China expands visa-free policy to nine more countries

Visa-free access to China will be available to nationals of nine new nations starting on November 8.

Previously available to citizens of 18 countries, China's unilateral 15-day visa-free policy is set to be expanded to nine other nations.

The visa waiver program will soon be extended to citizens of Andorra, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Slovakia, and South Korea, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian, who was questioned last Friday regarding the exceptional regime that has been in effect for specific countries since December 1, 2023.

The Chinese diplomatic spokeswoman clarified that ordinary passport holders from these nine nations can enter China without a visa between November 8, 2024, and December 31, 2025, and remain for a maximum of 15 days for transit, business, tourism, and family visits.

China hopes to boost its tourism industry, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic, and fortify its economic and cultural ties with these countries by easing its visa restrictions for their citizens.

Following the gradual reopening of its borders, China has demonstrated a strong desire to draw tourists from abroad once more, especially to increase travel expenditures and fortify diplomatic and business relationships.

Until December 31, 2025, tourists and business travelers from the following 27 countries and territories do not need a visa to enter China and can stay for up to 15 days.