From tropical Hainan to the historic landscapes of Guangxi, China’s regional visa-free policies are making selected destinations more accessible to travellers from Southeast Asia!
China is making it easier for international travellers to explore parts of the country, with regional visa-free entry policies helping to drive a rise in foreign arrivals during the National Day holiday.
According to Chinese state media outlet CGTN, on 9 October 2026, China recorded 682,000 inbound trips by foreign nationals during the holiday period, of which 505,000 were made under visa-free policies. The figures point to growing interest in visa-free travel arrangements, which have reduced some of the administrative hurdles associated with visiting the country.
Among the beneficiaries are citizens of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Under China’s regional visa-free entry policies, eligible travellers can visit selected destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, provided they meet the relevant entry conditions.
The policies, outlined in an official document published by China’s National Immigration Administration, cover several destinations and travel arrangements. However, they do not constitute a blanket visa exemption for the whole country. The permitted duration of stay, entry points and purpose of travel depend on the specific policy.
1. Visit Hainan Up to 30 Days Without a Visa
Known for its tropical beaches, coastal resorts and warm climate, Hainan offers one of China’s most accessible visa-free arrangements for eligible visitors from Southeast Asia.
Citizens of seven ASEAN countries can enter Hainan and stay for up to 30 days without a visa. They are Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The policy covers a range of short-term activities, including tourism, business visits, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, conferences, exhibitions and sporting competitions.
There is, however, an important distinction between visiting and relocating. The visa exemption does not apply to foreign nationals intending to work or study in Hainan. Travellers planning activities outside the permitted purposes should check the applicable immigration requirements before departure.
For those seeking a longer holiday, a business visit or a change of scenery, Hainan offers an opportunity to experience a different side of China without the additional step of applying for a visa, provided all eligibility conditions are met.
2. A Six-Day Escape for Organised Tour Groups at Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
In southwestern China’s Yunnan province, Xishuangbanna offers a different travel experience, with its distinctive Dai culture, tropical landscapes and proximity to Southeast Asia.
Under China’s regional visa-free policy, groups of at least two tourists from ASEAN countries can enter and leave China through designated checkpoints without obtaining a visa. These include Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port and Mohan Road Port.
The arrangement is available to tour groups organised and received by a travel agency officially registered in China. Visitors can stay within the administrative area of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture for up to six days.
The policy applies to citizens of all 10 ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
For travellers interested in cultural tourism and guided itineraries, the arrangement provides a convenient way to explore the region. Independent travellers, however, should not assume that the same exemption applies to them, as the policy specifically requires participation in an eligible organised tour group.
3. Explore China’s Dramatic Karst Landscapes at Guilin, Guangxi
Guilin, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is renowned for its limestone peaks, winding rivers and landscapes that have long featured in Chinese art and literature.
Eligible ASEAN nationals travelling in groups of at least two can enter and leave China through Guilin Airport without a visa under a regional exemption policy.
As with Xishuangbanna, the group must be organised and received by a travel agency officially registered in China. Visitors may remain within Guilin’s administrative area for up to six days.
The exemption covers citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
For visitors drawn to China’s natural scenery, Guilin offers an appealing option for a short holiday. The six-day limit and organised-tour requirement are central to the arrangement, so travellers should confirm their itinerary and eligibility with their travel agency before booking.
4. Cruise Tourism: Visa-Free Entry Through 13 Cities
China’s regional visa-free arrangements also extend to certain international cruise itineraries, offering another way for foreign visitors to explore the country.
Under the policy, foreign tourist groups comprising at least two people may enter China without a visa aboard a cruise ship, provided they are received by a travel agency registered in China.
Eligible cruise entry ports are located in 13 cities:
- Beihai
- Dalian
- Guangzhou
- Haikou
- Lianyungang
- Qingdao
- Sanya
- Shanghai
- Shenzhen
- Tianjin
- Wenzhou
- Xiamen
- Zhoushan
Travellers using this arrangement may stay for up to 15 days in Beijing and designated coastal provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government.
The policy creates opportunities for cruise passengers to combine several destinations in one trip, from major urban centres to coastal cities. However, the permitted itinerary and geographical scope of the exemption should be confirmed before travel.
What ASEAN Travellers Should Know Before Visiting China
China’s regional visa-free policies offer more flexibility for eligible ASEAN travellers, but visa-free entry does not mean unrestricted access to every destination or activity.
Before making travel arrangements, visitors should consider several factors:
Check your nationality. Eligibility differs by policy. While some arrangements cover citizens of all 10 ASEAN member states, Hainan’s 30-day exemption applies to seven.
Confirm your entry point. Xishuangbanna and Guilin have designated entry requirements. The cruise policy is also tied to specified ports and qualifying cruise travel.
Understand the purpose of your visit. These arrangements cover defined activities and travel conditions. The Hainan exemption, for example, does not cover employment or study.
Check the permitted duration and geographical scope. A visa-free stay may be limited to a particular region and a specified number of days. Visitors should not assume they can continue travelling elsewhere in China under the same exemption.
Verify the latest requirements before departure. Immigration rules and implementation details can change. Travellers should consult official Chinese immigration information and confirm their eligibility before booking flights, accommodation or tours.
Need Immigration Advice for Your Next Trip?
For travellers from Indonesia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, understanding the difference between a visa exemption and a visa requirement can help prevent unnecessary complications before departure.
LMI Consultancy provides immigration consultation for individuals and businesses navigating entry and stay requirements in Indonesia and across ASEAN. Travellers and companies seeking guidance on immigration matters can consult the team to understand applicable requirements and identify the appropriate next steps for their circumstances.
For trips to China, travellers should also verify the relevant entry conditions with China’s official immigration authorities or the appropriate Chinese diplomatic mission. Regional visa-free arrangements have specific eligibility criteria, and professional advice should be based on the traveller’s nationality, purpose of visit and intended itinerary.
With the right preparation, exploring China can become a more straightforward prospect for eligible ASEAN visitors. The key is knowing which exemption applies, where it permits travel and what conditions must be met before setting off.
