Exemptions of Visa for China

2025-05-29 18:15

Under any of the following circumstances, foreigners may be exempt from applying for visas:

1.With a bilateral agreement. According to the bilateral agreements between China and foreign countries, citizens of some countries who meet requirements set out in the bilateral agreements may enter China without a visa. For specific information, please refer to the List of Agreements on Mutual Visa Exemption Between China and Foreign Countries (http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/).

2. Transit through China

(1) Foreigners who hold connected passenger tickets and are in transit to a third country or region by an international aircraft, ship or train via China, and stay for no more than 24 hours in China without leaving the restricted area of the port of entry, may be exempted from visas.

(2) For information on China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy, Regional Visa-Free Entry Policy and other Visa-Free Policies, please refer to the website of the National Immigration Administration of China (https://en.nia.gov.cn/index.html).

3. With a valid “ Residence Permit for Foreigner ”in the People's Republic of China issued by the Public Security organs in China. Foreigners who have entered China with the J1, Q1, S1, X1, or Z visas and have applied to the public security organs for the residence permit for foreigners may stay in China, will enjoy multiple entries and exits without a separate visa during the validity period of the residence permit.

4. With a valid Permanent Residence Card for Aliens’ of the People's Republic of China. Those who hold a valid Permanent Residence Card for Aliens of the People's Republic of China may stay in China, and enjoy multiple entries and exits without a separate visa.

5. With a valid “ APEC Business Travel Card ”. The APEC Business Travel Card is equivalent to a multiple-entry visa for 5 years. The cardholder may enter China within the validity period of the travel card together with a valid passport consistent with the card. The duration of each stay is up to 60 days or 90 days.

6.Citizens of specified countries holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa provided that they travel to China for tourism, family visit, business or transit, and intend to stay in China for no more than 30 days.