What changed
China entry rules — what changed
China keeps adjusting who can enter and how — new visa-free countries, a longer transit window, a digital arrival card, the K visa. This is a dated log of those changes, each checked against an official government source, newest first.
2026
- Visa-free
Russia's visa-free entry extended through the end of 2027
China extended the visa-free policy for Russian ordinary-passport holders through December 31, 2027 — a year longer than the rest of the unilateral program.
- Visa-free
UK and Canada added to the 30-day visa-free program
Ordinary-passport holders from the United Kingdom and Canada can now enter mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days per entry.
2025
- Mutual exemption
Consolidated list of mutual visa-exemption agreements published
China published an updated consolidated list of the countries that hold a bilateral (mutual) ordinary-passport visa-exemption agreement with China.
- Arrival card
Digital arrival card launches at all ports nationwide
The online arrival card went live at every port, letting travellers complete the entry card before arrival. The paper form and on-arrival options remain available.
- Visa-free
Visa-free access widened and transit ports expanded
China broadened visa-free access and increased the number of designated ports open to visa-free transit travellers.
- K visa
K visa takes effect for young STEM talent
A new ordinary visa category — the K visa, added by State Council Decree No. 814 — came into effect for foreign young science-and-technology talent, with no Chinese employer or sponsor required to apply. Operational details (age cap, validity, recognised institutions) are still pending.
- Visa-free
Visa-free trial introduced for Russian citizens
China introduced a trial visa-free policy for Russian ordinary-passport holders (later extended through 2027).
2024
- Transit
240-hour visa-free transit extended to 55 countries
The visa-free transit window was extended to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of 55 countries, through 65 ports, with travel allowed across 24 provincial-level regions.
Check your own trip against the latest rules
Rules change at short notice. Our free tools carry a “last verified” date and link the official source on every answer.
Official sources
Every policy on this page was checked against these official pages. Always confirm with the source before booking.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice, and may contain errors or be out of date — policies change without notice. Always confirm your eligibility, stay length and entry conditions with the official sources above or your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before you book travel or rely on this page. Ready Set China is an independent information site — not a travel agency, booking agent, or government body — and is not responsible for decisions made on the basis of this information.