China Expands 15-Day Visa-Free Policy

UPDATE: As of February 13, 2025, China has expanded its visa-free policy to further nationalities, and increased the length of stay from 15 days to 30 days.

The eligible nationalities are:

Most European Union member states (excluding Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Sweden): Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain.

Andorra, Australia, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Samoa, South Korea, Switzerland, Uzbekistan.

This brings the total number of eligible nationalities under this temporary 30-day visa-free scheme to 39 countries.

In November 2023, China introduced a significant change to its entry requirements with the trial of 15-day visa-free access for certain nationalities, specifically France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia.

Since then, this policy has been gradually expanded. As of June 25, 2024, it now includes 16 nationalities and will be in place until December 31, 2025.

The eligible nationalities are:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain and Switzerland.

China is the major gateway to North Korea and the launchpad for the majority of our tours. For eligible nationalities, this makes joining a North Korea tour via China easier than ever. Prior to this, travellers relied upon obtaining a Chinese visa, which was costly and required extensive documentation, or used the transit policy under specific conditions, adding complexity to travel plans.

Whether you’re planning to visit China or tour into North Korea with us, this visa policy is a welcome change that will simplify your travel.

Here is some further information on this policy:

Can I use this policy both ways when joining a North Korea tour?

Yes, you can. This will be two separate entries. As long as your stay is no longer than 15 days per entry, you can enter China using this visa-free policy en route to North Korea and on return from North Korea with us.

Will this policy only last until December 31, 2025?

Officially, the policy is in place until December 31, 2025, but it’s also being described as a ‘pilot’. This indicates that if the policy is successful, China may extend the 15-day visa-free policy beyond this date.

Do I need to meet any specific requirements to use the 15-day visa-free policy?

You will need a valid passport from one of the eligible countries with at least six months until expiry. Additionally, you will need to show proof of onward travel out of China within the 15-day visa-free window.

Can I extend my stay in China beyond the 15 days?

No, extending the length of stay on the 15-day visa-free policy is not possible. You will need to depart China within the 15 days. You are then eligible to reenter which would give you another 15 days.

What if my nationality is not on the list?

If your nationality is not eligible for the 15-day visa-free policy, you may be eligible for the 90-day, 60-day or 30-day visa-free policy. There are over 40 nationalities that are eligible for visa-free travel to China. For example, nationals from Singapore and Thailand are eligible for the 30-day visa-free policy.

If your nationality isn’t included in any of the visa-free policies, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate Chinese visa prior to your trip, or prepare the relevant documentation to use the visa-free transit policy through eligible ports of entry.

Filed under: uritours | June 29, 2024