Published on
September 5, 2025
Switzerland has officially joined South Korea, Austria, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia, Italy, and many others in China’s landmark visa waiver expansion because Beijing is broadening the program to seventy-five countries to boost global tourism, business links, and cultural exchange. The change makes visits easier, less expensive, and more flexible than before by allowing qualified visitors to enter Mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa. China is demonstrating its resolve to reestablish connections with the world, fortify alliances, and welcome more foreign tourists by progressively adding new countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and beyond.
China has taken another bold step in reconnecting with the world by dramatically expanding its visa waiver program to seventy-five countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, Oceania, and Africa, offering eligible travellers the chance to enter Mainland China visa-free for up to thirty days. The move signals Beijing’s determination to strengthen tourism, cultural exchange, and global business ties while removing many of the hurdles that once made travel more complicated.
A Wider Welcome For The World
For years, travellers heading to China faced long application processes, consular visits, and strict documentation requirements. That reality has changed. With the new system, visitors from dozens of nations can now plan trips without months of paperwork or costly visa fees. The expansion also reflects China’s shifting focus—from a heavily restricted entry regime during the pandemic era to one of the most extensive visa-free networks in Asia.
This program is not just about tourism. By extending entry permission to businesspeople, students, cultural participants, and families, China is positioning itself as more open and approachable. Travellers can attend a business meeting in Shanghai, explore the Great Wall, reconnect with relatives in Guangdong, or take part in cultural festivals in Xi’an—all without securing a visa beforehand.
Understanding The Visa Waiver Program
The core of the policy is simple: citizens from listed countries holding ordinary passports can enter Mainland China without applying for a visa, staying for a maximum of thirty days. Earlier, the limit was only fifteen days, restricting flexibility. The new rules essentially double the length of permitted visits and open the door to activities such as cultural exchanges, which previously required special permits.
This makes it easier for international students to join short academic programs, artists to collaborate in cultural projects, and business professionals to extend negotiations or site visits. In essence, China is aligning its travel policies with the needs of today’s global mobility.
The Latest Additions
China’s list has been expanding steadily over the past year through carefully timed phases and trial periods. Each rollout tends to last one year, after which authorities review the impact before making the policy permanent.
- Russia will officially join the program on September 15, 2025, allowing Russian citizens visa-free entry until September 14, 2026.
- Azerbaijan was added on July 16, 2025, strengthening ties across Central Asia.
- Gulf countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia became eligible starting June 9, 2025, as part of growing economic cooperation with the Middle East.
- South America—Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—was added on June 1, 2025, enhancing links with Latin America.
- Eastern Europe and Japan joined earlier, with countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania gaining access in late 2024.
Each update is not just a technical change but also a diplomatic signal—China is deliberately widening its reach across continents to boost travel and mutual exchange.
Full List Of Eligible Countries
As of today, seventy-five nations are included. They span almost every continent, with Europe forming the largest block.
Europe
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Cyprus, Moldova, Monaco, San Marino, Ukraine, and soon Russia.
Asia
Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and from 2025 onwards Azerbaijan.
Middle East
Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Latin America
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Ecuador.
Oceania
Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
Africa
Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tunisia.
Caribbean and North America
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Others
Georgia and San Marino also hold visa-free status.
This breadth shows China’s effort to extend its global handshakes far beyond traditional partners.
How To Travel To China Visa-Free
The process is designed to be straightforward. If your passport is from one of the eligible countries, all you need is:
- A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity.
- A clear purpose of visit—tourism, business, family reunions, cultural exchange, or transit are permitted.
- A plan for your stay, since thirty days is the maximum consecutive duration. Overstaying can result in fines or restrictions on future travel.
- Basic documentation such as proof of return tickets, hotel bookings, or financial means, which immigration officers may request.
- Flexibility for cultural activities, as the updated rules now allow visitors to participate in student programs, artistic events, or collaborative exchanges without a separate visa.
These streamlined steps not only reduce travel stress but also promote confidence among international visitors planning to explore China.
Why It Matters For Travellers
The policy carries direct benefits:
- Time Savings – No more lengthy visa appointments or waiting periods. Travellers can plan trips faster, even last minute.
- Cost Efficiency – Visa fees and paperwork expenses are eliminated, making travel more affordable.
- Cultural Access – Travellers can immerse themselves in China’s heritage, from temple fairs to academic conferences, without special permits.
- Business Expansion – Entrepreneurs and corporate teams can visit multiple Chinese cities in a single trip, forging stronger partnerships.
This is particularly valuable for frequent travellers in Asia and Europe, where connectivity with China plays a crucial role in trade and tourism.
Impact On Tourism And Business
China has made it clear that tourism recovery and business revival are strategic priorities. By simplifying entry, the government expects a surge in arrivals from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Tour operators anticipate more group tours, while airlines are preparing for higher passenger volumes between major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. International conferences and expos are also likely to see stronger attendance, especially with business travellers no longer facing visa delays.
For local economies, the benefits are clear: more foreign spending in hotels, restaurants, transport, and cultural attractions. This aligns with China’s long-term plan to diversify tourism beyond traditional sites and bring international visitors to emerging destinations like Chengdu, Harbin, and Xi’an.
A Signal Of Openness
Perhaps the most important aspect of the visa waiver expansion is the message it sends. At a time when travel restrictions and geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines, China is showing its willingness to connect more deeply with the world.
The program is not static—authorities continue to add countries in phases. Russia’s upcoming inclusion is a prime example, and more nations may soon follow. This adaptability demonstrates China’s recognition of the importance of global partnerships in a post-pandemic world.
China’s visa waiver program now covering seventy-five countries is more than just a policy update—it is a turning point in the way the nation interacts with travellers, businesses, and cultures worldwide. For the first time, millions of people across multiple continents can step into Mainland China without red tape, enjoying up to thirty days of exploration, collaboration, or connection.
Switzerland has joined South Korea, Austria, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia, Italy, and others in China’s landmark visa waiver expansion as Beijing widens access to seventy-five countries to strengthen tourism, business, and cultural ties.
The result is a win-win: international travellers gain convenience and opportunity, while China strengthens tourism, business networks, and cultural ties. As the list grows and more countries join, this policy is set to reshape the future of travel to one of the world’s most dynamic destinations.
