China has decided to extend its visa-free travel policy for citizens of 12 countries until December 31, 2025. This extension allows unrestricted entry for short stays.
The list of countries benefiting from this extension includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. The decision was confirmed by Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, who stated that the extension aims to encourage exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals.
China initiated visa-free travel for France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain in December 2023. Passport holders from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg were granted visa exemption in March of the current year.
Under this policy, passport holders from the mentioned countries can enter China without a visa for stays up to 15 days, limited to purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.
However, travelers intending to stay longer than 15 days or for purposes other than those specified must undergo the regular visa application process.
Portugal continues to advocate for inclusion in China’s visa-free travel policy. Currently, Portuguese passport holders are required to obtain a visa before traveling to China, irrespective of the purpose and duration of their stay.
Portuguese authorities emphasize the potential mutual benefits of visa exemption for both countries and urge China to consider adding Portugal to the list of visa-free countries.
As of now, Chinese authorities have not issued an official statement regarding Portugal’s inclusion in the visa-free policy but express openness to enhancing bilateral relations with Portugal.