China is allowing ordinary passport holders from 50 countries to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days under its expanded visa-free travel policy, creating new opportunities for tourism, business visits and international exchanges.

The policy covers eligible travellers visiting for tourism, business, family or friends visits, exchange activities and transit. However, travellers must meet the relevant entry requirements, and the exemption does not automatically apply to every type of passport or purpose of travel.

According to official Chinese government guidance, the 50 countries span Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania. The policy is part of China's efforts to facilitate international travel and encourage greater engagement with other countries.

Full List of 50 Countries Allowed to Enter China Visa-Free

The eligible countries are listed below by region.

Europe — 35 Countries

  1. Andorra

  2. Austria

  3. Belgium

  4. Bulgaria

  5. Croatia

  6. Cyprus

  7. Denmark

  8. Estonia

  9. Finland

  10. France

  11. Germany

  12. Greece

  13. Hungary

  14. Iceland

  15. Ireland

  16. Italy

  17. Latvia

  18. Liechtenstein

  19. Luxembourg

  20. Malta

  21. Monaco

  22. Montenegro

  23. Netherlands

  24. North Macedonia

  25. Norway

  26. Poland

  27. Portugal

  28. Romania

  29. Russia

  30. Slovakia

  31. Slovenia

  32. Spain

  33. Sweden

  34. Switzerland

  35. United Kingdom

Asia — 7 Countries

  1. Brunei

  2. Japan

  3. South Korea

  4. Saudi Arabia

  5. Oman

  6. Kuwait

  7. Bahrain

Americas — 6 Countries

  1. Argentina

  2. Brazil

  3. Canada

  4. Chile

  5. Peru

  6. Uruguay

Oceania — 2 Countries

  1. Australia

  2. New Zealand

How Long Can Visitors Stay in China Without a Visa?

Eligible travellers can stay in China for up to 30 calendar days without obtaining a visa in advance.

The permitted purposes include tourism, business visits, visiting relatives or friends, exchange activities and transit. The 30-day period begins at midnight on the day following arrival.

Travellers must hold a valid ordinary passport that meets the applicable requirements. They should also be prepared to provide supporting documents, such as accommodation details, travel reservations or invitation letters, where necessary.

The visa exemption does not cover every activity. Foreign nationals travelling to China for employment or study, for example, must obtain the appropriate visa. Travellers whose plans fall outside the permitted purposes should confirm their requirements before departure.

Entry remains subject to the relevant Chinese immigration rules and border authorities.

When Does China's 30-Day Visa-Free Policy Expire?

The policy does not have the same expiry date for all 50 countries.

Under the published arrangements available as of October 27, 2026, the visa exemption for Brunei has no specified expiry date, while Russia's arrangement runs until December 31, 2027.

For the other 48 countries, the current published policy is scheduled to run until December 31, 2026.

Travellers planning trips beyond these dates should check for official extensions or changes before booking flights or making other arrangements.

Can Ghanaian Passport Holders Visit China Without a Visa?

Ghana is not included in this particular 50-country unilateral visa-free arrangement for ordinary passport holders.

Ghanaian travellers planning to visit mainland China should therefore check the applicable visa requirements with the Chinese Embassy in Ghana before travelling.

The exclusion from this specific policy does not, by itself, determine whether a traveller may qualify under a separate visa exemption, transit arrangement or another applicable agreement. Requirements depend on the traveller's passport, circumstances and intended activities.

What the Policy Means for International Travellers

China's visa-free arrangements can make short visits more convenient for eligible international travellers by removing the need to obtain a visa in advance for qualifying trips.

The policy may benefit tourists, business visitors and people travelling to meet family or friends, while providing additional opportunities for cultural exchanges and international engagement.

However, travellers should not assume that the same rules apply to every nationality. Checking the latest official requirements before departure remains essential, particularly as visa policies and their validity periods can change.

For the latest information, travellers should consult official Chinese government immigration guidance or the Chinese embassy responsible for their country.

GhanaNews24.com will continue to provide updates on international travel policies, immigration developments and other global news of interest to readers.