In a notice published on 11 November 2025, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its unilateral visa-free programme for 45 countries—including Austria—will now run until 24:00 (Beijing time) on 31 December 2026. The scheme, first introduced on a trial basis in 2023, allows ordinary-passport holders to visit China for business, tourism, family visits, transit or cultural exchange for up to 30 days per entry without obtaining a visa in advance.
For Austrian companies the extension removes a layer of administrative friction at a time when face-to-face engagement with Chinese partners is picking up again. Executives can book last-minute trips to supplier hubs such as the Yangtze River Delta or attend trade fairs in Shanghai and Guangzhou without waiting for consular appointments. Travel managers should nevertheless remind employees that the 30-day limit is counted per entry and overstays incur heavy fines.
![China extends 30-day visa-free entry for Austrian passport holders to 31 Dec 2026]()
Immigration advisers note that travellers must still complete China’s online health declaration and be prepared to show proof of onward travel. Those who plan to work, study or stay longer than 30 days must apply for the appropriate visa beforehand. Dual-purpose trips combining business meetings and factory work remain a grey area; HR teams are advised to review job descriptions carefully.
Austria’s tourism sector also stands to benefit. Before the pandemic, China was the fastest-growing long-haul source market for Vienna and Salzburg. While outbound volumes have not yet recovered to 2019 levels, easier reciprocity is expected to stimulate demand in both directions. Airlines operating Vienna–Beijing and Vienna–Shanghai routes are already evaluating additional frequencies for the 2026 summer timetable.
Finally, compliance teams should update their global mobility policies to reflect the new expiry date. The extension provides planning certainty for the next 13 months but companies should monitor developments: Beijing has signalled that future renewals will depend on “balanced people-to-people flows” and security considerations.
For Austrian companies the extension removes a layer of administrative friction at a time when face-to-face engagement with Chinese partners is picking up again. Executives can book last-minute trips to supplier hubs such as the Yangtze River Delta or attend trade fairs in Shanghai and Guangzhou without waiting for consular appointments. Travel managers should nevertheless remind employees that the 30-day limit is counted per entry and overstays incur heavy fines.
Immigration advisers note that travellers must still complete China’s online health declaration and be prepared to show proof of onward travel. Those who plan to work, study or stay longer than 30 days must apply for the appropriate visa beforehand. Dual-purpose trips combining business meetings and factory work remain a grey area; HR teams are advised to review job descriptions carefully.
Austria’s tourism sector also stands to benefit. Before the pandemic, China was the fastest-growing long-haul source market for Vienna and Salzburg. While outbound volumes have not yet recovered to 2019 levels, easier reciprocity is expected to stimulate demand in both directions. Airlines operating Vienna–Beijing and Vienna–Shanghai routes are already evaluating additional frequencies for the 2026 summer timetable.
Finally, compliance teams should update their global mobility policies to reflect the new expiry date. The extension provides planning certainty for the next 13 months but companies should monitor developments: Beijing has signalled that future renewals will depend on “balanced people-to-people flows” and security considerations.
