China Expands Visa-Free Entry to 14 More Countries

China has announced a major expansion of its visa exemption policy, making it easier for travelers from multiple new countries to enter its territory. The move aims to boost international tourism and economic exchanges while strengthening cultural and economic ties with the rest of the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the initiative in early May, following remarks delivered at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing.

Source: China News Service (CNS)

New countries added in 2025

5 Latin American and Caribbean countries

From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, five South American nations are joining the list of countries eligible for up to 30 days of visa-free entry:

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Chile

• Peru

• Uruguay

The exemption covers travel for business, tourism, family visits, exchange programs, or transit.

9 European and Asian countries

In addition, nine European and Asian countries will benefit from this policy from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025:

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Estonia

• Japan

• Latvia

• Malta

• North Macedonia

• Montenegro

• Romania

Citizens of these countries may stay for up to 30 days for similar purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, or cultural exchanges.

Complete list of countries with visa-free entry to China (2025)

With these additions, China now has 43 countries whose citizens can enter without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Among them are several European nations (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), several Asia-Pacific countries (Australia, Japan, Malaysia, etc.), as well as the newly added South American countries.

Entry requirements and conditions

• Maximum duration: 30 days without a visa

• Permitted purposes: tourism, business, family visits, exchange programs, transit

• Required documents: valid passport, proof of accommodation, return or onward ticket (where applicable)

• Restrictions: the exemption does not allow paid employment or study in China. A specific visa is required for these purposes.

Visa-free transit

The policy also broadens China’s visa-free transit program:

• Transit under 24 hours: available to all international travelers in most major airports, provided they have a ticket to a third country.

• 10-day transit: possible for citizens of 54 countries, subject to transiting through designated ports of entry.

Key points to remember

• Visa exemptions can be renewed with each new entry into China, as long as travelers leave and re-enter the country between stays.

• Travelers must strictly adhere to the maximum permitted stay duration to avoid penalties for overstaying.

• Holders of emergency travel documents are not eligible for this exemption.

This initiative underscores China’s clear intent to revitalize international tourism and facilitate global exchanges, while maintaining a regulated framework for longer stays or specific professional purposes.

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