The Chinese government has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for citizens of selected countries until December 31, 2026. The measure, originally set to expire at the end of 2025, is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to promote tourism, trade, and international cooperation. At the same time, Sweden has been newly added to the list, bringing the total number of visa-free countries to 45.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, citizens of these countries may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, or transit. The program currently applies to countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia.

The Czech Republic is not yet included among these countries. Czech citizens are still required to obtain a visa to enter China, with the exception of a 144-hour (six-day) visa-free transit available at designated international airports such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

The expansion of the visa-free policy is viewed as another step by China toward a more open international environment. Following years of pandemic-related restrictions, China aims to increase the inflow of foreign tourists and business delegations while strengthening its image as an accessible and welcoming market for trade and cultural exchange.

For Czech businesses and exporters, entry conditions remain unchanged, but the overall relaxation of China’s visa policy may serve as a positive signal for the future. Continued liberalization could lead to the inclusion of additional countries in the visa-free scheme in the coming years.

Written by the team of the CzechTrade Foreign Office in Beijing

Sources: Reuters, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China