How the 30 days of visa-free stay in China are counted
The 30-day visa-free stay in China is counted from the day after entry for 30 calendar days, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs FAQ on visa-free entry.
Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs FAQ, the visa-free stay begins on the day after you enter and lasts for 30 calendar days. The National Immigration Administration note gives the same starting point, from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry.
How the count starts
The answer to the FAQ question on how to calculate the duration of stay says: "The duration of stay without a visa is calculated from the next day of entry and lasts for 30 calendar days."
The National Immigration Administration note, published with its list of countries, says that nationals of the listed countries holding ordinary passports may enter China visa-free for business, tourism, visits to relatives and friends, exchange visits, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days. The same note says: "The duration of stay is calculated from 00:00 on the day following the date of entry."
Worked illustration
This is this site's illustration of the rule, not official text. Suppose you enter China on 1 March. The count starts on 2 March, which is day 1. Day 30 is 31 March. On this reading, the 30 days run from 2 March through 31 March.
As a suggestion, write down your arrival date and the last counted day before you book onward travel.
Staying longer than 30 days
The FAQ answer to the question on staying longer than 30 days says: "Foreign nationals planning to stay in China for over 30 days shall apply for visas corresponding to their purposes of stay in advance at Chinese embassies or consulates."
The same answer also says: "If they have to stay longer than 30 days for appropriate and sufficient reasons after entering China without a visa, they shall apply for stay permits to the exit and entry administrations of public security authorities of China."
Multiple entries
The FAQ answer to the question on multiple entries says: "Foreign nationals eligible for the visa waiver can enter China without a visa multiple times."
The same answer says: "Currently, there is no restriction on the number of entries or total days of stay, but those who enjoy visa-free travel to China shall not engage in activities inconsistent with their purpose of entry."
This FAQ was checked on 10 October 2026. Confirm the current wording on the official page before you travel.
Which list applies
Whether your country is covered depends on the list on the National Immigration Administration page, which is dated 17 February 2026 and was checked on 11 October 2026. Confirm the list on the official page before you travel, because the list changes.
Sources
- FAQs on Visa-free Entry into China, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC (China Consular Services)
- List of Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies, National Immigration Administration
Checked 11 October 2026
This is an unofficial summary. It is not published by or affiliated with the National Immigration Administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, any embassy, consulate or visa application service centre, it is not legal or immigration advice, and the official text and the current notice of the office handling your case prevail if they differ.