China 30-Day Visa Exemption

Hi there,

I’m a bit unsure—right now, the 30-day visa exemption ends on December 31, 2025. If I enter China on December 23, will I still get the full 30 days even though the exemption officially ends on the 31st? Is it the entry date that counts for the 30-day period?

Thanks for your input!

Hi,

It seems to me that the 30-day period starts when you arrive on Chinese soil. Only the Chinese embassy or a consulate can confirm this for you.

Hi, I’m going to send an email to the embassy in Paris. Thanks! Best regards,

I’d love to hear back from you once you have the answer ;)

Thanks

Normally, the 30-day visa exemption is supposed to be extended in 2026—that’s what the tourist office in Paris told me. Wait until November to confirm in case there’s any hiccup between Paris and Beijing. For your situation, it’s 30 days from entry into China now or at Christmas.

Good evening,

Yes, entry must be made by December 31 at the latest, but I had a doubt. I hope it’ll be extended in 2026—I just saw on TV today that China wants to become the world’s number one tourist destination ahead of France by 2030, so the 30-day exemption will likely be extended or even lengthened. It reminds me of Vietnam—it used to require a visa, then 15 days visa-free, and now it’s 45 days visa-free.

Hi there,

It’s been 8 days since I sent an email, and still no reply—they haven’t even read it. Lol.

Hi there,

It’s been 8 days since I sent an email but no reply—looks like they haven’t even read it. Lol.

Keep us posted!

Hi,

Try calling this number. They’re very responsive: 01 40 70 04 01 pariscentre@visaforchina.org

Good evening, No response to this email address—it hasn’t even been opened.

But from what I understand, it’s the entry date that counts. We’re entering China on December 23rd, so before the supposed end of the 30-day visa-free period. Whether it’s extended or not, it doesn’t affect us.