China’s visa-free deal runs to 31 December 2026. What happens next?

Photo: Kit / Unsplash

China's unilateral 30-day visa-free arrangement, the one that covers most of Europe plus countries like Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, is announced to run until 31 December 2026. As of 10 October 2026, nothing has been said about 2027.

If you're travelling before Christmas, you can stop reading. Nothing changes for you. This post is for anyone eyeing January to March 2027.

How the last extensions went

Two things stand out. Both previous decisions on the main scheme came in November, five to eight weeks before the old end date. And the direction so far has been one way: longer stays, more countries.

The 2025 announcement also shows how these things land in practice. Korea JoongAng Daily reported that when the spokesperson announced the extension on 3 November, the full country list hadn't yet appeared on the Foreign Ministry or consular websites. So for a little while, travellers knew the scheme was extended but couldn't check their own country on an official page.

My take: the history makes an extension look more likely than not, and the Russia decision shows Beijing is willing to set dates beyond 2026. But a pattern isn't a promise. I wouldn't put money on a trip that only works if the deal continues unless I can get that money back.

How I'd plan, by travel date

Arriving and leaving before 31 December 2026

Book normally. Check your passport is on the list and has enough validity, and see the visa-free guide for what to carry at the border.

Arriving in late December, leaving in January

This is the grey zone. I haven't seen an official statement on whether a 30-day stay that starts before the end date can run past it. If you're in this window, ask the immigration hotline (12367, or the NIA website) or your nearest Chinese embassy before booking, and get the answer in writing if you can.

Arriving in January 2027 or later

• Book flights and hotels with free cancellation, or at least changeable fares.
• Don't pay for non-refundable tours or rail passes yet.
• Set yourself a decision date in early December. If nothing is announced by then, apply for a visa or switch plans.
• Check whether the 240-hour transit route fits. It needs a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and you stay within the permitted area.

Russian passport holders

You're covered until 31 December 2027 under a separate arrangement. Plan as normal.

What if it isn't extended?

Then you're back to the older routes, which still work: a tourist visa through a visa center, or the 240-hour transit if your itinerary passes through. Visa applications take time and paperwork, so the earlier you know, the better. That's the real reason to have a decision date.

Quick questions

Are Americans covered?

No. US citizens aren't part of the 30-day unilateral scheme and need a visa, unless the 240-hour transit fits their route.

Will the announcement come with a new country list?

Last time it did, with Sweden added. But last time the full list reached official websites after the headline, so don't panic if your country isn't visible on day one.

Where will it be announced?

Usually at a Foreign Ministry press briefing, then on the NIA and embassy websites. I'll update this post the day anything is announced.

Sources: Beijing Municipal Government, Nov 2024; Beijing Municipal Government, Nov 2025; Korea JoongAng Daily, Nov 2025; Envoy Global, Feb 2026; Shanghai government, May 2026; Interfax; Business Today, citing Bloomberg, Aug 2026; National Immigration Administration.

If something here has changed, email me. I re-check every guide and update the date at the top.

Written by David, who lives in China. About me

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