Full List of 75 Countries – Eligible for China With Visa-Free Entry in 2025
China With Visa-Free Entry, 30-day stay, visa policy relaxed, tourism started getting a boost
However, some regions like African nations has not been included in the current scheme
In a major move to revitalize its tourism sector, China has extended visa-free entry to citizens of 75 countries, allowing a stay of up to 30 days without a visa. The new policy aims to attract international travelers and stimulate the country’s economy following a significant dip in foreign arrivals during the pandemic years.
According to the National Immigration Administration, more than 20 million foreign nationals entered China without visas in 2024. Officials say the figure is expected to rise significantly in the summer of 2025 as global travel continues to rebound and tour operators prepare for a new wave of international visitors.
The visa exemption, initially rolled out in December 2023 for countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, has since expanded across most of Europe. In recent months, five Latin American nations, Uzbekistan, and now Azerbaijan have also been added, bringing the total to 75 countries eligible for the program.
While the policy is currently being implemented on a one-year trial basis for nearly two-thirds of the listed nations, Chinese authorities indicate that it could be extended if the initiative proves successful. Travel experts say the relaxed entry rules have already led to a visible increase in bookings and footfall at popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and the Great Wall.
However, some regions remain noticeably absent from the visa-free list. Despite China’s historically warm ties with several African nations, no major African country has been included in the current scheme. Visitors from countries outside the approved list may still be allowed entry without a visa if arriving from a third country, with a stay limited to 10 days.
China fully reopened its borders to tourists in early 2023 after lifting strict COVID-19 travel restrictions. While only 13.8 million tourists visited that year—down from 31.9 million in 2019—officials are hopeful that the new visa policy will help return the tourism industry to pre-pandemic levels.
Tourism analysts say the initiative reflects China’s broader strategy to increase global engagement, boost economic recovery, and project soft power through international tourism.
The list below is a consolidated estimate of the 75 countries, derived from multiple sources detailing China’s unilateral and mutual visa-free agreements up to this date, including the anticipated addition of Azerbaijan.
Note that the policy includes both unilateral exemptions (e.g., for 43 countries) and mutual agreements, with about two-thirds on a one-year trial basis. Discrepancies in reporting and evolving policies mean this list is an informed approximation rather than an official tally.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan (effective July 16, 2025)
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Tonga
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
Notes:
- The addition of Azerbaijan on July 16, 2025, brings the total to 75, as reported in recent updates.
- Some countries (e.g., UK, Sweden) may have transit-only policies (e.g., 10 days) rather than the full 30-day visa-free stay, suggesting the 75-country figure might aggregate various exemptions.
- Policies vary: unilateral exemptions (e.g., 38 European and Asian countries) and mutual agreements (e.g., with Thailand, Singapore) have different terms, with some limited to specific ports or durations.
- No major African countries are included despite trade ties, and the list excludes high-profile nations like the US and Canada, which have transit options instead.
This list is based on the latest available information, but for the official and precise roster, consult the National Immigration Administration of China or the nearest Chinese embassy, as the policy is subject to change and verification.
