use the 240-hour transit program (55 nationalities at 65 ports for transit to a third country) or apply for an L tourist visa at visaforchina.cn. Standard processing takes 4-7 business days and costs approximately $140 USD for most nationalities.
FAQ
Can UK and Canadian citizens really enter China without a visa in 2026?
Yes. Starting February 17, 2026, ordinary passport holders from the United Kingdom and Canada may enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, and transit, through December 31, 2026.
What is the difference between China's 30-day visa-free policy and the 240-hour transit program?
The 30-day visa-free policy covers 50 specific countries and allows direct round-trip travel (London–Beijing–London). The 240-hour transit program covers 55 nationalities including the US but requires a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (New York–Shanghai–Tokyo) and restricts movement to designated regions.
What happens if I overstay the 30-day visa-free period in China?
Overstaying triggers a fine of ¥500 per day capped at ¥10,000. Severe cases may result in detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban of 1-5 years. Apply for an extension at the local PSB Exit-Entry Administration before your 30 days expire.
Can I work or study in China under the 30-day visa-free policy?
No. The policy covers only tourism, business visits (meetings), family visits, cultural exchange, and transit. Employment, internships, and degree programs require appropriate visas (Z, X1/X2). Attempting to work on a visa-free entry can result in immediate deportation and a multi-year ban.
What happens if I overstay the 30-day visa-free period?
Overstaying triggers a fine of **¥500 per day**, capped at **¥10,000**, enforced by the [Exit and Entry Administration of China](http://en.nia.gov.cn/). Severe cases may result in detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban of 1-5 years. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa extension at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit-Entry Administration office **before** your 30 days expire.