China extends visa exemption policy until 2026, welcomes Sweden, ETTravelWorld

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China will extend the visa-free entry policy to 45 countries, including France, Germany and Spain, until December 31, 2026, and will expand the program to include Sweden as of November 10, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

A statement issued by the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs showed that the extension includes 32 European countries, in addition to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many countries in South America and the Gulf region.

This policy was scheduled to expire at the end of this year for many countries.

China has offered visa-free entry to citizens from dozens of countries in recent years as part of efforts to attract foreign visitors, revive a tourism sector damaged by years of strict controls due to Covid-19, and boost foreign participation.

The United States, Canada and Britain are not part of the scheme.

Under it, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

China is also expanding its outreach with the European Union, a major trading partner, at a time of tense trade relations.

Beijing confirmed that its one-year suspension of expanded controls on the export of rare earths, announced after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea last week, will also apply to the European Union, the bloc said after officials met in Brussels last week to ease tensions.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Monday that the two sides agreed to continue communication and exchanges to enhance the stability and smooth operation of industrial chains and supply chains between China and the European Union.

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