Visa policy · Verified 2026-08-11
China Visa-Free Entry for Maldivians (2026)
Yes — Maldivians can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days
Policy type: mutual visa-free agreement
What the 30-day rule covers
Holders of ordinary Maldives passports can enter mainland China without a visa and stay up to 30 days per entry. Permitted purposes: tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit. The duration is counted from 00:00 on the day after entry, so arrival day is effectively free.
Conditions to meet
- Ordinary (not diplomatic/service) passport, valid for your entire stay — 6 months' validity is the safe standard
- No paid work or study; those still require the appropriate visa
- Be prepared to show an onward or return ticket and your first hotel booking
- Stays longer than 30 days require a visa obtained before travel
Getting there from Maldives
Beijing Capital Airlines flies nonstop from Malé to Beijing (about 7.5 hours), and Maldivian Airlines added weekly nonstop service to both Beijing and Chengdu for 2026 — solid direct options for a country this size.
Frequently asked questions
- How long can maldivians stay in China without a visa?
- Up to 30 days per entry. The clock starts at 00:00 on the day after you enter.
- What can I do during a visa-free visit?
- Tourism, business meetings, visiting family and friends, exchange visits, and transit are all permitted. Paid work and study are not.
- Do I need to book hotels and flights before arriving?
- Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have your exit ticket and first hotel booking ready to show at check-in and on arrival.
- Can I extend my stay beyond the visa-free window?
- Generally no. If you plan a longer trip, apply for an L (tourist) visa before departure instead of relying on the visa-free policy.
- Is 30 days enough if I'm combining China with a Maldives trip?
- For most itineraries, yes — the mutual exemption gives Maldivian passport holders 30 days per visit (up to 90 days within 180 days), comfortably covering a China leg bolted onto a Maldives holiday. Just track your total days if you're making multiple trips within the same 180-day window.
Official sources
- National Immigration Administration — Visa-Free Transit Policies
- China Visa Application Service Center — 240-Hour Transit FAQ
Last verified 2026-08-11. Entry policies change quickly — always confirm with an official government source before booking travel.
Same policy, other passports
Comparing more than a couple of passports? The full country list shows every policy tier on one page — all 50 visa-free countries, the mutual-agreement group, and who qualifies for the 240-hour transit.