Since China announced visa-free treatment for some countries, many HR professionals, travel teams, and foreigners have been extremely concerned about the policy details that should be noted before entering into China under visa-free policy. Based on the official announcements and inquiries received by the VISA CARE team, we have compiled a summary of the commonly asked questions for HR prefessionals and foreigners.
Q1: Which nationalities are eligible for visa-free policy?
A: Up to now, China has granted visa-free treatment to citizens of 35 countries, 12 countries of which have been granted unilateral visa-free treatment.
In addition, 23 countries have signed mutual visa-free agreements with China. Combined these two lists together, 35 countries in total can enjoy visa-free treatment to China.
Q2: China’s unilateral visa-free treatment for European countries is a temporary policy, but mutual visa-free treatments for other countries are not subject to time limits, right?
A: China’s visa-free policies for 11 European countries and Malaysia are temporary policies that will expire on November 30, 2024. Will these policies will be extended or not after the expiration is uncertain; the visa-free policies for other countries are normalized policies.
Q3: Does the country on the list refer to traveler’s nationality or departure country?
A: The definition of visa-free countries is based on nationality, not departure location.
Q4: Why are some countries entitled with a visa-free stay period of 15 days, while others are entitled with 30 days?
A: The visa-free stay period for all 12 countries enjoying unilateral visa-free entry, as well as Malaysia, is 15 days. However, the visa-free stay period for other countries with mutual visa-free agreements is 30 days. Malaysia is a special country, the visa-free stay period for Chinese citizens going to Malaysia is 30 days, but the visa-free stay period for Malaysian citizens coming to China is 15 days.
Q5: How to calculate the 15-day and 30-day visa-free stay period? Is the day of entry counted as the 0th or the 1st day?
A: The 15-day stay is calculated as “consecutive stay from the date of entry until 24:00 on the 15th calendar day.” The day of entry is counted as the 1st day. Please note that the entry time is not when the airplane lands, but the time recorded by the system when the entry procedures are completed. For example, if a German enters the country at 3pm April 1st, they must depart before 24:00 April 15th.
The calculation for the 30-day visa-free stay is the same, counting from the day of entry to the 30th calendar day. For instance, if a Singaporean enters the country at 8pm April 1st, they must leave before 24:00 April 30th.
Given the uncertainty of international flights, we strongly recommend travellers to avoid departing on the last day of the visa-free period.
Q6: What are the eligible travel purposes for foreigners to enjoy visa-free entry to China? Can foreigners who come to China for work enjoy visa-free policy?
A: The travel purposes for visa-free entry to China include business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit. However, purposes such as work, study, reporting, and other activities are not eligible for visa-free policy. Foreigners who come to China for work need to apply for proper work visa before entering the country.
Q7: What should foreigners do if they need to extend their stay in China due to special circumstances?
A: If foreign nationals plan to stay in China for more than 15 days, they should apply for visas at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad. If a foreign national who enters China under the visa-free policy needs to extend their stay in China for reasonable purposes, they should file applications to the immigration bureau of the city where they are staying. Whether their stay can be extended will be determined by the local immigration bureau.
Q8: What type of documents do foreigners who enter China visa-free need to bring? Do they need to carry any other supporting documents in addition to their passport?
A: Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports need to ensure that the validity of their passports meets with their travel schedule in China. Foreigners holding temporary or emergency travel documents are not eligible for visa-free entry. While there are no official requirements of additional documents to be carried, we recommend travellers to bring supporting materials such as invitation letters, flight and hotel bookings that are consistent with the reason for their visit to China.
Q9: Are multiple entries allowed? Is there limit on the number of visa-free entries?
A: There are no restrictions on the number of visa-free entries for each individual. However, for frequent travellers, we suggest to consult visa/immigration professionals to assess traveling purposes and duration of stay to determine whether a visa or residence permit is needed.
Q10: Can minors/underage enjoy the visa-free treatment for entering China?
A: They can also enjoy the visa-free treatment same as adults.
We would like to remind everyone again that there are many detailes to be noted in terms of the visa-free treatment. If you have any further questions about China’s visa-free treatment, please feel free to contact and consult our team.