China has launched a sweeping visa-free entry programme for ordinary-passport holders from 40-plus European countries, including Germany, allowing stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits and academic exchanges. Announced on 26 February, the policy aims to reboot inbound tourism and expand economic ties after three years of pandemic restrictions. (travelandtourworld.com)
For German companies—still China’s largest European investors—the removal of visa processing can shave two to three weeks off lead-times for urgent site visits, plant audits and deal negotiations. Travel-management companies expect a surge in short-notice bookings to Shanghai and the Greater Bay Area once corporate security policies are updated.
Travellers who still need assistance deciphering the new exemption rules—or who must secure other categories of Chinese visas for longer or more specialised stays—can turn to VisaHQ for streamlined online processing and expert guidance. The company’s Germany portal (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) provides real-time entry requirements, document checklists and concierge services, helping both corporate mobility teams and individual tourists remain fully compliant with Chinese immigration regulations.
![China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Germans, Opening New Horizons for Business Travel]()
The waiver complements Beijing’s ongoing talks with Berlin on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and could dovetail with Lufthansa Group’s planned frequency increases for summer 2026. European chambers of commerce hailed the move but cautioned that travellers must still register their stay with local public-security bureaus and ensure that activities do not exceed allowable “business visitor” thresholds.
German export insurers also see upside: easier executive travel supports after-sales service contracts in automotive and chemicals. HR teams should, however, remind staff that the 30-day clock cannot be reset by short hops to Hong Kong; overstays incur fines and potential bans.
If the pilot proves successful, analysts predict China may negotiate longer visa-free periods or multiple-entry business visas with key EU partners, deepening supply-chain integration between Europe’s and Asia’s largest manufacturing powers.
For German companies—still China’s largest European investors—the removal of visa processing can shave two to three weeks off lead-times for urgent site visits, plant audits and deal negotiations. Travel-management companies expect a surge in short-notice bookings to Shanghai and the Greater Bay Area once corporate security policies are updated.
Travellers who still need assistance deciphering the new exemption rules—or who must secure other categories of Chinese visas for longer or more specialised stays—can turn to VisaHQ for streamlined online processing and expert guidance. The company’s Germany portal (https://www.visahq.com/germany/) provides real-time entry requirements, document checklists and concierge services, helping both corporate mobility teams and individual tourists remain fully compliant with Chinese immigration regulations.
The waiver complements Beijing’s ongoing talks with Berlin on mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and could dovetail with Lufthansa Group’s planned frequency increases for summer 2026. European chambers of commerce hailed the move but cautioned that travellers must still register their stay with local public-security bureaus and ensure that activities do not exceed allowable “business visitor” thresholds.
German export insurers also see upside: easier executive travel supports after-sales service contracts in automotive and chemicals. HR teams should, however, remind staff that the 30-day clock cannot be reset by short hops to Hong Kong; overstays incur fines and potential bans.
If the pilot proves successful, analysts predict China may negotiate longer visa-free periods or multiple-entry business visas with key EU partners, deepening supply-chain integration between Europe’s and Asia’s largest manufacturing powers.
