China Mutual Visa Exemption: Countries and Duration of Stay
Visa exemption is a valuable benefit that can save travelers time, energy, and money when embarking on international journeys. It is crucial to determine whether a visa is required for travel to China. The Mutual Visa Exemption is a significant aspect of China’s Visa Free Policy, allowing citizens from participating countries to travel without a visa for a specified period, provided they meet certain requirements.
As of March 2023, China has established bilateral visa-free agreements with 152 countries, including 18 countries for holders of ordinary passports. Additionally, China has unilaterally waived visa requirements for citizens of three Asian countries: Brunei, Japan, and Singapore.
Curious about which countries can travel to China without a visa? Below is a list of countries included in the mutual visa exemption agreement, along with the permitted duration of stay for each country. Take a look at the list to see if your country is eligible for visa-free travel to China.
Country List of China Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passports Individual Holders
No. | Foreign Country | Continent | Permitted Duration of Stay | Date Come into Effect |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | San Marino | Europe | 90 Days | July, 1985 |
2 | Mauritius | Africa | 60 Days | January, 2013 |
3 | Seychelles | Africa | 30 Days | June, 2013 |
4 | Bahamas | North America | 30 Days | February, 2014 |
5 | Suriname | South America | 30 Days | May, 2014 |
6 | Fiji | Oceania | 30 Days | March, 2015 |
7 | Grenada | North America | 30 Days | June, 2015 |
8 | Ecuador | South America | 30 Days | August, 2016 |
9 | Tonga | Oceania | 30 Days | August, 2016 |
10 | Serbia | Europe | 30 Days | January, 2017 |
11 | Barbados | North America | 30 Days | June, 2017 |
12 | United Arab Emirates | Asia | 30 Days | January, 2018 |
13 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Europe | 90 Days | May, 2018 |
14 | Belarus | Europe | 30 Days | August, 2018 |
15 | Qatar | Asia | 30 Days | December, 2018 |
16 | Armenia | Asia | 30 Days | January, 2020 |
17 | Maldives | Asia | 30 Days | May, 2022 |
18 | Dominica | South Africa | 30 Days | September, 2022 |
Important Notes:
1. The visa-free agreement mentioned above is applicable only to holders of ordinary passports. For a comprehensive list of agreements on mutual visa exemption between China and foreign countries, please refer to the updated document available for reading and download.
2. It is important to note that mutual visa exemption does not grant visitors the right to stay indefinitely in China. Foreigners must adhere to the permitted duration of stay. Should you wish to extend your stay beyond the designated period, it is necessary to apply for a stay permit from the local official authority.