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In a significant diplomatic and economic initiative, China has officially announced the extension of its successful visa-free travel policy for citizens of 46 countries until December 31, 2026. This move, confirmed by the Foreign Ministry, substantially eases travel restrictions for millions globally, underscoring China’s commitment to opening its economy and strengthening international exchange.

Under the extended policy, eligible visitors can enjoy stays of up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, and family visits without the prior requirement of obtaining a visa. This measure is recognized as one of China’s most expansive efforts to date to boost foreign visitors.

Sweden Added to the List: The Full 46 Eligible Nations

A key update in this announcement is the inclusion of Sweden. Swedish citizens will now also benefit from the 30-day visa-free stay in China, with the policy taking effect for them starting November 10, 2025, through the end of 2026.

The comprehensive program covers a vast geographic area, including most of Europe, key parts of Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

Full List of Countries Eligible for China Visa-Free Entry (Until Dec 31, 2026):

The 46 countries granted this extended visa-free access are:

• Europe (Schengen/EU/Others): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
• Asia/Oceania: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea.
• Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia.
• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay.

Modernizing Entry: Introducing the Digital Arrival Card System

In tandem with the visa-free extension, China is significantly streamlining the physical entry process through the introduction of the Digital Arrival Card.

This modern, efficient online system is replacing the older, time-consuming paper versions, promising quick and seamless immigration checks. Travelers bound for China can now use a mobile-friendly application to complete necessary details, such as health and travel history, electronically before their flight.

The Digital Arrival Card system is currently being implemented at major international gateways, including Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), effectively eliminating paperwork and substantially accelerating processing times upon arrival.

Impact and Final Travel Advice

The efficacy of these opening policies is clear: official figures show that visa-free arrivals now constitute over 70% of total foreign entries, representing a massive 48% increase in foreign visitors. This impressive growth confirms that these changes are successfully making China tours, academic exchanges, and business trips far more accessible.

If you are planning a trip to China soon, ensure you verify your citizenship status against the updated visa-free list. Furthermore, completing the Digital Arrival Card before you land is highly recommended to guarantee the smoothest possible entry experience, allowing you more time to focus on your trip’s objectives.