China visa-free entries near 9 million as exemptions cover 50 countries

China recorded nearly 9 million visa-free entries by foreign nationals between July and September 2026, a rise of 24.1 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, according to data released on 20 October by the country's National Immigration Administration. Visa-free arrivals made up 77.5 percent of all entries by foreign nationals during the quarter.

Key facts

• July–September 2026: nearly 9 million visa-free entries, up 24.1 percent year on year
• Foreign nationals made 23.27 million border crossings in the quarter, up 15.6 percent
• Unilateral visa-free entry covers travellers from 50 countries as of September
• Eligible visitors may stay for up to 30 days
• Visa-free transit of up to 240 hours is available to travellers from 57 countries

How many people entered China?

Foreign nationals made 23.27 million border crossings from July to September 2026, an increase of 15.6 percent year on year, the National Immigration Administration said. Overall, Chinese border authorities handled 192 million entries and exits during the quarter, up 7.9 percent from a year earlier.

Who can enter China without a visa?

China began a trial of unilateral visa exemptions for visitors from six countries in December 2023. As of September, the unilateral visa-free policy covers travellers from 50 countries, and eligible visitors can stay for up to 30 days. The source does not list which nationalities are included.

What are the transit rules?

In December 2024, China extended its visa-free transit period for certain countries from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours. The National Immigration Administration data cited in the report states that 57 countries are eligible for this arrangement so far.

What else is changing for visitors?

China has been working to make inbound travel easier through expanded visa-free policies, improved infrastructure and more convenient services, the report says. Tourist attractions are introducing AI-powered assistants offering real-time multilingual interactions, mobile payment services are becoming more accessible to international visitors, and some scenic areas have set up international shipping points so overseas visitors can send purchases abroad.

What this means for travellers

Travellers holding a passport from one of the 50 countries covered by the unilateral visa-free policy can enter China without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Those transiting may qualify for a visa-free stay of up to 240 hours if their country is among the 57 eligible. Checking whether your nationality is covered before booking is the key step, since the source does not publish the country lists.

What happens next

China's tourism development plan for 2026–2030, released in July, targets 190 million inbound tourist visits a year by 2030, with annual inbound tourism spending above 150 billion U.S. dollars. The plan also proposes tourism products tailored to visitors from different countries and regions, covering local cuisine, traditional crafts, history and culture and technological experiences.