China’s Visa-Free Travel: If you plan to visit Tibet and other Tibetan-inhabited areas in different provinces of China, traveling to China has become more manageable without the hassle of lengthy visa applications. Thanks to China’s recent and ongoing efforts to simplify travel to China, the dream of traveling to China and the Tibetan area is now a reality for tourists from many countries.

This guide will help you understand China’s Visa-free travel policy to ensure smooth travel to Tibet.

We have decades of experience traveling, climbing, and trekking the Himalayas at The Land of Snows. Use us for info on when to go to Tibet, what travel routes to take, and more! Here are the latest Travel Updates in Tibet for 2025.

Understanding China’s Visa-Free Policies: A Tourist’s Perspective

China’s visa-free policy has two perspectives: One is a Mutual visa-free arrangement between China and another country, where both nations agree to waive visa requirements for traveling to the other country. The other is a Unilateral Visa-Free Policy by China, which decides to allow citizens of the listed countries to travel in China without a visa for a certain number of days as a goodwill gesture and to boost tourism.

The expansion of China’s unilateral visa-free policies makes the scope of this visa-free policy more attractive. Now, an increasing number of citizens of different nations can enjoy 30-day and 15-day visa-free stays in China for tourism, visiting family, business, and cultural exchanges.

This means citizens of 59+ nations can travel to China hassle-free by getting a Chinese visa. But please remember to check the latest update on these policies, as they could be subject to change from time to time. So always double-check the latest updates before you pack your bags.

List of Countries with Visa Free in China

a) Unilateral Visa-Free Countries (30-day stay, unless otherwise noted)

France
Germany
Italy
Spain
The Netherlands
Malaysia
Switzerland
Ireland
Hungary
Austria
Belgium
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Australia
Poland
Portugal
Greece
Cyprus
Slovenia
Norway (15 days)
Slovakia (15 days)
Finland (15 days)
Denmark (15 days)
Iceland (15 days)
Andorra (15 days)
Monaco (15 days)
Liechtenstein (15 days)
South Korea (15 days)
Bulgaria
Romania
Croatia
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Malta
Estonia
Latvia
Japan
Brunei (no specified expiration date)

b) Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements (typically 30-day stay):

Albania
United Arab Emirates
Antigua and Barbuda
Barbados
Bahamas
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dominica
Ecuador
Fiji
Grenada
Georgia
Qatar
Kazakhstan
Maldives
Mauritius
Serbia
Seychelles
San Marino
Solomon Islands
Suriname
Thailand
Tonga
Singapore
Armenia

c) Hainan Island: Citizens of 59 countries (including those listed above and many others) are eligible for 30 days of visa-free travel to Hainan.

d) Regional Tour group policies: Pearl River Delta: Enjoy visiting Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and more by joining a tour group from Hong Kong or Macau.

e) Guilin: The beautiful landscape of Guilin is accessible and visa-free, as you can join a tour group from ASEAN countries.

f) Xishuangbanna: experience the unique culture of Xishuangbanna by joining a tour group from ASEAN countries.

Visa-Free Transit: Maximize Your Layover

Do you have a Long layover? With 240 hours of visa-free transit, you can turn it into an adventure! This visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 54 eligible countries (including many European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) to explore designated cities for up to 10 days.
You can use a shorter layover with a 24-hour transit visa to explore the port city and nearby area. Please make sure you have your onward ticket ready and adhere to the city’s travel restrictions. Also, check which ports are part of the 250-hour program and the maximum distance you can cover with a 240-hour visa-free arrangement.

Visa-Free Travel for Tour Groups and Cruise Passengers: Hassle-Free Exploration

Foreign tour groups arriving in China by cruise ship can enjoy visa-free stay in China for up to 15 days. The cruise’s journey offers a fantastic way to explore coastal regions of China, such as Shanghai, Tianjin, and Guangzhou, with paperwork.
Besides cruise journeys, traditional tour groups from specific countries can also benefit from visa-free travel.

Special Cards and Permits: Streamlining Your Travel

The APEC Business Travel Card offers business travelers a multiple entries and more extended stays. And of course, holders of Chinese permanent residence or residence permits can enter and exit the China without hassel.

Essential Tips

Check the officail source and contact Chinese Embassy and Counsulate in your local to latest and reliable information.
Know the limitation and scope to Visa free policy.
You will need a Tibet travel permit even on visa free policy. Hence submit your passport to your preffered Local Tibetan travel agency for making permit.
It is nearly impossible to extend your stay in China Beyond limited duration of free visa policy.

Visa free and Tibet Tourism

If you country is listed above in 59 countries list you can use this visa free opportunity to visit Tibet. 15 days visa free is enough for everest and Central Tibet tours, Yet it is only sufficient for Kailash tour with enter or exit at the Kyirong border to Nepal.

For exploring Kham and Amdo area, 15 days visa free give a enough time frame to visit most of the area.

If you are entering into Tibet from Nepal. Citizen of countries with free visa policy in China can entry tibet from Nepal without requirement of Group Visa. Most travel agency might ask you will need it. For last two years we have been bringing in clients to Tibet from Nepal with group visa.

I’ll be sure to update the China’s Visa-Free Travel. If you have a question that isn’t answered in this post or on other posts on this site, send us an email at: info@thelandofsnows.com

China’s Visa-Free Travel: Your 2025 Guide