New rules for visa-free entry to China: what travelers need to know

China has announced the implementation of new changes to its pilot visa-free entry policy, which will be effective from November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025. These changes aim to simplify entry conditions for citizens of a number of foreign countries.

Expansion of the list of countries: the new rules increase the number of countries whose citizens will be able to enjoy visa-free travel. The list includes 38 states, including Germany, as well as new entrants such as Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia and Japan.

Increasing the length of stay: nationals of these countries will be able to stay in China without a visa for up to 30 days instead of the previous 15 days, greatly simplifying the visit and promoting tourism as well as cultural and economic exchanges with these countries.

Addition of entry purposes: under the new rules, visa-free entry for exchange visits will also be allowed.

Thus, starting November 30, 2024, holders of ordinary passports from Germany and other 37 countries will be able to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days as tourists, for business purposes, for exchanges, to visit relatives or for transit. It is important to note that those with other travel purposes will need to obtain a visa in advance.

Stay up-to-date on visa policy changes and get up-to-date travel planning advice by following the news on Visa-Navigator.com.