The purpose is explicitly allowed

The MFA's visa-free FAQ lists visits to family and friends among the permitted purposes alongside business, tourism, exchange and transit. An eligible ordinary-passport holder staying no more than 30 days may enter under the waiver for this reason.

Border inspection makes the individual entry decision, so the documents you carry should support the stated purpose.

What to carry

Prepare a return or onward ticket, accommodation details, and the inviting family member's or friend's contact information and address in China. An invitation message or letter with their name, address and phone number helps connect the trip to the stated purpose.

If you are staying in their home rather than a hotel, remember that accommodation registration is a separate step handled by you or the host within 24 hours of arrival.

  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Host contact and Chinese-language address.
  • Accommodation booking or host registration plan.
OFFICIAL ORIGINALS

Sources checked for this guide

Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign AffairsFAQs on Visa-free Entry into ChinaNational Immigration AdministrationOnline Accommodation Registration PilotState Council English Portal / National Immigration AdministrationA Welcome Guide to China
Scope of this article

This guide helps you prepare; it does not replace an embassy, consulate, border authority, school or other competent authority.