Citizens from 48 countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business inspection, procurement research, and market analysis until December 31, 2026. Strictly prohibited activities include signing contracts, purchasing goods, or paid work. Overstaying results in fines up to ¥10,000 and potential deportation.
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China's visa-free policy for 48 countries has been extended to December 31, 2026. However, visa-free entry does not mean "unlimited access" — failing to understand its boundaries may lead to fines, deportation or even entry restrictions. Below is a concise guide to its key rules.
Core Rights for Business & Procurement
Holders of ordinary passports from 48 countries can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days. Permitted business and procurement activities are "inspection and docking-related", no extra approval is needed. Extension or visa conversion is not allowed; long-term stays require advance visa application.
* Permitted Activities:
- Procurement inspection: Visit wholesale markets/suppliers, check samples, verify production capacity, negotiate cooperation details (no actual transaction settlement or bulk goods collection).
- Business docking: Attend small non-profit business negotiations or industry exhibitions as observers/connectors (no registration as participants).
- Preliminary research: Understand market trends and policies, collect data, communicate with industry insiders (no profitable business activities).
* Two Strictly Forbidden Behaviors
1. Substantive Business/Transactions
It is prohibited to sign formal procurement contracts, pay for goods, collect goods on-site, or engage in profitable activities like purchasing on behalf of others. Example: A visa-free foreign buyer was fined 1,500 yuan for purchasing 100,000 yuan of goods in Yiwu and arranging shipment, with a bad entry record leading to visa refusal later.
Regulation: Foreigners engaging in profitable activities without residence/stay permits face warnings or fines of 500-2,000 yuan; serious cases involve deportation.
2. Overstaying or Unauthorized Work
Overstaying the 30-day limit is not allowed. Visa-free entry does not cover work-related activities, such as providing technical guidance, taking temporary positions, or receiving remuneration for "assisting procurement".
Regulation: Illegal residence incurs warnings or fines up to 10,000 yuan; illegal employment leads to fines of 5,000-20,000 yuan and 1-5 years of entry ban.
Tip： The customs marks the stay deadline upon entry; plan departure 1-2 days in advance to avoid overstaying.
List of 48 Visa-Free Countries
Europe (34): France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Sweden
Asia (7): Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
Oceania (2): Australia, New Zealand
South America (5): Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay