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China visa rules by nationality (2026): visa-free entry for business trips

Whether you need a visa for a trade fair in mainland China depends on your passport. 79 nationalities can currently enter visa‑free for short business trips; most others need a business (M) visa. Checked against official Chinese government sources on Oct 25, 2026.

The rules that apply to business travellers

Visa-free entry (unilateral)

Ordinary passport holders of 50 countries may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits, exchanges or transit, including trade fairs and exhibitions; the policy runs until 24:00 on 31 December 2026 for 48 countries, until 31 December 2027 for Russia, and has no end date for Brunei.

Stay: up to 30 days. Valid until Dec 31, 2026

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC (China Consular Services), National Immigration Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC

Mutual visa exemption agreement

Ordinary passport holders of 29 countries that have a bilateral visa exemption agreement with China may make short visits without a visa; the allowed stay depends on the agreement (mostly 30 days per entry, some with a limit of 90 days in any 180 days).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC (China Consular Services), National Immigration Administration, Embassy of the PRC in Uzbekistan, Embassy of the PRC in Azerbaijan, Embassy of the PRC in Malaysia

240-hour visa-free transit

Ordinary passport holders of 57 countries with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region may enter through any of 65 designated ports in 24 provinces and stay up to 240 hours within the permitted areas; in Guangdong (including Guangzhou and Shenzhen) the whole province is a permitted area.

Stay: up to 10 days.

Source: National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration

24-hour visa-free transit

Nationals of any country with a confirmed onward international ticket to a third country or region may transit for up to 24 hours without a visa if they stay in the port's restricted area; it applies to all nationalities, so it is not listed per country.

Source: National Immigration Administration

Hainan 30-day visa-free entry

Ordinary passport holders of 61 countries may enter Hainan Province through its open ports without a visa and stay up to 30 days within Hainan only.

Stay: up to 30 days.

Source: National Immigration Administration, National Immigration Administration

ASEAN tour groups to Xishuangbanna and Guilin

Tour groups of two or more ASEAN nationals organised by a travel agency registered in China may enter visa-free via Xishuangbanna (Yunnan) or Guilin airport (Guangxi) and stay up to 6 days in that prefecture or city only.

Stay: up to 6 days.

Source: National Immigration Administration

Hong Kong/Macao foreign tour groups to Guangdong

Foreign tourists from countries with diplomatic relations with China may enter Guangzhou, Shenzhen and eight other Guangdong cities visa-free for up to 6 days as part of a tour group organised by a Hong Kong or Macao travel agency; it applies to almost all nationalities, so it is not listed per country.

Stay: up to 6 days.

Source: National Immigration Administration

Business visa (M)

Travellers not covered by a visa-free policy need a visa; the M visa is issued for commercial and trade activities, the form is filled in online through the China Online Visa Application system, and an invitation from a Chinese trade partner or a trade fair invitation is the supporting document.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC (China Consular Services), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC (China Consular Services)

Find your nationality

PassportBusiness trip to mainland ChinaStayNotes
AlbaniaVisa-free (mutual agreement)90 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 18 March 2023); maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
AlgeriaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Algiers.
AndorraVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
Antigua and BarbudaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 11 May 2024); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
ArgentinaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
ArmeniaVisa-free (mutual agreement)90 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 19 January 2020); maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
AustraliaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
AustriaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
AzerbaijanVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 16 July 2025); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
BahamasVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 12 February 2014); up to 30 days.
BahrainVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
BangladeshVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Dhaka.
BarbadosVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 1 June 2017); up to 30 days.
BelarusVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 10 August 2018); 30 days per stay, no more than 90 days per year.
BelgiumVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
Bosnia and HerzegovinaVisa-free (mutual agreement)90 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 29 May 2018); maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
BrazilVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
BruneiVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). No end date has been set for Brunei.
BulgariaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
CambodiaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Visa-free entry applies only to ASEAN tour groups to Xishuangbanna or Guilin. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Phnom Penh.
CanadaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). In force since 17 February 2026; valid until 31 December 2026.
ChileVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
ColombiaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs.
CroatiaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
CyprusVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
Czech RepublicVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required.
DenmarkVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
DominicaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 19 September 2022); up to 30 days.
EcuadorVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysListed under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 18 August 2016; up to 30 days). The Chinese list notes that Ecuador currently requires visas from Chinese ordinary passport holders, so check with the Chinese embassy before travel.
EgyptVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Cairo, Alexandria.
EstoniaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
EthiopiaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Addis Ababa.
FijiVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 14 March 2015); up to 30 days.
FinlandVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
FranceVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
GeorgiaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 28 May 2024); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
GermanyVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
GhanaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Accra.
GreeceVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
GrenadaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 10 June 2015); up to 30 days.
HungaryVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
IcelandVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
IndiaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. From 26 October 2026, fill in the form online at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA, then submit the passport directly at the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai (by consular district); the visa centres no longer accept applications.
IndonesiaVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Denpasar.
IranVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs.
IraqVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs.
IrelandVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
IsraelVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs.
ItalyVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
JapanVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
JordanVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs.
KazakhstanVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 10 November 2023); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
KenyaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Nairobi.
KuwaitVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
KyrgyzstanVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required. Transit eligibility since 20 August 2026.
LatviaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
LiechtensteinVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
LithuaniaVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required.
LuxembourgVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
MalaysiaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports valid for at least 6 months, since 17 July 2025); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period. Business activities are a listed purpose.
MaldivesVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 20 May 2022); up to 30 days.
MaltaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
MauritiusVisa-free (mutual agreement)60 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 31 October 2013; amended 14 June 2017); up to 60 days.
MexicoVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Mexico City, Tijuana.
MonacoVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
MontenegroVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
MoroccoVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs.
MyanmarVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Visa-free entry applies only to ASEAN tour groups to Xishuangbanna or Guilin.
NepalVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Kathmandu.
NetherlandsVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
New ZealandVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
NigeriaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Abuja, Lagos.
North MacedoniaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
NorwayVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
OmanVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
PakistanVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore.
PeruVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
PhilippinesVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Visa-free entry applies only to Hainan Province (30 days) and ASEAN tour groups. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Manila.
PolandVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
PortugalVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
QatarVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 21 December 2018); up to 30 days.
RomaniaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
RussiaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2027.
SamoaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 2 April 2025); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
San MarinoVisa-free (mutual agreement)—Visa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 22 July 1985); stays within 3 months.
Saudi ArabiaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
SerbiaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 15 January 2017); up to 30 days.
SeychellesVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 26 June 2013); up to 30 days.
SingaporeVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 9 February 2024); up to 30 days.
SlovakiaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
SloveniaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
Solomon IslandsVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 28 December 2024); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
South AfricaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban.
South KoreaVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
SpainVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
Sri LankaVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Fill in the form online at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA, then submit the passport at the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.
SurinameVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports); up to 30 days.
SwedenVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). In force since 10 November 2025; valid until 31 December 2026.
SwitzerlandVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
ThailandVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 1 March 2024); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
TongaVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 19 August 2016); up to 30 days.
TurkeyVisa required—Not covered by the nationwide 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit policies. Business visa (M) required for trade fairs. Chinese Visa Application Service Center: Istanbul.
UkraineVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required.
United Arab EmiratesVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 16 January 2018); up to 30 days.
United KingdomVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). In force since 17 February 2026; valid until 31 December 2026.
United StatesVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required.
UruguayVisa-free30 daysVisa-free for up to 30 days with an ordinary passport (business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, transit; trade fairs included). Valid until 31 December 2026.
UzbekistanVisa-free (mutual agreement)30 daysVisa-free under a mutual exemption agreement (ordinary passports, since 1 June 2025); 30 days per stay, maximum 90 days in any 180-day period.
VietnamVisa required · 240-hour transit possible—Not on the 30-day visa-free list. 240-hour visa-free transit is possible with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; otherwise a business visa (M) is required. Transit eligibility since 20 August 2026. Chinese Visa Application Service Centers: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang.

Rules change often. Confirm with the National Immigration Administration or your nearest Chinese embassy or visa centre before you book. Hong Kong and Macau have their own entry rules.

Official links

Sources

Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.

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