The unilateral waiver in one test
China's unilateral visa-free entry applies to ordinary-passport holders from listed nationalities, for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange or transit, for no more than 30 days. The MFA FAQ lists the current countries and expiry dates.
If your nationality is on the list and your trip fits the purpose and stay limit, this is usually the simplest route because no advance application is needed.
The mutual agreement route
Mutual visa-exemption agreements are bilateral or multilateral treaties listed in the MFA's agreement table. A country appearing in the table does not automatically mean every passport from that country qualifies: read the passport-category column, because some agreements cover only diplomatic, service or official passports.
Agreements may also carry different effective dates, notes and stay-length terms from the unilateral waiver. If both could apply, compare them as separate options rather than combining the easiest condition from each.
- Unilateral: ordinary passport, listed nationality, 30-day limit.
- Mutual: depends on the agreement's passport category and terms.
- Check the live MFA pages before booking either route.
Sources checked for this guide
Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign AffairsFAQs on Visa-free Entry into ChinaMinistry of Foreign AffairsList of Agreements on Mutual Visa ExemptionThis guide helps you prepare; it does not replace an embassy, consulate, border authority, school or other competent authority.