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Visa-Free Entry for Foreigners

Visa-Free Entry for Foreigners

Hot Topics: Visa-Free Entry Policy for Foreigners

Hainan Free Trade Zone

Are you dreaming of a tropical getaway without the hassle of visa formalities? Look no further than Hainan, China's tropical paradise, where a visa-free entry policy has been introduced to attract international travelers.

What You Need to Know:

  • Visa-Free Entry: Foreign tourists can now enter Hainan without a visa for stays up to 30 days.
  • Eligible Countries: The policy currently applies to citizens from 59 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
  • Travel Itinerary: Visitors must have a confirmed return ticket and a hotel reservation.
  • Popular Destinations: Hainan is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Key destinations include Sanya, Qionghai, and Wenchang.

Top Attractions in Hainan:

  • Sanya: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Sanya is a must-visit for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
  • Qionghai: Explore the unique culture and history of this coastal city, including the ancient Qionghai Ancient City.
  • Wenchang: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Wenchang Space City, where you can witness the launch of China's rockets.

Tips for Travelers:

  • Health and Safety: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and follow local health guidelines.
  • Language: It's helpful to learn a few Mandarin phrases.
  • Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions to make the most of your trip.

Ready to Experience Hainan?

With its visa-free entry policy and abundance of natural beauty, Hainan is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Start planning your trip today and discover the wonders of this tropical paradise!

Visa Policies for Foreign Nationals Entering Hainan as Individual Visitors

Currently, Hainan’s visa exemption policy for nationals of 59 countries operates in tandem with China’s nationwide mutual full visa exemption policy and unilateral visa exemption policy. Holders of ordinary passports from 86 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Hainan. Applicable policies shall be implemented in the following order: the mutual full visa exemption policy (or unilateral visa exemption policy), Hainan’s visa exemption policy for nationals of 59 countries, or the 240-hour transit visa exemption policy.

(1) Mutual Full Visa Exemption & Unilateral Visa Exemption

Mutual Full Visa Exemption (28 countries)

Albania, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Maldives, Mauritius, Serbia, Seychelles, San Marino, Suriname, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Thailand, Tonga, Uzbekistan, Singapore, Armenia

  • Entry Ports: All designated open ports across China
  • Permitted Entry Purposes: Governed by the bilateral visa exemption agreements between China and the respective countries
  • Duration of Stay in China: Governed by the bilateral visa exemption agreements between China and the respective countries

Unilateral Visa Exemption (47 countries)

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland

  • Policy Validity: This policy shall remain in force until December 31, 2025 (Brunei excluded).
    The pilot scheme for Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay is valid until May 31, 2026.
    The pilot scheme for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain is valid until June 8, 2026.
  • Entry Ports: All designated open ports across China
  • Permitted Entry Purposes: Business activities, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits and transit
  • Duration of Stay in China: No more than 30 days

(2) Hainan Visa Exemption for Nationals of 59 Countries

Approved by the State Council, nationals of 59 countries may enter Hainan visa-free and stay for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, official visits, family visits, medical treatment, exhibition & conference participation and sports competitions. Entry for employment or study is not covered by this exemption.

List of eligible countries

Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom, Ukraine

Among the 59 countries listed above, 11 are not included in China’s national mutual full visa exemption and unilateral visa exemption schemes:
Russia, Ukraine, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, Lithuania, Mexico, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Philippines

  • Entry Ports: All designated open ports in Hainan Province, including Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Qionghai Boao Airport, Yangpu Port, Haikou Port, Qinglan Port, Basuo Port and Sanya Port
  • Permitted Entry Purposes: Tourism, business, official visits, family visits, medical treatment, exhibition & conference participation and sports competitions
  • Activity Scope: The administrative jurisdiction of Hainan Province
  • Duration of Stay in Hainan: No more than 30 days

(3) 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption Policy

Citizens of 55 countries who hold valid international travel documents and through tickets with confirmed travel dates and seats for onward trips to a third country/region may enter China visa-free via any of the 60 designated open ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities nationwide (including Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Hainan).

List of eligible countries

Albania, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Estonia, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Belarus, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Belgium, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Denmark, Germany, Russia, France, Finland, Republic of Korea, Netherlands, Montenegro, Canada, Czech Republic, Qatar, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Malta, United States, Monaco, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Brunei, Ukraine, Spain, Greece, Singapore, New Zealand, Hungary, Italy, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Chile

  • Permitted Entry Purposes: Tourism, business, official visits, family visits and other similar purposes. A valid visa is required in advance for activities subject to prior approval, such as employment, study and news coverage.
  • Duration of Stay: Visitors may stay and move within the designated areas for no more than 240 hours. For nationals covered by China’s bilateral mutual visa exemption agreements or national unilateral visa exemption policy, the relevant provisions of those policies shall apply.