Unlock China’s Regional Visa-Free Programs: Hainan, Cruises, and Border Areas

How Regional Visa-Free Entry Works

Regional policies typically require travelers to arrive via designated ports, remain inside defined areas, and depart within a limited timeframe. Most programs are designed for organized tour groups; some apply to independent travelers from approved countries. Stays are calculated from 00:00 on the day after arrival.

Hainan 30-Day Visa-Free Entry (59 Countries)

Ordinary passport holders from 59 countries can enter Hainan without a visa for tourism, business, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, or sporting events.

Eligible Countries 59

Maximum Stay 30 days

Ports of Entry All open Hainan ports

Travel Requirements

Trip must be organized or received by a Hainan-based travel agency.
Purpose limited to tourism, business visits, family visits, medical care, exhibitions, or sporting events.
Entry and exit permitted via any open port in Hainan.

Stay Rules

Maximum stay of 30 days.
Stay duration counted from 00:00 on the day following entry.
Work and study activities remain prohibited without the appropriate visa.

Visa-Free Entry for International Cruise Tour Groups

Foreign tour groups (minimum 2 travelers) arriving by cruise and hosted by a Chinese travel agency may disembark without a visa at designated passenger ports.

Designated ports (13 cities): Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beihai, Haikou, Sanya.
Permitted stay area: Beijing and the coastal provinces of Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan.
Stay limit: up to 15 days; the group must remain together and depart on the same cruise ship to the next port.

ASEAN Tour Groups Visiting Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

Organized tour groups (2+ travelers) from ASEAN countries may enter and exit the Xishuangbanna region visa-free.

Eligible nationalities: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
Required ports: Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port, or Mohan Highway Port.
Stay scope: within Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture for up to 6 days; group-in, group-out travel is mandatory.

ASEAN Tour Groups Visiting Guilin, Guangxi

ASEAN tour groups (2+ travelers) organized by a Chinese travel agency may enjoy visa-free entry through Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.

Eligible nationalities: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam.
Entry/exit port: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.
Stay scope: within Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; stay limited to 6 days with group-in, group-out travel.

Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

Foreign citizens from countries with diplomatic relations with China may join Hong Kong or Macao–registered tour groups (2+ travelers) and enter the mainland portion of the Greater Bay Area without a visa.

Coverage: Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhaoqing, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, plus Shantou.
Entry/exit: via any open port in the above cities; group-in, group-out travel is required.
Stay limit: up to 6 days.

Hong Kong/Macao Tour Groups Visiting Hainan

Foreign citizens joining tour groups (2+ travelers) organized in Hong Kong or Macao can enter Hainan Province visa-free for short stays.

Entry/exit: any open port in Hainan Province.
Stay scope: within Hainan Province for up to 6 days.
Best for: travelers who do not qualify for the 30-day Hainan visa-free program but are already visiting Hong Kong or Macao.

Stay durations under regional programs are calculated from 00:00 on the day following entry. Travelers who also qualify for mutual visa exemption agreements or other national visa-free policies may choose the arrangement that best fits their itinerary.

Regional Special Policies