Mainland China: More Nationals Eligible for Visa Exemption; Expanded Rights Under Exemption
May 16, 2025
Update May 16, 2025: In a further expansion of this policy, from June 1, 2025 until May 31, 2026, nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be allowed to enter and stay in Mainland China for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange visit or transit purposes.
November 25, 2024: From November 30, 2024, through December 31, 2025, the Chinese government is allowing nationals of Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania to enter Mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or transit purposes.
With the addition of these nine countries, the following is the full list of countries (38 in total) for which this visa exemption applies: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, and Switzerland.
Also, effective November 30, 2024, nationals of these countries entering Mainland China visa-free will be allowed to stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or transit purposes. Currently, the maximum initial stay under the visa waiver is 15 days. Additionally, those entering under the visa waiver will be permitted to engage in cultural exchange activities, which is currently not permitted for those entering visa-free.
Fragomen in China is Fragomen (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., operating exclusively as an immigration consultancy and not as a law firm in China. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.
Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.
Awards
Fragomen is honored with multiple Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards (EMMAs) at the Forum for Expatriate Management’s Americas 2025 Summit in Dallas.
Blog post
Senior Associate Irfaan Amod outlines the challenges of obtaining a partner visa in Australia, emphasising the importance of providing comprehensive relationship evidence.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the growing uncertainty around how the UK government’s immigration plans will affect business planning and workforce mobility.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Warsaw and Krakow, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter and Practice Leader Małgorzata (Gosia) Jezierska.
Blog post
Senior Learning and Advisory Specialist Mona Ahmed outlines the key immigration and entry requirements for Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of proper documentation and adherence to new regulations.
Blog post
Practice Leader Khalisha Sharifah, Director Jenny Lee and Business Immigration Director Maysie Pandor discuss evolving rules for labour market testing in the Asia-Pacific region amid a global talent race.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock comments on how new immigration rules could affect access to global talent for the UK construction sector.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.
Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.
Awards
Fragomen is honored with multiple Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards (EMMAs) at the Forum for Expatriate Management’s Americas 2025 Summit in Dallas.
Blog post
Senior Associate Irfaan Amod outlines the challenges of obtaining a partner visa in Australia, emphasising the importance of providing comprehensive relationship evidence.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the growing uncertainty around how the UK government’s immigration plans will affect business planning and workforce mobility.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Warsaw and Krakow, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter and Practice Leader Małgorzata (Gosia) Jezierska.
Blog post
Senior Learning and Advisory Specialist Mona Ahmed outlines the key immigration and entry requirements for Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of proper documentation and adherence to new regulations.
Blog post
Practice Leader Khalisha Sharifah, Director Jenny Lee and Business Immigration Director Maysie Pandor discuss evolving rules for labour market testing in the Asia-Pacific region amid a global talent race.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock comments on how new immigration rules could affect access to global talent for the UK construction sector.