China Extends Visa-Free Entry for 45 Countries

China will extend its visa-free entry policy for several countries, including France, until December 31, 2026. The scheme will also expand to cover Sweden starting November 10, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the extension during a regular press briefing on Monday. The policy, originally set to expire at the end of 2024, allows eligible travelers to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or transit.

China’s visa-free policy covers citizens from dozens of countries across Europe, the Gulf, South America, and the Asia-Pacific. The move is part of Beijing’s strategy to revive its tourism sector, which was hit hard by pandemic restrictions. By removing visa barriers, China aims to attract more international visitors and restore pre-pandemic levels of foreign engagement.

The extension also comes as China seeks to strengthen ties with the European Union, one of its key trading partners. Recent high-level meetings in Brussels led to China suspending expanded rare earth export controls for EU member states. Both sides have committed to keeping communication channels open to ensure stability in industrial and supply chains.

The visa policy extension is seen as a diplomatic effort to foster closer people-to-people connections and support trade relations between China and the EU.

Countries with Visa-Free Travel to China Until December 31, 2026:

1. Andorra
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. Austria
5. Bahrain
6. Belgium
7. Brazil
8. Bulgaria
9. Chile
10. Croatia
11. Cyprus
12. Denmark
13. Estonia
14. Finland
15. France
16. Germany
17. Greece
18. Hungary
19. Iceland
20. Ireland
21. Italy
22. Japan
23. Kuwait
24. Latvia
25. Liechtenstein
26. Luxembourg
27. Malta
28. Monaco
29. Montenegro
30. Netherlands
31. New Zealand
32. North Macedonia
33. Norway
34. Oman
35. Peru
36. Poland
37. Portugal
38. Romania
39. Saudi Arabia
40. Slovakia
41. Slovenia
42. South Korea
43. Spain
44. Switzerland
45. Uruguay

Eligible travelers from these countries can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, or transit.

China’s latest move is expected to boost tourism, strengthen international ties, and support economic recovery as the country reopens to the world.