China has announced the extension of its visa-free entry program for citizens of 45 countries until December 31, 2026, a move that continues to make travel to the Middle Kingdom easier than ever. Starting November 10, 2025, Sweden will also be added to the list, marking another step in China’s ongoing effort to welcome more international visitors.
What the Extended Visa-Free Policy Means
Under this updated policy, travelers from eligible countries can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.
Originally, when the visa-free scheme was launched in late 2023, the stay was limited to 15 days. However, at the end of 2024, China doubled the duration to 30 days, offering visitors greater flexibility for longer trips and deeper exploration of the country.
The initiative, first introduced to boost inbound travel, was originally set to expire at the end of 2024 but has now been extended for a second time until December 31, 2026.
Who Can Travel Visa-Free to China?
This arrangement currently applies to 32 European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several nations across South America and the Gulf region.
Here is the full list of all 46 countries:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden (from November 10, 2025), Switzerland, and Uruguay.
The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are not included in the program.
Our Personal Experience Traveling to China
We first discovered China in summer 2023, still under the traditional visa system. Back then, we obtained our visas in Frankfurt, Germany, and the process was quite time-consuming: completing lengthy forms, booking an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, and providing return flight and hotel confirmations for the entire stay.
As we planned to return to China multiple times, we initially applied for a multiple-entry visa. However, during the interview, the officer informed us that the best option available was a double-entry visa for 3 months, valid for two visits of up to 35 days each. We quickly adjusted our itinerary at the visa center, paid €120 each, and waited hopefully for approval, which we eventually received.
Since then, we have visited China several times, including with multiple entries in a short time frame, and everything has gone smoothly. When the visa-free stay was still limited to 15 days, the process was already super easy. You just filled out a short paper form with your details, travel purpose, and planned cities before meeting the border officer. The only challenge was keeping an eye on the calendar, since two weeks passed quickly! Now, with the 30-day visa-free period, traveling around China feels much more relaxed and flexible.
In 2024, we explored China both in summer and winter, and in 2025 we spent another full month in June, with plans to return again for Christmas. Compared to our first visit in 2023, we’ve noticed that conditions for foreign tourists have improved significantly, from smoother arrivals to more English-friendly travel infrastructure.
As passionate travelers, we find China an incredibly fascinating and vast country full of culture, nature, and modern innovations. With the visa-free extension now in place, we’re already planning another one-month trip for late spring 2026 to continue our adventures. Among the destinations we look forward to is the new Conrad Altay Hemu, located in one of China’s most stunning natural regions.
Conclusion
China’s decision to extend and expand its visa-free program makes visiting the country easier and more appealing than ever. With stays now up to 30 days and 46 countries included, exploring China’s rich culture, modern cities, and natural beauty has become simpler and more spontaneous. For frequent travelers like us, this step confirms that China is truly opening its doors to the world and we can’t wait to continue discovering more of this fascinating destination.
Read more of our tips for traveling in China and find out how to make the most of your Hilton stays across the country.
