China H1 2026 Border Crossings Hit Record 369 Million — Visa-Free Entries Surge 30.6%
China's border inspection agencies handled a record 369 million crossings in H1 2026, with visa-free entries surging 30.6% to 17.81 million — 77.7% of all foreign arrivals now enter without a traditional visa.
Key takeaway
China's border inspection agencies handled a record 369 million crossings in the first half of 2026, up 10.8% year on year. Visa-free entries by foreign nationals surged 30.6% to 17.81 million, now accounting for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals. Travelers from over 50 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days as of July 2026.
How the rules work
What Changed
According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), China's border control agencies processed 369 million cross-border trips between January 1 and June 30, 2026 — a 10.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This marks a new all-time high for the first half of any year, reported by Xinhua News Agency on July 10, 2026.
The most striking figure is the surge in visa-free entries: 17.81 million foreign nationals entered China without a traditional visa during H1 2026, a 30.6% year-on-year jump reported by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. This means 77.7% of all foreign arrivals — nearly 4 out of every 5 international visitors — now enter China using a visa-free channel.
Separately, China Daily reported on July 16, 2026 that immigration authorities recorded 13.64 million visa-free inbound trips by foreigners in H1 2026, a 53.9% increase year on year. This accelerating pace reflects the cumulative effect of China's continuously expanding visa-free policies.
The growth is attributed to China's expanding visa-free policies. As of July 2026, citizens from over 50 countries can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, or transit, according to the NIA's official country list. Travelers from 55+ nationalities also qualify for the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program at 65 designated ports.
Who this is for
International travelers planning a trip to China in 2026, including first-time tourists, business travelers, transit passengers, and anyone wondering whether they still need a traditional Chinese visa.
What to do next
- Check your visa-free eligibility on the NIA's official country list before applying for a consular visa. 2. Choose your entry port — 65 ports accept 240-hour transit travelers. 3. Book attractions, hotels, and trains early due to record visitor volumes.
Watch for
❌ Assuming you still need a traditional visa → ✅ Check the NIA's visa-free country list first
❌ Not accounting for busier immigration queues at PEK/PVG → ✅ Allow 90+ minutes during peak windows (6-10 AM, 4-8 PM Beijing time)
❌ Waiting to book attractions and hotels → ✅ Book Forbidden City 7 days ahead, hotels 2 weeks ahead during peak seasons
What may vary
The visa-free country list is updated periodically by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIA. The current list is extended through December 31, 2026 but may expand further. Port queue times vary by day and time — Monday mornings and Friday evenings are busiest.
Backup plan
If your nationality does not qualify for visa-free entry, apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) through your local CVASC (4-7 business days). Alternatively, check if you qualify for the 240-hour transit program requiring only a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.
FAQ
Can I enter China visa-free in 2026 with my passport?
As of July 2026, citizens from over 50 countries — including most EU nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Gulf states — can enter China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, or transit.
What is the difference between China visa-free entry and 240-hour transit?
Visa-free entry allows 30 days anywhere in China for 50+ countries. The 240-hour (10-day) transit program covers 55+ nationalities but requires transiting between two international destinations and restricts you to specific regions around your entry port.
Will China visa-free policy continue after 2026?
The policy has been extended through December 31, 2026. China's new 15th Five-Year Tourism Plan targets 190M inbound visits by 2030, making further extensions highly likely.
What is the difference between visa-free entry and the 240-hour transit program?
Visa-free entry allows stays of up to 30 days anywhere in China for citizens of 50+ designated countries. The 240-hour (10-day) transit program covers 55+ nationalities and requires you to be transiting between two international destinations — it restricts you to specific regions around your entry port. Both are visa-free but have different eligibility rules and geographic constraints.
Will the visa-free policy continue beyond 2026?
The current unilateral visa-free policy has been officially extended through December 31, 2026. On July 8, 2026, China's State Council approved a 15th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan (2026-2030) that targets 190 million inbound tourist visits annually by 2030, so further extensions and expansions are highly likely but not yet confirmed.