China has extended its visa-free travel program for citizens of 12 countries until December 31, 2025. This visa waiver extension aims to boost tourism and cultural exchange between China and these nations.
Nationals from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland can now visit China for short-term trips free of visa restrictions.
China had dropped visa requirements for several countries at the end of 2023, including Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Travelers from Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria, Hungary, Ireland, and Switzerland were granted visa exemption in March 2024.
Key details of China’s visa-free travel policy extension
China has extended the 15-day visa-free entry for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg to Dec 31, 2025. Looking forward to welcoming more foreign tourists and visitors to China. pic.twitter.com/GWD2mEscB6
— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) May 7, 2024
China’s visa-free policy is available for travelers who enter the country for tourism, business, visiting friends and family, or transit purposes. However, those who travel to China free from visa restrictions cannot exceed a stay of 15 consecutive days. Travelers from the above-mentioned exempt countries and nationals of other countries who wish to enter China for purposes other than the above must apply for a visa as per the regular process.
Explore more with our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in China.
This extension provides a fantastic opportunity to explore China’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Beijing, one of its most popular destinations, offers diverse and amazing experiences. From exploring the Forbidden City, enjoying Peking Duck at a local establishment, visiting the vibrant Summer Palace and walking up the Great Wall of China, to walking around Tiananmen Square and checking out Beijing Zoo, Beijing promises diverse new experiences for travelers.
Other popular destinations in China include the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the backdrops of Avatars. Ride a cable car here, walk along precarious-looking skywalks and bridges, and enjoy nature’s splendor. Guilin is another favorite, especially for those traveling with families, thanks to plenty of adventure activities including river cruises, countryside cycling, and exploring limestone caves. Other crowd favorites for tourism in China include Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangdong, and Chengdu.
(Feature image credit: Hanson Lu/Unsplash)
Related: The Ultimate Guide To Visiting The Iconic Summer Palace In China
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Esha is a traveler at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked with TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found drinking endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon.