China Extends Visa-Free Policy to 45 Countries Until 2026, Adds Sweden

China Extends Visa-Free Entry to 45 Countries, Adds Sweden to the List

BEIJING | November 2025 —
China has officially announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 45 countries until December 31, 2026, while also adding Sweden to the list of eligible nations. The move, confirmed by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, takes effect from November 10, 2025, and is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen tourism, global trade, and diplomatic engagement.

According to the ministry’s statement, travelers from countries including France, Germany, Spain, Australia, and now Sweden can enter China without a visa for short stays. The policy is intended to boost international tourism, encourage foreign business visits, and foster stronger people-to-people connections.

Officials highlighted that this decision aligns with China’s long-term plan to revitalize its tourism sector following the global slowdown during the pandemic years. It also aims to enhance economic cooperation with the European Union, one of China’s largest trading partners.

Following recent high-level meetings in Brussels, Chinese authorities also signaled their willingness to reduce trade barriers on certain rare minerals for European nations, ensuring stability in commercial supply chains and reinforcing mutual trade reliability.

Experts believe that extending the visa-free entry policy will strengthen China’s soft diplomacy, attract foreign investors, and further boost cultural and economic exchanges. Economic analysts say the move demonstrates China’s continued commitment to global openness and international cooperation.

According to the National Immigration Administration, over 20 million foreign visitors entered China without a visa in 2024 — nearly one-third of the total international arrivals and more than double the figure from the previous year.

The latest extension of the visa-free program signals China’s confidence in reopening to the world and reflects its determination to maintain high international engagement standards across travel, business, and diplomacy.