China has prolonged its unilateral 30-day visa-free entry scheme for more than 40 countries through 31 December 2026—great timing for planning winter and spring trips to Asia without the visa hassle. The move is part of broader efforts to keep inbound travel smooth and support business and tourism recovery.

From 10 November 2025, Swedish travellers can also enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, or transit—bringing Sweden in line with most EU neighbours.

And starting 20 November 2025, a digital arrival card (via China’s National Immigration Administration) allows you to fill in entry information online before your flight, speeding up airport formalities.

Who qualifies?

The extended policy covers most European countries (Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden (effective Nov 10, 2025), Switzerland.), plus countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several in Latin America. Always check the official list for your passport before booking.

The rules at a glance

• Stay length: up to 30 days per visit.
• Purpose: tourism, business, visiting family/friends, exchanges, and transit. Work is not allowed.
• Documents to expect at the border: valid passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of accommodation/itinerary if asked. (Standard practice; follow airline/airport guidance.)
• Validity window: through 31 December 2026.

Digital arrival card: how it helps (from 20 Nov)

• Fill in your arrival card online before you fly—reduces time spent on paper forms after landing.
• Use the official NIA portal to submit; keep your confirmation handy (screenshot/print).
• Paper forms remain available if you prefer.

Transit without a visa (extra option)

China has also been expanding its 144-/240-hour visa-free transit, and the number of eligible ports—useful if you plan a multi-city itinerary or stopover en route to Southeast Asia or Oceania. Check your exact airport and routing before you travel.

Trip ideas for winter from Europe

• City breaks: Beijing (Forbidden City & Great Wall), Shanghai (Bund & museums), Guangzhou/Shenzhen (mild weather, food scenes).
• Snow & scenery: Harbin Ice Festival (Jan–Feb), Changbai Mountain, Jilin rime frost.
• Warm escapes via China: Connect onward to Hainan, Hong Kong/Macau corridor, or Southeast Asia after a few China days using the visa-free stay or a transit window.

Practical tips

• Book flights early for peak holidays (Christmas/New Year & Lunar New Year).
• Accommodation: have first-night address ready for arrival card/border checks.
• Connectivity & payments: many European cards work on major apps/terminals; consider an eSIM for data.
• Keep it legal: overstay or work activities can lead to penalties—stick to the permitted purposes.