Will China’s 30-day visa-free entry continue in 2027?
No decision yet. 48 countries’ visa-free access to China is set to end on 31 December 2026.
China has extended the policy every year since it started, usually announcing in November. Until an announcement, trips from 1 January 2027 cannot be planned on visa-free entry.
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How the policy has changed
- Trial starts for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia: 15 days visa-free, until 30 November 2024.
- More countries added in batches.
- Stay extended from 15 to 30 days. Policy extended to 31 December 2025.
- 45 countries extended to 31 December 2026. Sweden added from 10 November 2025.
- United Kingdom and Canada added, until 31 December 2026.
- Russia extended separately to 31 December 2027.
- Current end date for 48 countries.
Countries affected by the 31 December 2026 end date
Planning a trip for early 2027
- Book flights and hotels you can cancel or change for free.
- Travelling on business or can’t risk it? Apply for a visa. A visa is valid whatever happens to the policy.
- Flying on to another country? Check whether your passport qualifies for 240-hour transit, which has no end date.
Frequently asked questions
Will China’s visa-free policy continue in 2027?
Not announced yet. As of 29 September 2026, the 30-day visa-free entry for 48 countries is set to end on 31 December 2026. China has extended the policy every year since it began in December 2023.
When will China announce the 2027 decision?
No date has been given. The last two extensions were announced in November: on 22 November 2024 and on 3 November 2025.
Which countries are not affected by the 31 December 2026 date?
Russia (visa-free until 31 December 2027), Brunei (no end date), the 29 countries with mutual visa exemption agreements, and all 240-hour transit and Hainan arrangements.
I have a trip in January 2027. What should I do?
Book refundable flights and hotels, and watch for the announcement. If you cannot wait, apply for a visa now: a valid visa works whatever happens to the visa-free policy.