China entry rules for visitors: visa requirements, including the US position
For US citizens
As of August 2026, the United States is not included in China’s 30-day visa-free scheme. US citizens still require a visa to enter China for tourism or business. This is the key fact for an American visitor planning to visit the Forbidden City: you must obtain a visa in advance.
However, US citizens may be eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit exemption if you are transiting through China to a third country. That exemption allows 10 days in China without a visa, but only if you have proof of onward travel (a flight ticket to another country beyond China). The Chinese government website and your US embassy will have the current details.
For EU, UK, Australian and other nationals
China’s 30-day visa-free scheme (as of August 2026) covers about 77 countries. This includes most of the EU, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and several others. If your passport is from one of these countries, you can enter China without a visa and stay for 30 days. The scheme is currently set to expire on 31 December 2026. After that, the rules may change.
If you are not sure whether your country is included, check the Chinese government website or your local Chinese embassy.
The 240-hour transit exemption
If you are not eligible for the 30-day scheme, you may qualify for the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit exemption if you can show proof of onward travel to a country beyond China. Beijing is an eligible port for this exemption. This means you can enter China from abroad, stay for up to 10 days, and exit to a third country, all without a visa. You need a flight ticket to prove you are transiting onward. This applies to many nationalities, including some who are excluded from the 30-day scheme.
This information is current as of August 2026. Rules change.
Visa rules change. This page is accurate as of August 2026, but I cannot promise it will be accurate next month. Before you book your flight, check with your own national embassy in Beijing or your home country’s consulate that covers China. The official sources are your embassy and the Chinese government. Do not rely solely on this page.
If you are reading this after August 2026 and the visa rules have changed, I am sorry. The information I have is specific to this date.
Frequently asked questions
Can US citizens visit China without a visa?
As of August 2026, no. US citizens are excluded from the 30-day visa-free scheme and require a visa. However, check the current rules with the Chinese government and your US embassy, as rules do change.
How long is the visa-free entry for non-US visitors?
30 days, as of August 2026, for 77 included countries (mostly EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand). The scheme expires 31 December 2026. After that date, the rules may revert. Check your own country’s status before booking.
Can I get a 10-day visa-free entry if I am flying onward?
Yes, if you have proof of onward travel. The 240-hour transit exemption allows 10 days in China without a visa if you are entering from abroad and exiting to a third country. This applies to many nationalities regardless of the 30-day scheme. Verify with your embassy.