Which Countries Can Travel to China Without Visa 2025 [With Tips for Visa Extension]

China features a long history, rich culture, and vivid landscapes. To attract travelers from all over the world and simplify the entry procedures, the Chinese government allows some foreigners to enter without a visa. In this passage, we are going to introduce eligible countries for visa-free travel to China, the duration of stay, and some useful tips to extend your stay.

China Visa Free Policy in 2025

In 2025, more countries are exempted from visas to travel to China. From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, China adds Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan to its visa-free country list. The permitted duration of stay for ordinary passport holders of these 38 countries extends from 15 days to 30 days for the purpose of tourism, family or friend visits, exchange activities, business, or transit. Moreover, the visa-free transit for 54 countries is prolonged from 72 hours (3 days) or 144 hours (6 days) to 240 hours (10 days).

Which Countries Can Travel to China Without a Visa 2025

People from all other countries and territories can transit in China without a visa and stay in the port for up to 24 hours. Additionally, China grants visa-free travel to nationals from the following countries. Please note that the entry requirements and permitted duration of stay might vary according to your nationality.

How Long Can I Stay in China Visa Free?

The duration of visa-free stay in China depends on your nationality and the specific visa-free policy applicable to you. 

30-day Visa-free Travel

National from 38 countries can stay in China for up to 30 days, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, and Negara Brunei Darussalam.

240-hour Visa-free Transit

Those who come from 54 countries (including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, etc.) and transit from China to a third country (region) can stay for 240 hours (10 days). Transit passengers are allowed to enter from 60 sea, road, and airports and travel in 24 provinces/municipalities.

Can I Extend China Visa Duration of Stay?

Yes. If you have entered China based on the visa exemption policy and want to stay for longer than 30 days for good reasons, you can apply for a visa to extend your stay. What visa type you need depends on your purpose of continue staying and the days of extension range from 30 days to 180 days according to visa type. 

How to Extend My Visa Free Duration of Stay in China?

If you have entered China based on the visa exemption policy, you can apply for a stay permit to extend your stay. It should be done in person at the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities of China at least 7 days before the visa-free stay permit expires. Here is a step-by-step instruction on tourist visa application.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Applicants must present their identity and purpose of stay through the following documents.

• A valid passport (or equivalent international travel document) with at least 6 months of validity and blank visa pages (Both original copy and photocopies of bio-data page)
• A duly accomplished visa application form（available on the official website of the immigration office);
• A passport-style photo;

• Travel itinerary demonstrating date of arrival and departure, places of visiting, etc.;
• Business registration certificate of the travel agency (on the condition of group travel);
• Confirmation of onward or returning ticket;
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel booking, invitation letter of your host, etc.
• Other necessary supporting documents.

Submit Application

Applicants should submit the application form along with the required documents in person at the nearby Exit and Entry Administration authority. Some might require a prior appointment. Please contact the authority to check the exact information. Inviting entity or individual, relatives, or specialized agency can apply on behalf of the following persons.

• Individuals are under 16 years old, attain 60, have difficulty in moving due to illness or other reasons;
• Individuals are not entering China for the first time and have a good standing during their stay in China;
• Individuals are sponsored by the inviting entity or individual during their stay in China.

A receipt of acceptance is issued if you are eligible for the stay permit and submit a complete application. The receipt is valid for 7 days and the authority will make a decision on whether to issue the visa during its validity.

Wait for the Review

The authority will review your application and verify the authenticity of the information and document you provide through an interview, phone inquiry, or site visit. If you or your representative are required to have an interview, make sure to attend it as scheduled, otherwise, you might fail to get a visa. If you are required to provide extra supporting documents, please reply promptly.

Pay for the Visa Fee

After getting the receipt, pay the application fees (160 CNY) at the counter. It could be paid through bank transfer or mobile payment. Please note that only when you fulfill payment will your application complete.

Collect the Extended Visa with Payment Receipt

Once your application is approved and your card is ready, the authority will inform you by SMS or by phone. You are supposed to return to the same office as the application submission and collect the visa in person. Some might deliver the visa to your door but extra fees might be charged. 

How Much Does China Visa Application Cost?

The visa fees differ according to the applicant’s nationality and visa type. Here is a specific price list.

How Long Will I Get the Extended Visa?

It usually takes 7 business days to deal with your application if everything goes smoothly. However, it is necessary to note that the processing time might vary according to the number of applications, where you apply, whether you have provided sufficient evidence, etc. 

What Happens If My Visa Extension Is Rejected?

Being rejected does not mean you cannot continue staying in China. Just calm down and do as follows.

• Read the refusal letter carefully and find out the reason for rejection.
• Check whether you are allowed to file an appeal in the letter.
• If yes, write an appeal letter to the authority according to the official instructions. Make sure to explain why you appeal and provide supporting documents. 
• If not, re-apply for the visa from the very beginning and have an interview again. Try to avoid the same mistakes that you make in the previous application.

What happens If I Overstay my Visa-free Period in China?

Foreign visitors are typically required to leave China after their current visa or entry permit expires. Otherwise, overstaying might lead to severe fines which is CNY 500 per day of overstay, up to CNY 10,000 in total. Worse still, those who are overstaying extra long might face deportation, detention, or future restrictions on traveling to China in the future. 

FAQ

Do I need a visa for China from New Zealand?

No. New Zealand citizens can visit China without a visa for leisure activities and stay for up to 30 days.

Do I need a visa to transit in China?

No. All foreigners can transit in China without a visa and stay for up to 24 hours.

Can U.S. citizens travel to China without a visa in 2025?

No. US citizens are granted 240-hour visa-free transit in 2025. It means they can pass through China from designated ports and stay in certain areas for 10 days while visa-free travel means an individual can enter a country from any port without visas and travel in the whole country.

Is the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy still in effect?

Yes, and it is extended to 240 hours in 2025.

How should I submit a China visa application in NZ?

You can choose where you apply from on the official website of Chinese consular office. It will guide you through filling out the application form and submitting an application to the nearby consulate.

Summary

In 2025, China allows 240-hour visa-free transit to 54 countries. Visitors can travel in dozens of cities during their stay. Additionally, citizens from 38 countries and regions can travel to China for leisure purposes without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. If you enjoy visa-free travel and want to stay longer, obtain a corresponding visa to extend your stay 7 days in advance.