China visa exemption extended for 45 countries until Dec 2026
China extends visa-free entry for citizens of 45 countries, including France, Germany, and Sweden, through December 2026 to boost travel, business, and cultural ties.
China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for citizens of forty-five countries, a measure that will remain in force until 31 December 2026. This initiative was introduced with the purpose of bolstering tourism, cultural exchanges, and business, following the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Following the Press Conference on 3 November 2025, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the extension of visa exemptions for several nationalities.
Official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (fmprc.gov.cn/eng/)
Which nationalities are eligible?
The extension applies to a broad range of nations, including key European countries such as France, Germany and Spain. Notably, Sweden will be newly added to the list of beneficiaries from 10 November 2025. In total, thirty-two European nations qualify, in addition to non-European countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, along with several South American and Gulf countries.
Eligible travellers may enter China for a maximum stay of 30 days without needing to obtain a visa in advance, for purposes including tourism, family visits, transit or business. To benefit from this exemption, travellers must hold biometric passports and meet standard entry requirements.
How the visa exemption boosts China’s tourism
This decision reflects China’s broader strategy to revitalise its vital tourism sector—one of the world’s largest—which was severely impacted by strict pandemic-era travel controls.
Simplifying entry formalities: Easing administrative procedures aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and respond to travellers’ rising demand for greater flexibility and convenience in global mobility.
Strengthening European engagement: By maintaining preferential entry conditions, China seeks to tap into Europe’s substantial travel market. The inclusion of Sweden, in particular, aims to foster deeper ties with the Nordic region.
Diplomatic and commercial support: Visa facilitation also serves as a lever to support business and economic interactions, smoothing travel for work and cultural cooperation. This move comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape where China-EU trade relations face challenges but also cautious efforts to maintain dialogue and stability. The visa policy thus illustrates China’s commitment to openness and partnership.
Easing international travel
For travellers, this programme offers greater convenience in handling entry formalities when planning international trips. For China’s economy, the expected rise in visitor numbers should yield measurable benefits across sectors such as hospitality, retail, transport and the cultural industries.
It is important to note, however, that the visa-exemption programme does not include countries like the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, whose citizens must still obtain traditional visas to travel to China.
