On November 24, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a unilateral visa-free entry policy for selected countries. This policy was extended and upgraded in late 2024, and remains effective through December 31, 2025 for eligible travellers. The policy applies to ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

In March 2024, China expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to include Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg, with the arrangement continuing into 2025 and 2026.

Under this policy, eligible individuals may enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, or transit.

It is important to emphasize however that those not meeting the specified criteria must obtain a visa before entering China.

Moreover, in line with the previous policy, Citizens of Singapore and Brunei holding ordinary passports may enter China visa-free. Japanese passport holders are subject to bilateral arrangements and should confirm entry conditions before travel. Similarly, this is applicable for such personnel visiting for purposes such as tourism, family visits, business, or transit, and if their intended stay in China is no more than 15 days.

Finally, foreign nationals with confirmed onward tickets on international flights transiting through China may stay up to 24 hours without a transit visa if they remain within airport boundaries. Individuals desiring to go beyond the airport boundaries temporarily, however, should obtain permission from immigration authorities.

The Promotion of High Quality Development and International Engagement

China’s visa policy update reflects its commitment to expanding international engagements, fostering mutually beneficial relationships, and, in the broader context, strengthening foreign investment. The simplification of travel procedures and the opening of borders signal the country’s efforts to encourage cross-cultural arrangements.

The policy aims to create a more accessible entry process, while facilitating exchanges and cooperation on a global scale. This measured approach underscores China’s openness to diverse connections and partnerships, contributing to a more interconnected global landscape.

Country Group	Included Countries	Max Stay	Purpose Allowed	Conditions
Visa-Free Policy (Expanded 2024-2025)	France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia	30 days	Tourism, business, family visits, transit	Ordinary passport holders; direct entry through eligible ports
Visa-Free Policy (Expanded 2024-2025)	Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg	30 days	Tourism, business, family visits, transit	Ordinary passports; current visa-free arrangement
Existing Visa-Free Countries	Singapore, Brunei, Japan	30 days	Tourism, business, family visits, transit	Entry allowed only through authorized ports
24-Hour Transit (All nationalities)	All countries	24 hours	Transit only	Must remain in airport unless permission granted
144-hour / 72-hour Transit Regions	Certain EU, US, Australia, etc.	72–144 hours (depending on city)	Transit only	Must enter/exit through authorized hubs (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangdong, etc.)

China’s visa policies for work permits have evolved in response to market conditions, with categories for high-skilled workers and talent attraction programs expanding opportunities. MSA Asia’s China work visa application specialists navigate visa routes and documentation. Talk to the experts about visa strategy.