From November 8, citizens of nine new countries will benefit from visa-free entry to China.
China‘s unilateral 15-day visa-free policy, previously available to citizens of 18 countries, is about to be extended to nine new countries.
Asked last Friday about this exceptional regime in place for certain countries since December 1, 2023, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian announced that nationals of Andorra, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Slovakia and South Korea will soon join the visa waiver program.
“From November 8, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these nine countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes”, explained the Chinese diplomatic spokesperson.
By relaxing its visa requirements for citizens of these countries, China aims to revitalize its tourism sector, hard hit by the pandemic, and strengthen economic and cultural exchanges with these nations.
27 countries eligible for 15-day visa-free in China
Since the gradual reopening of its borders, China has shown a keen interest in attracting international visitors once again, in particular to boost tourist spending and strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties.
Until December 31, 2025, tourists and business travelers from the following 27 countries and territories do not need a visa to enter China, and can stay for up to 15 days:
- Andorra*
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Denmark*
- Finland*
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland*
- Ireland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein*
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Monaco*
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway*
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia*
- South Korea*
- Spain
- Switzerland
* Policy implemented as of November 8, 2024
Conditions for visa exemption in China
Citizens of the 27 countries concerned can enter China for a 15-day stay without having to apply for a visa in advance.
However, this exemption is strictly limited to short-term tourist and business stays; visitors wishing to extend their stay or work in China must comply with the usual visa application procedures.
To benefit from a visa waiver for entry into China, it is necessary to present an ordinary passport valid for the entire duration of the stay, as well as any document(s) justifying the purpose and duration of the trip, such as a letter of invitation, a return ticket, a hotel reservation confirmation, etc.
All entry control points (air, land or sea) can be used to enter China without a visa. It is possible to stay in China without interruption until midnight of the 15th day from the date of arrival in the country. There are no restrictions on the number of times this visa waiver can be used, but it is important to remember that only the immigration officer is empowered to authorize entry into China without a visa.
