China has announced that visa-waiver arrangements with 48 countries will expire on 31 December 2026, affecting travellers who currently enter the country using valid ordinary passports.
The affected nations are spread across Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Their citizens can still visit China without obtaining a visa in advance under the existing arrangements, but the agreements will not continue beyond the stated deadline.
Countries affected by the expiry
The countries whose visa-waiver agreements are scheduled to end include:
- 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
- Sweden
- Canada
- United Kingdom
The list includes major travel and business markets such as the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada and several European Union member states. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay are also affected, alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
What the change means for travellers
Citizens of the listed countries planning to travel to China after 31 December 2026 may have to apply for visas through the usual process.
At present, eligible ordinary passport holders can enter China without completing visa procedures at an embassy or consulate before travelling. China has not announced replacement agreements or extensions alongside the expiry notice.
Travellers have therefore been advised to follow updates from Chinese immigration authorities and their respective governments as the deadline approaches.
