China has decided to extend visa-free travel to a total of 12 countries until December 31, 2025, allowing unlimited entry for short-term stays.
Below is a list of countries whose citizens will continue to enjoy visa-free entry privileges until the end of 2025, as revealed by Chinese authorities.
- Austria
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Switzerland
Confirming the news, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said visa-free travel to these 12 countries had been extended to promote exchanges between Chinese and foreigners.
In order to promote exchanges between Chinese people and foreigners, China has established alliances with France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
This means that China is currently focusing on strengthening ties and people-to-people ties with countries with which it already has agreements.
China removed visa requirements for France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain in December 2023.
Meanwhile, passport holders from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg were exempted from visa requirements in March this year.
Under the visa-free policy, passport holders from the above 12 countries can enter China without needing a visa for stays not exceeding 15 days.
Additionally, visa-free entry is only allowed for people entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or for transit purposes.
Travelers from 12 countries who wish to stay in China for more than 15 days, and those who wish to enter China for purposes other than those listed above, must undergo a visa application procedure.
Portugal continues to seek visa exemption
Although China has so far removed visa requirements for nationals of several European Union countries, the same is not the case for Portugal.
Portuguese passport holders will still be required to obtain a Chinese visa before traveling to the country, regardless of the purpose of entry or duration of stay.
Portuguese authorities say the inclusion of Portugal in China's visa-free travel policy will have a positive impact on both countries, and urge China to consider adding Portugal to the list of countries whose citizens do not need to apply for a visa. asked. short stay.
Meanwhile, Chinese authorities have not issued any official statement on the issue at hand. Both countries have just stated that they are willing to strengthen ties with Portugal.
