China recently announced a major extension of its visa waiver policy, facilitating access to its territory for travelers from many countries. This measure is designed to boost tourism and international trade, while strengthening economic and cultural ties.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing, said in early May
Information provided by China News Service (CNS)
New beneficiary countries in 2025
5 Latin American and Caribbean countries
From June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026five South American countries join the list of those benefiting from visa-free travel for one year. stay of up to 30 days :
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Peru
- Uruguay
This exemption applies to business travel, tourism, family visits, exchange programs or simple transit.
9 European and Asian countries
On the other hand, nine European and Asian countries also benefit from this facility, from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025 :
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Japan
- Latvia
- Malta
- North Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Romania
Nationals of these countries can stay up to 30 days in China for similar reasons: business, tourism, family visits or cultural exchanges.
Complete list of visa-free countries (2025)
With these additions, China now has 43 countries whose citizens can enter without a visa for a 30-day stay. These include many European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), several Asia-Pacific nations (Australia, Japan, Malaysia, etc.), as well as the new South American countries.
Terms and conditions of entry
- Maximum duration 30 days without a visa
- Authorized motifs tourism, business, family visits, exchange programs, transit
- Required documents valid passport, proof of accommodation, return or onward ticket (as applicable)
- Restrictions The exemption does not allow you to work or study in China. For these reasons, a specific visa is still required.
Transit without visa
China has also extended its visa-free transit system:
- Transit less than 24 hours The new ticketing system: accessible to all international travelers at most major airports, with the requirement of a ticket to a third country.
- 10-day transit Entry: possible for nationals of 54 countries, provided they transit through designated ports of entry.
Important points to remember
- The visa waiver is renewable each time you enter China, provided you leave the country between two stays.
- Travelers must be careful to respect the maximum length of stay, failing which they will be penalized.
- Holders of emergency passports are not eligible for this exemption.
This development marks a clear commitment by China to boost international tourism and facilitate trade with the rest of the worldWhile maintaining a strict regulatory framework for long-term stays or stays with a specific professional purpose.
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