Beijing has moved decisively to preserve the momentum generated by its 2024–25 visa-waiver experiments. On 14 November the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that China’s unilateral visa-free entry scheme—due to lapse on 31 December 2025—will now run until 31 December 2026. In the same breath, Sweden becomes the 46th country on the privileged list, with its citizens eligible for 30-day visa-free visits for business, tourism, family or transit purposes as of 10 November 2025.
The extension cements what began as a pilot covering 13 European nations barely two years ago and gradually widened to embrace most of continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, several South-American states and four Gulf countries. Absent, for now, are the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom—still subject to standard visa requirements—but Chinese officials hint that mutual waivers could be on the table if political conditions improve.
![China extends unilateral visa-free entry to end-2026 and adds Sweden]()
For corporate mobility teams, the extra 12 months of runway turns what was a tactical benefit into a strategic planning tool. Multinationals can map 2026 conference schedules, project kick-offs and rotational assignments without the uncertainty—and cost—of multiple-entry M visas. HR departments may also revisit short-term assignment frameworks that rely on frequent entries under the 30-day rule, now secure through to 2027.
Travel-tech platforms have already reported a bounce: Trip.com says searches for “visa-free China travel” surged 180 % week-on-week in Germany, France and Spain after the announcement. Airlines are responding in kind: Finnair plans to resume Helsinki-Xi’an services in March 2026, while Qantas is evaluating additional frequencies to Shanghai once aircraft become available.
Nevertheless, companies should note that the waiver covers only stays under 30 days and is strictly limited to the permitted purposes. Work that requires a Z-class permit or stays beyond the limit still demand full immigration authorisation. Compliance teams must also track cumulative days in China to avoid triggering individual income-tax residence thresholds.
The extension cements what began as a pilot covering 13 European nations barely two years ago and gradually widened to embrace most of continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, several South-American states and four Gulf countries. Absent, for now, are the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom—still subject to standard visa requirements—but Chinese officials hint that mutual waivers could be on the table if political conditions improve.
For corporate mobility teams, the extra 12 months of runway turns what was a tactical benefit into a strategic planning tool. Multinationals can map 2026 conference schedules, project kick-offs and rotational assignments without the uncertainty—and cost—of multiple-entry M visas. HR departments may also revisit short-term assignment frameworks that rely on frequent entries under the 30-day rule, now secure through to 2027.
Travel-tech platforms have already reported a bounce: Trip.com says searches for “visa-free China travel” surged 180 % week-on-week in Germany, France and Spain after the announcement. Airlines are responding in kind: Finnair plans to resume Helsinki-Xi’an services in March 2026, while Qantas is evaluating additional frequencies to Shanghai once aircraft become available.
Nevertheless, companies should note that the waiver covers only stays under 30 days and is strictly limited to the permitted purposes. Work that requires a Z-class permit or stays beyond the limit still demand full immigration authorisation. Compliance teams must also track cumulative days in China to avoid triggering individual income-tax residence thresholds.
