[Kurokun] I keep a spreadsheet of which countries got added to China's visa-free list. It's getting long.
Hey everyone — Kurokun.I'm kind of a visa policy nerd. Don't judge me.
I started tracking China's visa-free policy changes in 2023. Back then, it was just a few countries with 144-hour transit.
Now my spreadsheet is... extensive.
Current status (May 2026):
30-day unilateral visa-free:
50 countries. EU, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, Korea, Singapore, UAE, Qatar, plus most of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
240-hour (10-day) transit:
55 countries. Similar list plus some extras.
Mutual agreements (full visa-free):
29 countries. Serbia, Thailand, Singapore, Maldives, Kazakhstan, UAE, Qatar, etc.
What changed just in the last 12 months:
• Feb 2026: Canada and UK added to 30-day unilateral
• Nov 2025: 5 new ports added to 240-hour transit (all in Guangdong)
• Sep 2025: COVA online system launched (still clunky but functional)
What I'm watching next:
• Will the 30-day policy get extended past Dec 2026? (I think yes — tourism numbers are strong)
• Will the US ever get added? (I think no — politics)
• Will a digital nomad visa ever happen? (Rumors, but nothing concrete)
The most interesting trend:
China is actively competing with Japan and Thailand for tourists. Both countries have expanded their visa-free policies recently. China is responding by making entry easier, not harder.
For foreign visitors, this is the best it's ever been.
—
Kurokun. I'll keep updating my spreadsheet. If anyone wants the full list, let me know and I'll share the link.
Which country are you from, and what's your current visa situation for China?
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