China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to include citizens of 50 countries, allowing holders of ordinary passports to enter mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits or cultural exchanges. The policy, effective from February 17, 2026, includes countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Despite the significant expansion, India and Pakistan are not part of the new visa-free list. Citizens of both countries still require a visa to visit China, reflecting the selective nature of the policy.
Countries eligible for visa-free travel include Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Russia, Sweden, Canada and the United Kingdom.
China’s move is part of a broader effort to promote tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges after reopening borders post-pandemic. However, the exclusion of major regional neighbours highlights continuing diplomatic and policy dynamics shaping visa regimes in Asia.
Travelers planning to visit China should verify the latest entry requirements, as visa-free access policies can vary by nationality and are subject to official advisories.
