China Visa Update — 1 June 2026

visa • 1 June 2026

China’s **tourist visa rules in 2026 are more flexible than before**, with a growing list of countries eligible for **30-day visa-free entry** and no limit on the number of entries for those who qualify.[1][2] For American travelers, the key practical point is that **Canada and the United Kingdom were added to the 30-day visa-free list effective February 17, 2026**, while U.S. passport holders are **not** included in that specific visa-free group.[1][2] According to the Chinese embassy FAQ updated on **May 25, 2026**, eligible visa-free travelers may visit China for **business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange, and transit** for up to **30 days**, counted from the **day after entry**.[2] The embassy also says there is **no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay** for eligible visa-free travelers, as long as they follow the purpose of entry and do not engage in inconsistent activities.[2] For travelers who are not visa-exempt, the policy landscape still includes other practical options such as **transit without a visa** and destination-specific entry schemes, which continue to make short trips easier to plan.[3] Fragomen’s latest summary also notes that China’s temporary **30-day visa-free policy for many countries runs through December 31, 2026**, while Russia’s temporary arrangement runs through **December 31, 2027**.[1]

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