China to Refine Visa-Free Entry, Digitize Border Services — 50 Countries Eligible, 17.8M Arrivals in H1 (2026)
China will refine its visa-free transit and entry programs while digitizing more border services, Vice Minister of Public Security Qi Yanjun announced on July 24, 2026. Currently 50 nationalities enjoy unilateral visa-free entry, with 65 ports supporting 240-hour transit. Inbound arrivals hit 17.8 million in H1 2026 — 77.7% entered visa-free.
Key takeaway
On July 24, 2026, Vice Minister of Public Security Qi Yanjun announced China will refine its visa-free transit and entry programs and digitize more border services. Currently, citizens of 50 countries have 30-day visa-free entry (extended through December 31, 2026), and 55 nationalities can use the 240-hour transit program through 65 ports. In H1 2026, 17.8 million visitors entered visa-free — 77.7% of all foreign arrivals, up 20.6% year-on-year. China also set a target of 190 million inbound visits by 2030.
How the rules work
What Changed
Vice Minister Qi made two concrete commitments at the July 24, 2026 press briefing. First, the government will "refine" existing visa-free transit and unilateral visa-free entry programs — this means streamlining procedures, not cutting access. Second, more border and immigration services will be digitized, building on the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) launched in November 2025, which already lets travelers submit entry declarations online before flying.
The announcement follows staggering inbound tourism numbers. In the first half of 2026, 17.8 million foreign visitors entered China without a visa, accounting for 77.7% of all international arrivals and marking a 20.6% year-on-year increase, according to data reported by Travel And Tour World and the National Immigration Administration (NIA). The broader target — 190 million inbound visits by 2030 — signals that visa-free access is a long-term strategy, not a temporary experiment.
Here's the current landscape as of August 2026:
- 50 countries have unilateral 30-day visa-free entry (extended through December 31, 2026). Recent additions include the UK and Canada (February 2026).
- 55 nationalities qualify for the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program.
- 65 entry ports now support the transit program — up from 60 in December 2024, according to the State Council Information Office.
- The 240-hour transit rule still requires travel from Country A → China → Country B (real transit, not round-trip to the same country).
Who this is for
Travelers from the 50 visa-free countries planning trips through 2026, travelers from the 55 transit-eligible countries (including U.S. passport holders), frequent business travelers, tour operators, and anyone planning a 2027+ China trip who wants long-term policy certainty.
What to do next
- Verify your passport's eligibility against the official 50-country list on the NIA website (en.nia.gov.cn). 2. Fill out the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) through the NIA 12367 app before departure. 3. Book flights with genuine A → China → B routing if using the 240-hour transit program. 4. Save the NIA 12367 hotline (+86-10-12367) for 24/7 English immigration inquiries.
Watch for
❌ Thinking 240-hour transit allows round-trip to the same country → ✅ You must travel A → China → B. Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan count as separate third regions.
❌ Assuming all 50 visa-free countries get identical entry procedures at every port → ✅ The 30-day rule is consistent, but port-specific procedures differ. Check your entry port on en.nia.gov.cn.
❌ Waiting to check visa policy until just before departure → ✅ Check the NIA website or your Chinese embassy 2–4 weeks before travel as policies are actively being refined.
What may vary
The July 24 'refinement' is a policy direction, not an immediate legal change. Specific rollouts — new digital tools, expanded e-channel eligibility, possible additions to the 50-country list — will come through NIA announcements over months. The December 31, 2026 extension means another renewal decision is expected by November 2026. Entry port procedures vary — larger airports have foreigner e-channels, smaller ports use manual counters.
Backup plan
If your nationality isn't on the 50-country visa-free list, the 240-hour transit program likely covers you (including U.S. citizens) for stays up to 10 days. The L/M tourist visa remains available at Chinese embassies worldwide with 4–7 working day processing. The 10-year multiple-entry L visa is still issued to U.S. citizens.
FAQ
Does the July 24 announcement mean visa-free entry to China is getting harder or easier?
Easier. Vice Minister Qi Yanjun said 'refine' — streamline and improve, not restrict. The 190M inbound visit target by 2030 confirms this direction.
Which 50 countries have visa-free entry to China in 2026?
Most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, UK, Canada, and more. The U.S. is not on the list but can use 240-hour transit.
How long does the 240-hour transit visa-free policy let me stay?
Up to 10 days from clearing immigration, limited to the permitted area of your entry port. You need onward travel to a different country than your origin.
When does the current 30-day visa-free policy expire?
December 31, 2026. A renewal decision is expected before then, likely November 2026.
Does the July 24 announcement mean visa-free entry is getting harder or easier?
Easier. Vice Minister Qi Yanjun used the word "refine" — meaning streamline and improve, not restrict. The government also set a 190M-inbound-visit target for 2030, which would be impossible without continued visa liberalization.
Which 50 countries currently have visa-free entry to China?
The list includes most EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, and others. The UK and Canada were added in February 2026. The U.S. is not on the list but can use the 240-hour transit program.