China mutual visa exemption: the 29 countries (2026)

Published 18 October 2026 · Reviewed 2026-10-18 · 3 min read

Citizens of 29 countries can enter China without a visa under bilateral agreements with ordinary passports. Unlike China's unilateral policy, these exemptions come from a treaty. Here is the list and what it covers.

The 29 countries

Note on Ecuador: some 2026 sources flag that Ecuador's ordinary-passport holders currently need to confirm entry conditions before travelling, so check with the Chinese embassy.

What the exemption covers

• Stay: generally up to 30 days per stay, and up to 90 days in any 180 days.
• Purpose: tourism, business, visiting family or friends.
• Passport: ordinary passports only. Diplomatic and official passports follow separate terms.
• Not covered: work, study, long-term residence and journalism need a visa applied for in advance.

Treaty vs unilateral visa-free

China also has a separate unilateral visa-free policy for a longer list of countries, which can change with short notice. See our list of China visa-free countries. A treaty exemption is more stable because both governments have signed it.

Doing a Huu Nghi visa run?

If your passport is on this list, you should be able to cross into China at Huu Nghi without a visa, within the stay limits above. Confirm your entry conditions before you travel. Read how the Huu Nghi visa run from Hanoi works, or check our border guide.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• China Briefing: China visa-free travel policies, complete guide (updated 2026)
• Embassy of China: visa exemption

Rules and effective dates change. Always confirm with the Chinese embassy or the National Immigration Administration before travelling.