China visa-free travel extended for 45 countries till 2026
China has extended its visa-free entry program for 45 countries until December 31, 2026, allowing eligible travelers to visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days. The initiative aims to boost tourism, trade, and international business ties as part of China’s ongoing efforts to reopen its borders and revive global travel.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the extended list includes 32 European nations, alongside Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, among others. Newly added countries such as Sweden and Uruguay also benefit from this policy update.
However, India, the United States, and Canada remain excluded from the program, meaning citizens from these nations will still need to obtain a visa before traveling to China. The exclusion highlights Beijing’s selective approach to its visa-free diplomacy, focusing primarily on regions with strong trade and tourism ties.
Under the policy, eligible visitors can enter China for tourism, business, family visits, or transit, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. The move is expected to strengthen China’s connections with Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, while simplifying travel for business executives and tourists alike.
Travel industry experts say the policy extension reflects China’s broader strategy to attract high-value visitors and restore confidence in its international travel sector following years of pandemic restrictions. For Indian travelers, however, standard visa procedures remain in effect, requiring applications through Chinese embassies or official visa centers.