World's 2nd largest economy extends visa-free policy to end-2026, adds Sweden to scheme

By Reuters November 3, 2025 | 04:13 pm PT

Tourists take a selfie at the Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China. Photo by AP

China, the world's second largest economy, will extend its visa-free entry policy for 45 countries including France, Germany and Spain to Dec. 31, 2026 and expand the scheme to cover Sweden, effective Nov. 10, the foreign ministry said on Monday.

The extension covers 32 European countries as well as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and several nations in South America and the Gulf region, a statement released by the foreign ministry's consular affairs department showed.

The policy was scheduled to expire at the end of this year for many of the countries.

China has offered visa-free entry to citizens from dozens of countries in recent years as part of efforts to woo foreign visitors, revive a tourism sector battered by years of strict Covid controls, and boost foreign engagement.

Under the scheme, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

The U.S., Canada and Britain are not part of the scheme.