Visa-free entry for 48 of the 50 countries on China's 30-day list ends on December 31, 2026.30-day visa-free list ends December 31, 2026 ·Check your passport
Canton TowerPhoto: Tim Wu · CC BY-SA 4.0 DetailsChen Clan Ancestral HallPhoto: Shujianyang · CC BY-SA 4.0 DetailsShamian IslandPhoto: 钉钉 · CC BY-SA 4.0 DetailsCanton Fair ComplexPhoto: Tim Wu · CC BY-SA 4.0 DetailsFive Rams, Yuexiu ParkPhoto: Liuxingy · CC BY-SA 4.0 DetailsPearl River at nightPhoto: Andrews Garory · CC BY-SA 4.0 Details
The practical guide to Guangzhou for foreign visitors
Visas, getting around, paying, food and the Canton Fair, answered up front. Every guide says how it was checked and on what date.
Can I enter China without a visa?
Visa needed
Visa usually needed
Apply at the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa centre that covers where you live.
Visa-free
Visa-free for up to 30 days
A valid ordinary passport is enough for a short visit; exact terms depend on the agreement.
Visa-free
Visa-free for up to 30 days
A valid passport is enough for entries until December 31, 2026. For work, study or journalism, you still need a visa.
Visa-free
Visa-free for up to 30 days
A valid passport is enough. For work, study or journalism, you still need a visa.
Visa needed
Visa usually needed for a China-only trip
Flying on to a third country or region? You can use 240-hour visa-free transit instead.
240-hour transit
Visa-free transit for up to 240 hours (10 days)
You need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region.
Visa-free
Visa-free for up to 30 days
A valid passport is enough for entries until December 31, 2027. For work, study or journalism, you still need a visa.
Visa-free
Visa-free for up to 30 days
A valid ordinary passport is enough for a short visit; exact terms depend on the agreement.
Photo: ScareCriterion12 · CC BY-SA 4.0 DetailsExample The labels at the top of every guide
Last checked October 22, 2026 against official sources
Checked in person on [date] by our Guangzhou team
Immigration
Metro
Airport
Venues
How we check our guides
Every guide is checked against official sources: China's immigration and foreign affairs authorities, transport operators, venues and the Canton Fair organiser. Each one shows the date it was last checked and links its sources. We use AI tools to help research and draft; our editor reviews every guide before it is published.
When a guide has also been checked in person in Guangzhou, it will say who checked it, where and when, with dated photos.
Independent. We don't sell tours, sourcing or any other services.
Ask a Guangzhou local
Marc was born and raised in Guangzhou and knows the city inside out. He speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and uses a translation app for other languages. Can't find what you need in our guides, or not sure what applies to you? Message Marc on WhatsApp. It's free, and he usually replies within 24 hours.
