Visa Information
Guangdong offers multiple visa-free pathways for foreign tourists, including unilateral visa exemption, 144-hour transit, Hainan Island access, and new unilateral exemptions. Always verify requirements before travel!
### Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies
(As of November 30, 2024 – per Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China)
#### 🌍 Europe (32 countries)
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland
#### 🌏 Oceania (2 countries)
Australia, New Zealand
#### 🌏 Asia (4 countries)
Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea
> Note: Nationals of the above countries holding ordinary passports may enter China visa-free for purposes of business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit, for up to 30 days.
> The stay duration is calculated from 00:00 on the day after the date of entry.
(Please refer to the official website of National Immigration Administration of China for details)
🛂 Regional Visa-Free Entry Policies for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals can benefit from several regional visa-free policies when visiting China. Below is a summary of the major programs available:
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1. 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Hainan Province
Citizens of 59 countries holding ordinary passports can enter Hainan Province visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, medical care, conferences, sports events, and other short-term activities.
- Applies to: Tourists, business travelers, visitors
- Not valid for: Work or study purposes
- Entry ports: All open ports in Hainan
Participating countries include: the UK, the USA, and many more.
(Please refer to the official website of National Immigration Administration of China for details)
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2. Visa-Free Entry for Cruise Tourists
Foreign tourist groups (minimum two people) can enter China without a visa if they arrive via cruise ship organized by a China-registered travel agency. The group must depart China on the same cruise ship.
Designated cruise ports:
- Beihai, Dalian, Guangzhou, Haikou, Lianyungang, Qingdao, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Zhoushan
Permitted travel area:
- Coastal cities and regions including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and more
- Maximum stay: 15 days
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3. ASEAN Tourist Groups to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
Groups of two or more travelers from ASEAN countries can enter Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture without a visa if organized by a China-based travel agency.
- Entry ports: Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport, Mohan Railway and Highway Ports
- Maximum stay: 6 days
- Participating countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
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4. ASEAN Tourist Groups to Guilin, Guangxi
Similar to Xishuangbanna, tourist groups from ASEAN nations can enter Guilin visa-free via its airport.
- Must be part of a group organized by a China-registered travel agency
- Maximum stay: 6 days
- Entry and exit must be via Guilin airport
- Applies to the same 10 ASEAN countries
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5. Tour Groups from Hong Kong or Macao to Guangdong
Foreign passport holders from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China can enter Guangdong Province visa-free if they first enter via Hong Kong or Macao and join a tour group arranged by a travel agency registered in either SAR.
- Eligible cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and Shantou
- Maximum stay: 6 days
- Must enter and leave Guangdong as part of the group
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6. Tour Groups from Hong Kong or Macao to Hainan
Similar to Guangdong, foreign nationals from countries with diplomatic ties to China can visit Hainan visa-free for up to 6 days, provided they join a tour group organized by a Hong Kong or Macao-based travel agency.
- Must enter and exit through any open port in Hainan
- Tourists must stay with the group
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Additional Notes
- Visa-free stay durations begin at 00:00 the day after arrival
- These policies do not override bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreements, which may provide longer or different terms
- For mobile payments, hotel bookings, and travel arrangements, travelers are advised to prepare in advance according to the specific city or region
(Please refer to the official website of National Immigration Administration of China for details)