China Extends Visa-Free Travel for 45 Countries Until 2026. China has officially extended its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 45 countries until 31 December 2026. This move allows eligible visitors to travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, or transit.
The extension, effective from 10 November 2025, forms part of China’s broader plan to revive international tourism and global economic engagement after the pandemic.
Overview of the Visa-Free Extension
The visa-free policy enables travelers from eligible countries to enter China for short stays without a visa. Visitors must possess a valid passport and comply with Chinese immigration and public security laws.
- Duration: Up to 30 days per entry
- Purpose: Tourism, business, family visit, or transit
- Validity: Until 31 December 2026
- Effective Date: 10 November 2025
This initiative demonstrates China’s commitment to boosting people-to-people exchanges and simplifying entry procedures for global travelers.
Full List of 45 Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Travel to China (2025–2026)
Below is the complete list of 45 countries covered under China’s extended visa-free travel policy, grouped by region:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand |
| Middle East | Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain |
| Americas | Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay |
| Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden |
Note: Sweden has been granted visa-free travel for the first time under this policy.
Countries not included in this scheme are the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, although citizens of these nations can still use China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy when traveling to a third country.
Purpose Behind the Policy Extension
The decision to extend visa-free access aligns with China’s strategic tourism and economic revival plan. The government aims to make travel more accessible and encourage global partnerships in trade, culture, and innovation.
Key objectives include:
- Reviving international tourism and business travel
- Enhancing foreign investment opportunities
- Supporting local tourism industries post-pandemic
- Improving China’s global image as a friendly destination
Impact on Tourism and Global Relations
China’s visa-free policy has already produced visible results. According to official statistics, visa-free entries in 2024 more than doubled compared to 2023 — accounting for nearly one-third of all international arrivals.
This strong recovery reflects the success of the policy in stimulating foreign visits, business networking, and cultural exchanges. Travel companies across Europe, Asia, and South America have also reported an uptick in bookings to Chinese destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hainan.
Economic and Diplomatic Benefits
The visa-free initiative strengthens China’s bilateral and multilateral ties across continents. It supports:
- Economic collaboration: Simplifying travel for investors and entrepreneurs
- Cultural diplomacy: Promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding
- Tourism growth: Encouraging short-term visits and group tours
- Regional partnerships: Boosting relations with EU, GCC, and Asia-Pacific countries
These outcomes reinforce China’s ambition to position itself as an open, globally connected economy and a hub for international cooperation.
How to Take Advantage of Visa-Free Entry
If you are a citizen of one of the 45 eligible countries, you can enter China without a visa under the following conditions:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date |
| Purpose of Visit | Tourism, business, family visit, or transit |
| Length of Stay | Up to 30 days per visit |
| Return Ticket | Recommended to show proof of onward or return travel |
| Compliance | Must adhere to all Chinese laws and regulations during stay |
Tip: Always confirm with your airline or local Chinese embassy before traveling to ensure there are no recent policy changes.
Excluded Countries and 240-Hour Transit Policy
While the visa-free list covers 45 countries, travelers from the USA, Canada, and the UK are excluded. However, these citizens can take advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit rule, allowing them to stay in select Chinese cities for up to six days without a visa if they are transiting to a third destination.
This option applies to major hubs like:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Chengdu
- Chongqing
- Hangzhou
China’s Long-Term Tourism Vision
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasize that the visa-free extension is part of China’s “Open Door Tourism Strategy”.
The goal is to make China one of the world’s top inbound tourism destinations by 2030 through easier entry policies, modernized airports, and smart travel systems.
The plan includes:
- Enhancing international airport facilities
- Simplifying e-arrival card systems
- Expanding visa-free transit cities
- Encouraging global tourism partnerships
Conclusion
China’s decision to extend visa-free travel for 45 countries until 2026 is a significant step toward reviving global mobility and strengthening cross-border cooperation. This policy not only boosts tourism and trade but also sends a clear message that China remains open, welcoming, and globally connected.
For travelers from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the Americas, this extension offers an exciting opportunity to explore China’s cultural heritage, modern cities, and growing business landscape — all without the need for a visa.
FAQs
1. How long can travelers stay in China visa-free?
Eligible citizens can stay for up to 30 days per entry without a visa.
2. When does the new visa-free policy extension start?
It becomes effective on 10 November 2025 and will remain valid until 31 December 2026.
3. Which country was added for the first time?
Sweden was added for the first time under this new visa-free expansion.
4. Can travelers from the US, UK, or Canada visit visa-free?
No, but they are eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit if passing through China to another destination.
5. What are the main purposes allowed under this policy?
Visa-free entry is valid for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short-term transits.
