China Visa-Free 2027: Will the 30-Day Entry Be Extended?

Quick answer: As of 7 November 2026, China has not announced an extension of its 30-day visa-free entry beyond 31 December 2026 for 48 of the 50 countries. Russia runs to 31 December 2027 and Brunei has no end date. The last extension for those 48 countries was announced on 3 November 2025, so a notice could come any day.

Status as of 7 November 2026: no extension announced. We will update this page as soon as an official notice is published.

Current status

The end dates above come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free FAQ, which lists Brunei as "no expire date", Russia as "remain in effect until December 31, 2027" and the other 48 countries as "remain in effect until December 31, 2026". The United States is not on the list.

What the pattern suggests, and what it does not

China has extended this policy before, and the last extension for these countries was announced about two months before the end date, in early November. That is a pattern, not a promise. Nobody outside the government knows if or when the next notice will come. Do not book a non-refundable trip on the assumption that it will.

What we found about a trip that crosses the deadline

You may see articles claiming that entering on 28 December lets you stay the full 30 days into January. We did not find an official source stating this. The official FAQ says the 30-day stay is counted from the day after entry, but it does not say what happens to someone who entered visa-free before the end date and is still in China after it.

Because of that, treat the question as open. If your trip would start before 31 December and end after it, ask the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country in writing, and keep their reply with you. Or plan to leave on or before 31 December.

What to do if your trip is in January 2027

If the notice has not come by the time you must apply, applying for a visa costs less than losing a flight. Use the visa checker to see which route fits your passport.

Does the extension affect the other visa-free policies?

The 30-day unilateral entry is separate from the 240-hour transit policy and the Hainan policy. Neither of those uses the 31 December 2026 date. See the 30-day visa-free country list for the 50 countries and the exact conditions, and China visa requirements for the visa route.

Before any trip

• Passport valid for the whole stay. Many guides say six months, check your embassy.
• Fill in the online arrival card before you fly.
• Keep an onward or return ticket ready, since officers can ask.

FAQ

Will China extend visa-free entry in 2027?

Not announced as of 7 November 2026. Past extensions have come in November, so a notice may arrive soon, but nothing is confirmed. Check en.nia.gov.cn.

Can I enter China visa-free on 1 January 2027?

Not unless an extension is published. For 48 of the 50 countries the policy currently ends on 31 December 2026. Russia and Brunei are the exceptions.

I enter on 28 December 2026. Can I stay the full 30 days?

We found no official statement on this. Ask the Chinese embassy in your country in writing before you book, or plan to leave by 31 December.

What is the backup if the policy ends?

Apply for a tourist (L) visa at a Chinese embassy or visa centre. If you are only passing through, 240-hour transit may fit.

Is the United States covered by visa-free entry?

No. The United States is not on the list of 50 countries for the 30-day policy. US passport holders can still use 240-hour transit with an onward ticket to a third country; see China visa for US citizens.