Mainland China: More Nationals Eligible for Visa Exemption; Expanded Rights Under Exemption
May 27, 2026
China continues to expand its visa-exemption program, offering temporary and long-term visa-free entry to travelers from an increasing number of countries. As a brief summary, the current visa-exempt arrangements are as follows:
- Visa-exempt for up to 30 days (under a temporary policy in effect until December 31, 2027): Russia
- Visa-exempt for up to 30 days (under a temporary policy in effect until December 31, 2026): Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada (as of February 17, 2026), Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (as of February 17, 2026), Uruguay.
- Visa-exempt for up to 30 days: Brunei, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Maldives, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, United Arab Emirates
- Visa-exempt for up to 30 days, with a cumulative stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period: Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Malaysia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Thailand, Uzbekistan
- Visa-exempt for up to 60 days: Mauritius
- Visa-exempt for up to 90 days: San Marino
- Visa-exempt entry permitted for a cumulative stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next
Blog post
In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.
Awards
Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.
Blog post
In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.
Blog post
Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.
Video
Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Blog post
Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next
Blog post
In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.
Awards
Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.
Blog post
In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.
Media mentions
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.
Blog post
Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.
Video
Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
