China extends visa-free travel for 12 countries until 2025

China has extended its visa-free travel programme 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 restraints.

China had dropped visa requirements for several countries at the end of 2023, including Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Travellers 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 travellers who enter the country for tourism, business, visiting friends and family, or transit purposes. However, those who travel to China free from visa restraints cannot exceed a stay of 15 consecutive days. Travellers from the above-mentioned exempt countries and nationals of other countries who want to enter China for purposes other than the above must apply for a visa as per the regular process.

China to resume visa-free entry for Singapore and Brunei citizens from July 26

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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 travellers.

Other popular destinations in China include the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the backdrops of Avatar. Ride a cable car here, walk along precarious-looking skywalks and bridges, and enjoy nature’s splendour. Guilin is another favourite, especially for those travelling with families, thanks to plenty of adventure activities including river cruises, countryside cycling, and exploring limestone caves. Other crowd favourites for tourism in China include Shanghai, Xi’an, Guangdong, and Chengdu.

(Feature image credit: Hanson Lu/Unsplash)

This story first appeared in Travel + Leisure Hong Kong.