China Extends Visa-Free Entry for Over Forty Nations, Including Sweden, Until End of 2026

China has announced a major strategic decision to significantly prolong its policy of unilateral visa-free entry, extending the privilege for citizens from over forty nations until the close of 2026. This crucial update, confirmed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, provides certainty for international travelers, pushing back the expiration date for these travel relaxations, which were otherwise set to lapse for many countries by the end of the current year.

The extension underscores Beijing’s commitment to fostering deeper global connections and facilitating cross-border movement. The list of beneficiaries under this streamlined entry system has also seen expansion, with Sweden being the latest nation added to the roster. Citizens holding ordinary Swedish passports will be eligible to enter China without a visa starting November 10, 2025. This policy allows passport holders from the specified countries—a group that includes key European states such as France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, and Hungary—to remain in the People's Republic of China (PRC) for a maximum period of 30 days.

The permitted activities under the visa-free arrangement are broad, encompassing tourism, conducting business affairs, visiting relatives or friends, and utilizing China as a transit hub. By removing the bureaucratic hurdles associated with visa applications, the Chinese government aims to inject fresh momentum into international interaction and provide a robust stimulus to its domestic tourism industry. This move aligns with China's broader goal of strengthening both its diplomatic standing and its commercial relationships on the global stage, leveraging its status as the world's second-largest economy.

The effectiveness of this policy of openness is already evident in measurable economic indicators. Data from the third quarter of 2025 revealed a dramatic increase in foreign tourism, which surged by nearly 50% compared to the same period the previous year. Market analysts and travel experts widely attribute this substantial growth to the simplified entry requirements, noting a corresponding rise in global interest focused on China’s vast and diverse cultural heritage and historical sites.

Furthermore, this extension is not an isolated measure but rather the latest in a series of administrative simplifications designed to make travel easier. Prior to this, in September 2024, authorities had already waived the requirement for short-term visa applicants to provide fingerprints, streamlining the application process significantly. In anticipation of and response to the increased influx of international visitors, the domestic tourism sector is undergoing rapid modernization. Local service providers are proactively enhancing their infrastructure by expanding multilingual support and ensuring the widespread adoption and integration of internationally recognized payment systems, thereby guaranteeing a smoother and more accessible experience for foreign guests.