Visa-Free Entry for 59 Countries
Starting February 9, 2024, ordinary passport holders from 59 countries are eligible for
visa-free entry to Hainan Province for stays of up to 30 days.
Eligible countries include:
Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco, and Belarus.
View the official announcement from the National Immigration Administration of China →
Permitted Purposes of Visa-Free Entry
- Tourism
- Business & trade
- Visiting family/friends
- Medical treatment
- Attending exhibitions or sports competitions
Important: Visa-free entry does not apply for work or study.
Duration of Stay
Travelers may stay in Hainan for up to 30 days.
Entry must be via direct international flights, business charter, or cruise ships into Hainan.
Ports of entry include:
Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Fenghuang International Airport, Qionghai Boao Airport, Yangpu Port, Haikou Port, Qinglan Port, Basuo Port, and Sanya Port.
Travelers arriving by flight may also transit via a third country, Hong Kong, or Macao before entering Hainan.
Geographic Limits
Visa-free entry applies only within the administrative area of Hainan Province.
If you wish to extend your stay or travel to other parts of China, you must apply for a visa through
Hainan's Exit-Entry Administration before your visa-free period expires.
Applying for a China Visa
(if not eligible for visa-free entry)
Attendees who are not from one of the 59 eligible countries, or who wish to travel outside Hainan,
should apply for a China visa in advance.
Steps to Apply for a China Visa
- Register an Account
Visit the Visa Center Website and create an account using your email address. (See Q&A below for details.) - Log In & Complete Application
Log in to the Visa Center website, fill out the online visa application form, and upload the required materials (passport scan, photo, etc.). - Submit Your Application Online
Confirm your details and submit your visa application online. - Check Email for Updates
After submission, you'll receive status updates from the Visa Center:- Approved → Print the "Visa Application Certificate" and take it with your passport and required documents to the Visa Center.
- Rejected / Modify → Log in, correct details, and resubmit.
- Supplementary Documents → Upload additional materials as requested.
- Interview Required → Schedule and attend your interview online.
- Final Submission at Visa Center / Embassy
Bring your "Visa Application Certificate," original passport, and any required supporting documents to the Visa Center or Chinese embassy/consulate. - Provide Biometrics & Pay Fee
Submit biometric data (fingerprints), pay the visa fee, and wait for final approval. - Collect Visa
Pick up your passport with the issued visa once processing is complete.
⚠️ Recommendation: Apply at least one month before departure to allow sufficient processing time.
About Hainan: China's Island Gateway
Hainan is China's only tropical island province, known for its vibrant culture, beaches, rainforests, and international events. As the world's largest free trade port, Hainan blends natural beauty with opportunities for business
and innovation.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Cruises and yacht rides along the South China Sea
- Surfing, eco-tours, and cultural experiences
- Major international events like the Boao Forum for Asia and the China International Consumer Products Expo
