Visa-Free Travel to Mainland China

Introduction

China has fast-tracked its reopening and is aggressively expanding visa-free access. For travel agents, consolidators, corporate planners, and airline professionals, this marks a golden opportunity to offer smoother, more attractive packages. Let’s dive into the latest updates.

What's New in China's Visa-Waiver Program?

China now allows citizens of 75 countries—mostly holding ordinary passports—to enter Mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days, for purposes such as tourism, business, family or friendly visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.

New Additions and Effective Dates

• Russia: From September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026, Russian citizens can enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry.

• Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain): Visa-free entry effective from June 9, 2025, for one year.

• South American Nations (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay): Visa-free access from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.

• Azerbaijan: Mutual visa exemption implemented from April 23, 2025.

• European & Asian Countries: As of late 2024, countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania enjoy unilateral 30-day visa-free access.

Who’s Included? The 75 Eligible Countries

China’s expanded program broadly covers:

• Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, 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 (from Sept '25), Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine.

• Asia: Brunei, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan (from July '25).

• Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.

• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay.

• Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand.

• Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles, Tunisia.

• Caribbean & 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.

Benefits for B2B Travel Professionals

• Streamlined Planning: No consulate visits or visa paperwork—great for fast-tracked packages.

• Multi-Purpose Flexibility: Ideal for designing tourism, business, or cultural exchange itineraries.

• Increased Demand: With eased entry rules, expect growing bookings from eligible markets.

• Promotes Soft Diplomacy: Expands travel into lesser-known regions while reinforcing B2B relationships.

Key Entry Guidelines

• Passport Validity: Must cover your entire stay (ideally 6+ months beyond).

• Permissible Purposes: Business, tourism, family/friend visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.

• Allowed Duration: Up to 30 consecutive days. Overstays face penalties.

• Carry Supporting Documents: Return tickets, hotel booking, or proof of financial means may be requested.

China’s updated visa-free program now covers a wide range of regions. In Europe and Asia, the policy includes most EU nations along with Japan, South Korea, the UAE, and others, opening up strong travel and business flows. From the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain were added in June 2025, strengthening Gulf-China ties. In Latin America, major economies such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay now enjoy visa-free entry, creating new opportunities for long-haul travel. Russia was officially included in September 2025 for a one-year trial period. In Africa and Oceania, countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, and Australia are part of the program, giving travellers from these markets easier access. Finally, most Caribbean nations are also covered, streamlining tourism connectivity and encouraging broader regional travel partnerships.

Final Thoughts for B2B Travel Agents

China’s evolving visa-free policy is a strategic opening—ideal for crafting compelling packages and enhancing travel exchange flows. Keep pace with these updates to create smoother, differentiated experiences and boost your agency’s offering in the global market.

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