Australia Joins New Zealand, Japan, Germany, France, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Italy, and Spain in a major travel breakthrough: visa‑free entry to China

China has announced an expanded visa‑free entry policy that allows travelers from dozens of countries to visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days. The extension is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen tourism, international business ties, and cultural exchange through easier border access.

In a major step towards enhancing global travel, Australia has officially joined New Zealand, Japan, Germany, France, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Italy, and Spain in benefiting from visa‑free entry to China. Starting in 2026, citizens of these 12 countries can travel to China without the need for a visa, enjoying stays of up to 30 days. This initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to boost tourism, foster stronger international business connections, and enhance cultural exchange with key global partners.

Under the unilateral visa‑free policy, citizens holding ordinary passports from 46 countries may enter mainland China for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, or transit without applying for a visa in advance — provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. This measure will remain in effect until 31 December 2026 and reflects China’s increasing openness to global travel flows.

This travel update is based in the People’s Republic of China and comes from the official visa exemption notices published by China’s immigration authorities and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Which Countries Can Enter China Visa‑Free?

The latest policy covers a wide range of countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. Key eligible nations include:

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Bahrain
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Oman
• Peru
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Saudi Arabia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Uruguay

This group represents some of China’s most important tourism and trade partners, helping make travel planning simpler for visitors from these regions.

What the Visa‑Free Policy Means for Travelers

For eligible nationalities, entering China without a visa brings several travel advantages:

• Simplified travel planning: No need to book consulate appointments or complete lengthy visa applications.
• Fast entry processing: Visitors may present only their passport at immigration checkpoints for entry.
• Flexible trip purposes: Visa‑free entry covers business, leisure, family visits, cultural or educational exchanges, and transit.

These changes reflect China’s push to attract more international visitors and compete with other major destinations in global tourism.

Important Conditions and Limits

Despite the visa waiver, travelers should note a few important conditions:

• Stay limit: Eligible visitors can remain in China for no more than 30 days per visit.
• Purpose limits: Visa‑free entry is for short‑term travel only — such as tourism, business, visiting family or friends, and transit. Work, study, long‑term residency, or journalism require a visa.
• Passport requirements: Passports must be valid for the duration of stay.
• Return or onward ticket: Travelers may be required to show proof of onward travel and accommodation bookings.

If visitors plan to stay longer than 30 days or engage in non‑covered activities (like work or study), they must still obtain a visa through Chinese consulates or embassies before departure.

Transit Visa‑Free Options Still Available

Separately, China also maintains a 240‑hour visa‑free transit policy for passengers from 55 countries who are en route to a third destination. This allows eligible travelers to stay in designated regions for up to 10 days without a visa while in transit.

The announcement of Australia joining New Zealand, Japan, Germany, France, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Italy, and Spain in benefiting from visa‑free entry to China is a significant milestone for international travel and tourism. Starting in 2026, citizens of these 12 countries will be able to visit China without needing a visa, allowing stays of up to 30 days.

This development is crucial for several reasons:

1. Increased Global Mobility: It makes travel to China more accessible for millions of people across these countries, simplifying the entry process and reducing the time and cost associated with visa applications.
2. Boosting Tourism and Economic Ties: The visa exemption encourages tourism, allowing visitors to explore China’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and modern attractions. It will also strengthen economic relationships, fostering opportunities for business travellers and investors.
3. Fostering International Relations: By extending this privilege to countries like Australia, Japan, Germany, and others, China is signaling its commitment to further strengthening its diplomatic and trade relationships with these global partners.
4. Ease of Travel for Families and Professionals: Visa-free entry not only benefits tourists but also facilitates family visits, short-term business trips, academic exchanges, and more, providing greater flexibility for travellers from these nations.

With China’s growing importance as a global destination for both leisure and business, this visa‑free entry policy opens the door for millions of citizens from these 12 nations to experience what China has to offer in 2026 and beyond.

Conclusion: Easier Travel to China in 2026

China’s extended visa‑free policy for 46 countries through 2026 marks one of the most significant travel liberalisations in recent years. The move simplifies travel planning for millions of foreigners and signals China’s intent to deepen global tourism engagement after years of pandemic restrictions. Whether visiting to explore ancient history, bustling megacities or varied landscapes, eligible travelers can now enjoy a smoother gateway into China — as long as they stay within the allowed 30‑day limit and meet entry requirements.