China has become more welcoming to foreign travellers than ever. The country has just made it easy for millions of travellers to visit China by extending the visa-free travel policy to 46 countries until December 31, 2026.
This news came earlier this week when China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, confirmed the update during a press briefing in Beijing.
Visa-Free Travel Extended for 46 Countries
With this extension, travellers from 46 countries, including France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Brazil, can continue entering China without a visa for short stays. Visitors from these countries are permitted to stay for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits.
This move is a part of China’s ongoing effort to keep its borders open, attract more international travellers, and strengthen global ties after a time of limited movement.
Sweden Joins the Visa-Free List
During the same briefing, Mao Ning announced that Swedish citizens can stay in China for 30 days without a visa from November 10, 2025, to December 31, 2026. With this change, Sweden joins a list of countries whose citizens can enter China without any prior visa.
List of Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry
The full list covers much of Europe, along with several nations in Asia, the Middle East, and South America. It’s one of China’s widest visa-free travel programs yet.
The extended visa-free policy covers the following countries:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Saudi Arabia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Uruguay
China’s New Digital Arrival Card System
Apart from the visa-free extension, China has also followed the emerging trend of the Digital Arrival Card for foreign travellers. This online form replaces the old paper version.
Travellers to China can now fill out their entry details, such as health and travel history, using a mobile-friendly app before arriving in China. The Digital Arrival Card is faster, requires no paperwork, and is expected to make immigration checks at the airport seamless.
The new Digital Arrival Card system has already been implemented at major airports such as Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou Baiyun. Travellers can fill out the form on their smartphones or at specified airport kiosks.
Tourism and Travel Impact
According to China’s National Immigration Administration, more than 7.25 million foreign visitors entered the country without a visa in the third quarter of 2025. This is a 48% increase from last year. Visa-free arrivals now account for over 70% of total foreign entries. This shows how much easier it has become for travellers to visit.
Final Thoughts
By extending its visa-free travel policy, adding more countries and shifting to digital arrival cards, China is clearly signalling that it wants more foreign visitors. For travellers, this means fewer forms, shorter lines, and more time to explore the country.
If you’re planning a trip to China soon, check that your country is on the visa-free list and complete the new digital arrival card before you land.
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