When China expanded visa-free entry for certain countries, we knew this would make traveling much easier. Staying in Guangzhou, we wanted to stay longer without the hassle of applying for visas multiple times. Over several trips, we did “visa runs” via Hong Kong, which allowed us to extend our stay. This post shares our experience, explains which countries are eligible, and gives practical tips for travelers.
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What is China’s 30-Day Visa-Free Policy?
China’s 30-day visa-free entry allows eligible visitors to stay in mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa. The policy is primarily for tourism, short-term business, or family visits.
- Only ordinary passport holders are eligible. Diplomatic or service passports follow different rules.
- This policy is unilateral, meaning China sets the rules for these countries without requiring reciprocity.
Check official government page here for up-to-date information.
Which Countries Are Eligible for China’s Visa-Free Entry?
As of 2025, the main countries eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry include:
- Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia
Always double-check the official sources before travel, as the list may update.
How Does the 30-Day Visa-Free Period Work in China?
When you enter China under this policy:
- You are granted up to 30 days for a single stay.
- You must have a passport valid for at least six months.
- Upon arrival, immigration may ask where you will stay (address of your accommodation).
- No full itinerary is required, but it helps to have your intended address written down.
Can I Make Multiple Entries Into China Using Visa-Free Access?
From our experience, yes, multiple entries are possible.
- We made several trips across the Hong Kong border to reset our stay.
- Each time, immigration asked how long we were staying and where we were staying, but never asked for a full itinerary.
- This worked especially when China changed the policy from a 14-day visa-free period to 30 days, which allowed longer stays.
Important: This worked for us, but rules can change. There is no guarantee it will always work for every traveller.
What Documents Do You Need for Visa-Free Entry to China?
We passing Hong Kong and mainland China essentially all we had was our Passports and the arrival/departure cards you collect and fill in at the boarder.
- Passport (ordinary passport only)
- Arrival/departure cards or forms required by immigration at entry
- Address of stay in China (hostel, hotel, or friend’s place)
- Optional: Proof of funds or onward ticket
How Do You Travel from Guangzhou to Hong Kong for a Visa Run?
We used the fast train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen. The border crossing is at Shenzhen Futian high-speed rail station.
We allow ourselves about 30 minutes to cross the border, then it’s roughly 15-30 minutes from Futian to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station via high-speed train.
We normally stay at the Check Inn Hostel near Wan Chai, so we get off at Hong Kong MTR (or ferry if applicable), but in this case via high-speed rail you arrive at West Kowloon.
Our full guide to China fast rail : How to use the high speed train in china
Guangzhou to Shenzhen
- Duration: ~1–2 hours depending on train
- Cost: USD 22–30.
- Overnight Stay: Check Inn HK in Wan Chai (affordable, convenient)
Do I Need an eSIM for Hong Kong When Crossing from China?
Yes — buy an eSIM before crossing the border. Your Chinese SIM card will lose service almost immediately once you leave mainland China. This can be stressful because:
- There’s no free Wi-Fi at the border.
- You’ll likely need internet access right away to buy or top up your Octopus card (Hong Kong’s main payment method).
From our experience, the easiest solution was using Airalo eSIMs for both China and Hong Kong. They’re affordable, simple to install, and work as soon as you arrive — no standing in line for a SIM card.
If we had our time again, we’d always set up an eSIM before crossing to avoid the hassle.
What Do Immigration Officers Ask When Re-Entering China?
- Length of stay
- Accommodation address in China
- Passport and entry card
- Rarely: onward travel or proof of funds
We never had issues, but always kept these documents ready.
14 Days → 30 Days: What Changed?
- Prior to late 2024, visa-free entry for Australians was 14 days.
- November 30, 2024: expanded to 30 days for eligible countries.
- Over time, more countries were added to the list.
How Much Do Visa Runs Cost Between Guangzhou and Hong Kong?
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Fast train ticket (Guangzhou → Shenzhen → HK) | USD 22–30 |
| Overnight stay (Check Inn HK) | Budget hostel rates ~USD 30–50 |
| Food and transport in HK | Higher than mainland China, variable |
Is Visa-Free Entry Better Than Applying for a Tourist Visa in Australia?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Visa-Free Entry | Quick, flexible, less paperwork, no consulate visits | Must leave before 30 days, rules can change, relies on border re-entry |
| Tourist Visa via Consulate | Longer stays possible, secure | Half-day application, paperwork, cost, travel to consulate, takes days to process. |
Common Mistakes TRAVELERS Make With Visa-Free Entry
- Assuming rules won’t change
- Waiting too late to cross the border (check gate times)
- Forgetting address to write on arrival card
- Ignoring arrival/departure cards at HK/China border
- Relying on English at Chinese ticket counters (use Trip.com)
Can I Stay in China Longer Than 30 Days Without a Visa?
We first entered China on a two-month tourist visa. At that time, Australians didn’t yet have the visa-free option. Just a week before our tourist visas expired, China introduced a 14-day visa-free entry.
Since we were waiting to start our teaching jobs in over a month, we made several trips to Hong Kong to reset the visa-free period. Each time, we crossed the border by train from Guangzhou to Shenzhen and then into Hong Kong, usually staying one night.
Later, China extended the policy to a 30-day visa-free stay. By then, we had secured teaching jobs and resident permits, so border runs were no longer needed.
- Short-term travellers: Some people extend their time by making border runs to Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. This worked for us but may not always be guaranteed.
- Long-term travellers: If you want to stay beyond 30 days on a regular basis, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa in advance or obtain a residency permit through work or study.
Useful Resources for Travellers
- Trip.com – trains, hotels, and English support
- Official Chinese government visa policy pages (link here)
- Our other China travel blogs: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wulong Karst, Zhangjiajie
Final Thoughts
China’s 30-day visa-free entry made our travels much simpler. Our multiple Hong Kong visa runs worked smoothly, but always check official rules before planning. Plan your transport, accommodation, and documents carefully, and you can enjoy more time exploring China without the usual visa hassle.
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