China expanded visa-free policy to 38 nations and extended the stay period to 30 days

Xinhua News: BEIJING, Nov. 22 - China has decided to apply the visa-free policy to nine more countries on a trial basis, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday at a daily press briefing.

In order to further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and other countries, China has decided to expand its visa-free arrangement to include more countries, said spokesperson Lin Jian.

He noted that from Nov. 30, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025, visa exemption will be applied to ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan on a trial basis.

In addition, Lin said China has decided to further optimize its visa-free policy, including exchanges and visit purposes into the visa-free entry scope, and extend the period of visa-free stays allowed from the current 15 days to 30 days.

Starting from Nov. 30, 2024, ordinary passport holders from the 38 countries within its visa-free arrangement, including the aforementioned newly added nine countries, can enter China without a need to apply for a visa for the purposes of business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and visits and transit, with stays of no more than 30 days, Lin added.

China visa exemption policies at a glance

China’s approach to visa policies is twofold. The first type includes full visa exemption agreements, which allow people from specific countries to enter China without needing a visa. This can be for various reasons such as tourism, business, or visiting family. The second type involves short-term visa-free policies that let citizens from designated countries stay for a short time without a visa.

Key points:

• China has established full visa exemption agreements with 25 countries to enhance tourism and diplomatic relations.
• Short-term visa-free policies introduced for 38 nations aim to boost economic growth via tourism and cultural exchanges.
• 30 days maximum stay period.

中国对外开放进一步扩大: 赴华免签期限延长至30天 免签国扩大到38国 德国在其中 visa-free to China: 30 days and for 38 countries

中国官宣: 中国对包括德国在内的38个国家单方面免签最新政策的通知 自2024年11月30日至2025年12月31日，中国扩大对德国试行单方面免签政策入境事由并延长免签停留期限。 德国持普通护照人员来华经商、旅游观光、探亲访友、交流访问和过境不超过30天可免办签证入境，不符合免签条件人员需在入境前办妥来华签证.