China has announced a significant expansion of its visa-free policy. From November 30, 2024, visitors from 38 countries can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This move aims to boost tourism and strengthen international relations.
Visa Free Entry: Starting November 30, 2024, China will expand its visa-free stay from 15 to 30 days. Nine additional countries will also join the list of nations eligible for visa-free entry. This move is part of China’s efforts to boost tourism and facilitate international exchanges.
Extended Visa-Free Stay
China’s decision to extend visa-free stays was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Travellers from eligible countries can now stay for 30 days without a visa, doubling the previous limit of 15 days.
This policy will be in effect from November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, on an experimental basis. The change is expected to make China a more attractive destination for both tourists and business travellers.
New Countries Added to the Visa-Free List
In addition to extending the stay period, China is expanding its list of eligible countries. Nine new nations will benefit from the visa-free policy, including:
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Croatia
- Montenegro
- Northern Macedonia
- Malta
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Japan
This brings the total number of countries eligible for China’s visa-free entry to 38.
Visa-Free Policy Now Includes Exchange Visits
China is also introducing a new purpose of staying under the visa-free policy. Exchange visits, classified as “Type F” stays, will now be allowed without requiring a visa. This update is aimed at fostering educational and cultural exchanges between China and other nations.
A Growing List of Eligible Countries
The visa-free initiative began in December 2023, initially targeting travellers from six European countries—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. The program has expanded over the past year, with more countries joining the list.
From November 30, 2024, citizens from the following 38 countries will be able to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa:
| S. No. | Country | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andorra | Europe |
| 2 | Australia | Oceania |
| 3 | Austria | Europe |
| 4 | Belgium | Europe |
| 5 | Brunei | Asia |
| 6 | Bulgaria | Europe |
| 7 | Croatia | Europe |
| 8 | Cyprus | Europe |
| 9 | Denmark | Europe |
| 10 | Estonia | Europe |
| 11 | Finland | Europe |
| 12 | France | Europe |
| 13 | Germany | Europe |
| 14 | Greece | Europe |
| 15 | Hungary | Europe |
| 16 | Iceland | Europe |
| 17 | Ireland | Europe |
| 18 | Italy | Europe |
| 19 | Japan | Asia |
| 20 | Latvia | Europe |
| 21 | Liechtenstein | Europe |
| 22 | Luxembourg | Europe |
| 23 | Malaysia | Asia |
| 24 | Malta | Europe |
| 25 | Monaco | Europe |
| 26 | Montenegro | Europe |
| 27 | Netherlands | Europe |
| 28 | New Zealand | Oceania |
| 29 | North Macedonia | Europe |
| 30 | Norway | Europe |
| 31 | Poland | Europe |
| 32 | Portugal | Europe |
| 33 | Romania | Europe |
| 34 | Slovakia | Europe |
| 35 | Slovenia | Europe |
| 36 | South Korea | Asia |
| 37 | Spain | Europe |
| 38 | Switzerland | Europe |
