China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently announced an expansion of its visa-free entry policy to further facilitate international travel. The expanded policy underscores China’s commitment to fostering international mobility and strengthening global ties through streamlined travel arrangements.
Starting from June 1st 2025, citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family and friend visiting, academic exchanges, or transit purposes. The policy will remain in effect until May 31st 2026.
In addition, more countries will be added to the visa-exemption list starting June 9th 2025, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Their citizens will enjoy the same 30-day visa-free privileges until June 8th 2026.
We have prepared a comprehensive summary for travelers with ordinary passports for your reference.
| Unilateral visa exemption | |||
| Nationality | Andorra | Argentina* | Australia |
| Austria | Belgium | Brazil* | |
| Brunei | Bulgaria | Chile* | |
| Croatia | Cyprus | Denmark | |
| Estonia | Finland | France | |
| Germany | Greece | Hungary | |
| Iceland | Ireland | Italy | |
| Japan | Korea | Latvia | |
| Liechtenstein | Luxembourg | Malaysia | |
| Malta | Monaco | Montenegro | |
| Netherlands | New Zealand | North Macedonia | |
| Norway | Peru* | Poland | |
| Portugal | Romania | Slovakia | |
| Slovenia | Spain | Switzerland | |
| Uruguay* | Saudi Arabia** | Oman** | |
| Kuwait** | Bahrain** | ||
| *starts from June 1st 2025
** starts from June 9th 2025 | |||
| Mutual visa exemption | |||
| Nationality | Albania | UAE | Antigua and Barbuda |
| Barbados | Bahamas | Belarus | |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Ecuador | Fiji | |
| Georgia | Grenada | Kazakhstan | |
| Maldives | Mauritius | The Dominican Republic | |
| Qatar | Armenia | San Marino | |
| Singapore | Seychelles | Serbia | |
| Surinam | Thailand | Tonga | |
| Solomon Islands | Uzbekistan* | ||
| *starts from June 1st 2025 | |||
How does it work: FAQ regarding visa exemption
Q: Do I need to complete any formalities (such as submitting declarations to Chinese Embassies and Consulate) before my departure to China under the visa exemption policy?
A: No, eligible travelers are not required to complete any pre-departure declarations or registrations with Chinese diplomatic missions. The visa exemption applies automatically upon arrival for qualified visitors from the listed countries.
Q: Besides a passport, are there any other materials required for entry?
A: Firstly, foreign nationals coming to China must comply with the visa exemption policy for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting friends and family, or transiting. We recommend travelers bringing relevant documentation upon entry. For example, travelers on business trips should carry an invitation letter from the Chinese company, flight tickets, and hotel bookings. It is important to reiterate that those coming to China for work, study, or media activities are not included by the visa exemption policy.
Q: Are there any requirements regarding the type and validity of entry documents?
A: Foreign nationals must hold a valid ordinary passport to enter China, and the passport must be valid for the duration of their stay. For example, if your passport expires on June 1, 2025, you must ensure that you leave China before 24:00 on June 1, 2025. Additionally, it should be noted that the visa exemption policy does not apply to foreign nationals holding travel documents, temporary or emergency passports, or any other documents other than ordinary passports.
Q: How is the visa exemption stay duration calculated?
A: The visa exemption stay duration is calculated from the date of entry, allowing a continuous stay until 24:00 on the 30th calendar day.
Q: Can I depart from a country other than my home country?
A: Foreign nationals eligible for visa exemption entry to China can depart from any country or region outside of China.
Q: Can I extend my visa exemption if it exceeds the period?
A: Theoretically an extension could be granted, but it is not easily approved. Applicants must provide sufficient reasons for extending their stay in China, along with proof of accommodation, funds for the extended period, and relevant supporting documents. The application must be submitted to the local exit-entry administration bureau where the applicant resides, and the final decision will be made by the local exit-entry administration authorities.
Q: Can I use the visa exemption policy for multiple entries? Are there any requirements regarding entry intervals, number of entries, or total permitted stay duration?
A: Yes, the visa exemption allows for multiple entries without restrictions on entry intervals or number of entries, but the total duration of visa-free stays must not exceed 90 days within any 180 days period. The 90-day limit does not include time spent in China under visas, residence permits, or other authorized documents such as APEC Business Travel Card. Once you reach the 90-day visa-free limit within a 180-day window, you will be denied further visa-free entry until the 180-day period resets.
What does it mean?
China’s recent visa exemption and transit policy enhancements serve dual strategic purposes: strengthening regional cooperation while expanding China’s global influence. For the business community, these streamlined procedures facilitate short-term commercial activities – including meetings, negotiations, and market visits – thereby stimulating cross-border economic collaboration and investment flows.
These policy improvements come with heightened corporate responsibilities. Organizations must now implement robust systems to:
This comprehensive approach to mobility management helps companies capitalize on the new policy benefits while mitigating compliance risks.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Jacky Chu
Partner, China Leader
Sheree Cang
China Immigration Partner
Dienn Hu
China Immigration Senior Partner
Ray Xia
China Immigration Senior Partner
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