In December 2023, China introduced a visa exemption program for citizens of six countries, including France, initially allowing 15-day visa-free stays for tourism, business, or family visits.

In November 2024, this duration was extended to 30 days until December 31, 2025.

Additionally, China has streamlined the visa application process by reducing administrative form requirements and eliminating mandatory visa appointment scheduling, facilitating visa application procedures.

Chinese authorities have now decided to extend this unilateral visa exemption policy to 9 new countries, increasing the number of eligible countries to 43.

Key Dates and Eligible Countries:

• From June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026

Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit purposes for up to 30 days.

• From June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026:

Nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visits, or transit.

• From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025:

Nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or transit.

Total Number of Eligible Countries: 43

The countries concerned are:

• Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Uruguay

Benefits:

• Since November 30, 2024, visa-free entry allows a 30-day stay and includes cultural exchange activities.

Requirements for Visa-Free Entry:

• A valid ordinary passport for the entire duration of the stay.
• Documents justifying the purpose and duration of the trip, such as an invitation letter, a return ticket, or a hotel reservation confirmation.

Entry and Stay:

• All entry checkpoints (air, land, or sea) can be used to enter China without a visa.
• It is possible to stay in China continuously until midnight of the 30th day from the date of arrival.
• There are no restrictions on the number of times this visa exemption can be used.
• The final decision remains at the discretion of the immigration officer upon arrival in China.