Visa-free entry to China for business
If you hold an ordinary passport from one of roughly 50 countries, you can fly into mainland China for a short business trip without applying for a visa in advance. Here is exactly what that covers, what it doesn't, and how to avoid being turned away at the border.
The unilateral visa-free policy for most listed countries runs until 24:00 on 31 December 2026. It has been extended repeatedly, and a further extension is normally announced in the final weeks of the year. If your trip falls in early 2027, check the official announcement before you book tickets — this page is updated as soon as any change is published.
Who can enter without a visa
Holders of ordinary passports from the countries below may enter visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days.
| Region | Countries (ordinary passports) |
|---|---|
| Europe (33) | France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Asia (7) | Japan, Republic of Korea, Brunei*, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain |
| Americas (6) | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada |
| Oceania (2) | Australia, New Zealand |
* Brunei's arrangement has no expiry date. Russia is covered separately (below). Always verify against the official list before booking — the roster has been extended several times and more countries may be added.
Russia
Separate arrangement: Russian ordinary-passport holders may enter visa-free for the same purposes for up to 30 days, under a pilot policy running from 15 September 2025 to 31 December 2027.
What "business" actually covers
Border officers assess whether your stated purpose matches the visa-free conditions. In practice, travellers have used visa-free entry for:
- Attending business meetings and negotiations with Chinese counterparts
- Visiting factories and company premises
- Attending trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences — this is explicitly permitted, including industry exhibitions and study tours
- Signing contracts and conducting market visits
- After-sales, inspection and supplier-relationship visits
Visa-free entry does not permit employment, study, or journalism. If you will be paid by a Chinese entity, enrolled in a programme, or working as a reporter, you need the appropriate visa or residence permit in advance. Entering visa-free and then doing paid work is the fastest way to create a problem for yourself and your host.
How the 30 days are counted
The permitted stay is counted from 00:00 on the day after arrival and runs for 30 consecutive calendar days. There is currently no limit on the number of entries and no minimum interval between visits — but you may not engage in activities inconsistent with your declared purpose of entry.
Documents to carry (even though nothing is checked in advance)
You do not need to notify an embassy before travelling. But you should be able to evidence your purpose if asked at the border. Carry:
- A return or onward ticket dated within your permitted stay
- Hotel reservations covering your trip
- An invitation letter from the Chinese company you are visiting (strongly recommended — this is the single most useful document if you are questioned)
- Your meeting schedule or exhibition registration confirmation
- A passport valid for at least the duration of your stay (holders of emergency or temporary travel documents are not eligible)
The invitation letter is issued by your Chinese host company — not by an agency, and not by this website. It normally states who is inviting you, the purpose, dates, and who bears the costs.
If you need more than 30 days
Apply for the visa matching your purpose at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. If an unexpected extension becomes necessary after arrival, you must apply to the exit and entry administration of the local public security authority for a stay permit — do not simply overstay.
Visa-free or M visa?
| Visa-free entry | M (business) visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 30 days per entry | Typically 30–90 days per entry, sometimes longer |
| Application | None | Submit to embassy/consulate or CVASC in advance |
| Cost | Free | Visa fee (reduced under the current temporary fee cut) |
| Best for | Short trips: a fair, a few meetings, one factory visit | Longer stays, multi-city trips over 30 days, repeat long visits |
| Nationality limits | Listed countries only | Open to all nationalities |
Common questions
Can I enter from any country?
Yes — you may depart for China from any country or region. The policy is not limited to direct flights from your home country.
Does it work for tour groups and cruise/land/sea arrivals?
Yes. The policy applies to individuals and groups, and to arrival by air, sea or land at any port open to foreign nationals.
Can I bring my family?
The requirements for minors are the same as for adults. Note that the visa-free purpose list covers tourism and visiting relatives, so accompanying family members travelling for those purposes are fine.
What if I lose my passport while in China?
Report it, obtain a replacement or emergency travel document from your embassy, and have the immigration authority verify your entry record before departure. Keep a digital copy of your passport and entry stamp from day one.
Other routes worth knowing
- 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit — 57 countries, if you are genuinely transiting onward to a third country. Full guide.
- Hainan 30-day visa-free — 59 countries, for entry through Hainan's open ports for tourism, trade, visits, medical treatment, exhibitions and sports (work and study excluded).
- 24-hour transit — available at all open ports to all nationalities, provided you do not leave the port's restricted area.
Official sources
- China Visa Application Service Centre — policy notices and country lists (visaforchina.cn, select your country)
- National Immigration Administration (nia.gov.cn) — transit and regional policies
- The Chinese embassy or consulate covering your place of residence
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