China Extends Its Visa-Free Initiative for Over 40 Countries Up to 2026

Beijing, China — In a major move to boost international tourism and strengthen global connectivity, the Chinese government has officially announced the extension of its visa-free entry policy for over 40 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and Thailand, until December 31, 2026. The decision underscores China’s commitment to reviving global travel and fostering closer diplomatic and economic ties with partner nations.

A Welcome Boost for Post-Pandemic Travel

Since the reopening of its borders following the COVID-19 pandemic, China has been steadily reintroducing measures to encourage inbound tourism. The visa-free policy, initially introduced as a temporary measure in 2023, allowed citizens of select countries to enter China for short stays without a visa.

Following its success in revitalizing tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, the government has now chosen to extend the policy for two more years, allowing eligible travelers to explore China with greater ease.

Countries Included in the Visa-Free Extension

The list of countries covered under this visa-free extension primarily includes European and Asian nations, with a focus on promoting tourism and business exchanges. Some of the major countries included are:

Travelers from these countries can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 15 days for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, or transit.

Objectives Behind the Policy Extension

The visa-free initiative is not merely a tourism promotion strategy—it also aligns with China’s long-term economic and diplomatic objectives. Key goals include:

• Boosting International Tourism: Encouraging more visitors to experience China’s culture, heritage, and modern attractions.
• Reviving Economic Activity: Strengthening the travel, hospitality, and retail sectors that were affected by the pandemic.
• Promoting People-to-People Exchange: Deepening cultural understanding and cooperation among nations.
• Enhancing Global Business Ties: Facilitating easier movement for business professionals, investors, and trade partners.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the visa-free policy has already led to a significant rise in international arrivals, particularly from France, Germany, and Malaysia.

Impact on Tourism and Economy

According to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the visa-free initiative contributed to a 35% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. The hospitality industry, in particular, witnessed substantial recovery in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an.

Local tour operators report a surge in bookings from European and Southeast Asian travelers eager to explore China’s diverse destinations—from the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to modern skylines and ancient towns.

Economic Benefits at a Glance

• 35% rise in inbound tourism revenue
• Increased hotel occupancy rates in major cities
• Boost in retail spending and local transport services
• Expansion of international flight routes connecting to China

Traveler Experiences and Reactions

Tourists have welcomed the announcement with enthusiasm. French traveler Claire Dubois, visiting Shanghai, said, “The visa-free access made planning my trip much easier. It’s great to see China opening up again to the world.”

Similarly, Malaysian business traveler Ahmad Rahman noted that visa-free entry simplifies cross-border business engagement. “For short business trips, the policy is a game-changer,” he said.

Many travel agencies across Europe and Asia are now updating their 2025–2026 packages to include China as a top destination, capitalizing on this extended opportunity.

Encouraging Airline Expansion

The extension of the visa-free policy also complements recent efforts by Chinese and foreign airlines to increase flight connectivity. Carriers such as Air China, China Eastern, Lufthansa, and Malaysia Airlines have announced expanded routes and increased frequencies to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.

This initiative aligns with China’s broader strategy to position itself as a global tourism and business hub in the post-pandemic era.

Statements from Officials

“This extension demonstrates China’s confidence in global recovery and its willingness to welcome international friends with open arms. We believe that open borders and mutual trust are essential for global progress.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism emphasized that the move supports China’s goal of attracting more than 100 million international visitors annually by 2026.

Future Outlook

Experts predict that the visa-free extension will significantly enhance China’s image as a welcoming travel destination. It also comes at a time when other Asian nations are simplifying their own entry requirements, marking a positive regional trend toward travel liberalization and cooperation.

China is expected to continue expanding this initiative to include more countries in the future, possibly incorporating reciprocal visa-free agreements with additional European, Middle Eastern, and Latin American nations.

The extension of China’s visa-free initiative until December 2026 represents a strong signal of the country’s openness and global engagement. By facilitating easier entry for travelers from more than 40 nations, China is paving the way for a revival of international tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

For millions of travelers around the world, this means a renewed opportunity to experience China’s timeless history, vibrant cities, and modern innovation—without the hassle of a visa.