China to Refine Visa-Free Transit Policy and Digitize Entry Procedures (2026) — What Foreign Travelers Should Know
China announced plans on July 24, 2026 to refine its visa-free transit and entry programs while digitizing more border and immigration services — here's what the changes mean for travelers from 50 visa-free countries and 55 transit-eligible nations.
Key takeaway
China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 24, 2026 that it plans to refine visa-free transit and entry programs while digitizing more border and immigration services. No immediate rule changes apply — the 50-country unilateral visa-free list and 55-country 240-hour transit policy remain unchanged for now. Travelers should monitor official NIA channels for implementation announcements.
Full report
What Changed
According to the State Council of China, a senior police officer from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) stated on July 24, 2026 that China will adjust visa and residence-permit policies further, upgrade digital entry services, and refine existing visa-free transit programs to provide "more convenience for foreign visitors."
The announcement, reported by Xinhua News Agency, signals the government's continued push to make inbound travel easier as foreign arrivals surge. In the first half of 2026, China recorded 22.91 million entries by foreign nationals — a 20.4% increase year-on-year — with 17.8 million visa-free entries accounting for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals, according to the NIA's July 2026 briefing.
The planned refinements focus on two areas: (1) adjusting visa and residence-permit rules — though specific changes have not yet been detailed — and (2) upgrading the digital infrastructure at borders, which could mean faster e-gates, app-based declarations, or expanded passport-reader compatibility at immigration checkpoints.
This is the latest in a series of policy relaxations: in February 2026, the United Kingdom and Canada were added to the 30-day unilateral visa-free list, bringing the total to 50 countries.
What to do next
- Verify your nationality's eligibility using ChinaPie's visa-free checker. 2. Monitor en.nia.gov.cn and ChinaPie Travel Updates for official implementation announcements. 3. Prepare both digital and paper backup documents for your next trip.
What may vary
Implementation timelines may differ by port — Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou likely receive digital upgrades first. Specific policy adjustments to visa and residence permits have not been detailed; scope could range from minor tweaks to expanded eligibility.
FAQ
Do the July 24 2026 announced changes mean I can enter China without a visa right now?
No — only nationalities already on the 50-country visa-free list or 55-country transit list can enter without a visa. No new countries were added on July 24, 2026.
Will the 240-hour transit policy be extended beyond 10 days?
The NIA has not specified what refinements mean. Current 10-day limit through 65 ports across 24 provinces remains in effect.
When will digital entry upgrades be available at Chinese airports?
No timeline published. Major hubs like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) typically receive upgrades first.