Since December 2023, it has been possible to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. The introduction came as a surprise back then and was initially limited to citizens of 6 nations. In March 2024, it was expanded to residents of Switzerland, Luxembourg, Austria, and 3 other countries.
Originally, this regulation was supposed to apply only to trips until November 2024. Now, the Chinese government has decided to extend it. Visa-free entries are therefore possible until December 2025, with the possibility of further extensions.
The announcement was made yesterday in Paris. President Xi Jinping is quoted from a meeting of the Sino-French Economic Council as follows:
China has decided to extend visa exemption entry for citizens from 12 countries including France on short-term visits to China until the end of 2025, a step that will further boost people-to-people exchanges.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China
At another point, there is explicit mention of an extension until December 31, 2025. So, if you’re planning a trip to the People’s Republic, you have some planning security for now.
And if that’s exactly what you’re planning – here’s an overview of our current deals to China:
As a reminder, visa-free entry is possible for citizens of the following countries:
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Luxembourg
- Switzerland
- Hungary
- Austria
Conclusion
After years of being isolated, China’s extension of visa-free entry is very welcome. I recently had the opportunity to use it myself and was surprised at how quick and smooth the entry into Guangzhou was.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: © Юлия Моисеенко