Explainer | Visa exemption for China for a maximum of 30 days: 5 options for entry

China announced in November an expansion of visa-free entry procedures to citizens of 38 countries, including Japan. You can enter visa-free for up to a month to attract more foreign tourists and support the economy.

Japanese citizens, including many with investments in China, were allowed to visit mainland China visa-free for up to 15 days from 2003 to 2020. Beijing suspended the program this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In another possible boost to China tourism, the U.S. government relaxed its travel advisory this week to “exercise increased caution” rather than “reconsider travel.” The US State Department issued even stricter warnings last year about the “risk of unlawful detention.”

Applying for a visa to China can take days, cost well over $100, and require pages of paperwork. The red tape has deterred some foreigners from visiting the world’s second-largest economy as tourists or business travelers.

Here are five ways to enter China without a visa:

1. Transit through Chinese cities (1-6 days)

Passport holders from 54 nations, including Australia, Japan, the United States and countries across Europe, will be able to stay in certain areas of mainland China for almost a week after entering through one of mainland China’s international airports.