China Visa-Free Travel: Updated 2025 List of 75 Eligible Countries

China has broadened its visa waiver initiative, now welcoming citizens from 75 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Eligible travelers can enter Mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days for various purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit.

This initiative signals China’s commitment to enhancing international tourism and business opportunities. Over the last year, China has added more countries, simplifying the travel process and reducing the need for lengthy paperwork.

Overview: China’s Visa Waiver Program

China’s visa waiver program allows citizens from select countries to enter Mainland China without prior visa applications. Travelers can stay for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit.

Previously, visa-free stays were limited to just 15 days, but the recent changes provide greater flexibility. Additionally, visitors can now engage in cultural exchanges, a feature not available under the old guidelines.

Latest Updates on Visa-Free Entry

The most recent addition to the visa-free program is Russia, effective September 15, 2025. Azerbaijan was included earlier on July 16, 2025. China has been implementing these changes systematically, typically with one-year trial periods:

• Russia: From September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, Russian nationals can enjoy 30 days of visa-free entry.
• Gulf Countries: Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia can enter visa-free from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026.
• South America: From June 1, 2025, until May 31, 2026, nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay are eligible.
• Eastern Europe and Japan: From November 30, 2024, through December 31, 2025, citizens of several countries, including Japan and Bulgaria, will benefit from visa-free entry.

These expansions reflect China’s desire to facilitate easier travel for business and tourism while strengthening global connections.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to China

Currently, 75 nations participate in this visa waiver program, allowing citizens with regular passports to enter Mainland China for up to 30 days. The eligible countries include:

Europe

• Albania
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia (effective from September 15, 2025)
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Ukraine

Asia

• Brunei
• Japan
• Kazakhstan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates
• Uzbekistan
• Azerbaijan (effective from July 16, 2025)

Middle East

• Bahrain
• Iran
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia

Latin America

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Chile
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Uruguay

Oceania

• Australia
• Fiji
• New Zealand

Africa

• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• Tunisia

Caribbean and North America

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Others

• Georgia
• San Marino

This list continues to expand as China strengthens its ties with various regions. The addition of Russia in September 2025 is just one example of ongoing expansions.

How to Travel to China Visa-Free

If your country is included in the list, the process is simple:

• Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months.
• Confirm Purpose of Visit: You can travel for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.
• Plan Your Stay: You may stay in China for up to 30 consecutive days. Overstaying may result in fines or future travel complications.
• Documentation: Be prepared to show return tickets, hotel reservations, or proof of funds if asked by immigration officers.
• Cultural Exchanges: The new rules now allow participation in cultural activities without needing a separate visa.

This streamlined visa-free policy makes planning trips easier and encourages more international visitors to explore Mainland China.

Why This Matters for Travelers?

For frequent travelers, this program saves time and money. There’s no longer a need for consular visits, paperwork, or visa fees. It opens the door for spontaneous trips, whether for a quick business meeting in Shanghai or a month-long cultural journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu.

In essence, China is welcoming more travelers than ever. With fewer barriers, countless opportunities await those eager to experience all that this vibrant nation has to offer.