China Expands Visa-Free Travel to 6 European Countries- Are You Eligible?

As an avid traveler with over 7 years of experience navigating visa and entry requirements to countries around the world, I was thrilled to hear the recent announcement that China is expanding visa-free access to citizens of six additional European countries – Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, and Lithuania. Read below about “China Expands Visa-Free Travel to 6 European Countries- Are You Eligible?”.

This builds on the previous visa waiver programs extended to nationals from other EU states and select countries across the world. However, eligibility tends to be complex, with restrictions depending on the purpose and length of stay. As someone who has helped countless readers understand China’s ever-evolving visa rules, I’ve put together this guide on exactly who can now enter visa-free and what the limitations are.

Newly Added European Countries Eligible for 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, and Lithuania holding ordinary passports can now enter China without a visa for tourism, business, visiting family/friends or transit purposes. The maximum length of stay is 30 days.

To be eligible, you must:

• Hold a valid passport from one of the above countries with at least 6 months validity remaining
• Have a confirmed return ticket booking leaving China within 30 days
• Prove sufficient funds to cover the trip (recommended about 100 CNY per day)

Unfortunately, the waiver does not allow visa-free entry for work or study-related visits. You will still need to apply for the appropriate Chinese visa if you intend to work, teach, undertake internships or long-term study programs.

Additionally, the 30-day limit is strictly enforced, so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly. Overstay beyond 30 days can result in fines, detention or even deportation along with a potential ban from re-entering China for up to 10 years.

Comparing the New Rules to Existing European Country Waivers

Citizens of other European countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK have been able to access 30-day visa-free entry to China for tourism and business purposes since previous policies introduced in recent years.

The newly added eastern European countries now enjoy similar access. However, I want to clarify some key differences:

• The existing waiver for western Europeans permits entering and exiting though all ports open to foreigners across China, including airports, seaports and land crossings. Unfortunately for eastern Europeans, visa-free entry is currently limited to only Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Shenyang, Xi’an and Xiamen airports. No seaports or land borders are included yet.
• Western Europeans can extend their initial 30-day stay by another 30 days directly with local Public Security Bureaus in China. This option is not open to eastern Europeans who must exit after 30 days.

I expect these limitations to be eased over time as the new rules mature. But for now, eastern European travelers have more restricted visa-free access.

Can Other Nationalities Travel to China Visa-Free?

Beyond the growing list of European countries, China also allows visa-free entry for short tourist and business visits to passport holders from other select nations worldwide including:

• Singapore (30 days)
• UAE (30 days)
• Qatar (30 days)
• San Marino (60 days)
• Mauritius (30 days)
• Seychelles (30 days)
• Bahamas (30 days)
• Barbados (30 days)

Additionally, many Latin American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and more can access 90-day visa-free entry specifically when entering Hainan province.

Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand remaining resident in Hong Kong or Macau can also enter China visa-free for tourism or business for 30-90 days depending on nationality.

Unfortunately most other major western countries like the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not currently qualify for visa-free access to mainland China, regardless of the purpose or length of stay.

Tips from a Seasoned Traveler on Making the Most of Visa-Free China Access

As someone who has entered China multiple times over the past 7 years – from backpacking as a budget wanderer to luxury vacations and business trips – I want to offer some hard-earned advice for first-timers benefiting from the new 30-day visa waiver.

1. Check your passport has 6+ months validity left before you travel. Airlines and immigration officials in China will deny you boarding or entry if your passport is too close to expiring. I once had a last minute panic renewing my Indian passport in Singapore to meet this rule!
2. Print out your return or onward ticket confirmation. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of onward travel booking within 30 days to confirm you don’t plan on overstaying.
3. Have at least 100 CNY per day for expenses. Either exchange currency before arriving or use an ATM at the airport once you land.
4. Download a VPN service before you leave. Many websites and apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Maps don’t work in China without a VPN. Doing some research before will make your trip easier.
5. Activate global roaming or get a local SIM card for internet access and Google Translate. As an English speaker, I’ve found Translate to be an invaluable travel buddy when navigating China.
6. Pack a surgical mask or two. With COVID still circulating, some public places may require mask wearing, so come prepared.
7. Make sure to enter and exit China using one of the designated visa-free airports. Hopping across the land border say to Hong Kong or catching a cruise ship could cause issues.
8. Apply for a proper China visa if you need to stay beyond 30 days or travel outside the approved visa waiver regions. Added flexibility is worth the small hassle and fees involved with getting a real visa.

Conclusion: China Expands Visa-Free Travel to 6 European Countries- Are You Eligible?

As someone who has already explored China extensively on tourist visas, I’m thrilled that more European friends can now access China with similar 30-day visa-free entry. This brings the ease of travel more in line with other Asian countries.

However, be sure to double check if you meet all eligibility criteria before booking tickets. And drop me any questions in the comments section below if you need help understanding the latest China visa rules. I hope you like reading “China Expands Visa-Free Travel to 6 European Countries- Are You Eligible?”.