Visa-Free Travel to China: Which Countries Qualify and What It Means for Business

Over two decades of sourcing from China, I've seen firsthand how travel restrictions impact business relationships. China's recent expansion of visa-free travel for European nationals is a game-changer for importers and exporters who need to visit factories or attend trade shows without the bureaucratic hassle. Here's what you need to know about which European countries qualify and how long you can stay.

Visa-free travel to China from Europe

Update November 2025: check the rules for the newest China visa-free policy here.

For people of certain nationalities, it is possible to travel to China without a visa. Most Europeans did not have this privilege, but this is changing. From December 2023, people from five additional European countries can travel to China without a visa. As of March 14, 2024, China expanded its unilateral visa-free travel policy to six more European countries.

From November 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, and Latvia can also enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in China.

What European nationalities can travel to China from Europe visa-free? 30-day visa exemption

From November 30, you can travel to China without a visa if you come from:

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Switzerland

For how long can I be in China without a visa?

If you are from the abovementioned countries, you can travel to China for up to 30 days. The purpose of the visit can be business, family, friends gathering, transit, or tourism.

The caveat is that the 30-day travel visa waiver only applies from November 30, 2025. Citizens of the countries listed above must apply for a visa in advance if they expect to stay in China for more than 30 days or if they intend to study, work, settle down, or attend an interview there.

Traveling from Southern Europe to China visa-free

Holders of ordinary passports issued in Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as San Marino, can travel in China for up to 90 days visa-free (within any 180 days with the exception of San Marino nationals).

Traveling from Eastern Europe to China with no visa

If you hold a normal Belarusian passport, you are allowed to spend at most 30 days during one trip to China visa-free, but no more than 90 days within any one calendar year.

Traveling from Central Europe to China without a visa

Passports issued to nationals of Serbia enable them to travel to China visa-free for 30 days.

How much is a visa to China?

If you have to get a Chinese visa, the good news is that no matter where you come from, from December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024, you can enjoy a cheaper visa to China since the country cut visa fees by 25% across the board for foreign travelers. For more details, please consult with your local Chinese embassy/consulate.

Please note that the exact terms and conditions can vary. Check it for any updates or changes before your trip on official websites.

Before booking your trip, double-check the latest official requirements—policies can shift quickly. And if you're planning factory visits or quality inspections while in China, let China-Check handle supplier verification and on-site audits so you can focus on building partnerships, not paperwork.