Mainland China is expanding its visa-free entry policy, making it easier for more foreign nationals to visit for short periods. As of late May 2025, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit, from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026. This follows a similar expansion on June 1, 2025, which allows nationals of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay to enter China visa-free for the same purposes and duration, valid until May 31, 2026. These updates build upon the policy implemented in late November 2024, which included Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro, and Romania in the visa-free program, effective until December 31, 2025.
The growing list now includes a total of 38 countries whose citizens can enter Mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa exemption not only simplifies travel for business, tourism, family visits, and transit but also now permits participation in cultural exchange activities, a recent enhancement to the program. China continues to broaden the eligibility for visa-free short trips, signaling a move towards greater openness and accessibility for international visitors.