Beijing renews 30-day visa-free access for 50 countries, adds certainty for EU business travellers
China’s 17 May update locks in its 30-day visa-free entry pilot for 50 countries—including the entire EU, UK, Canada and Australia—through 31 December 2026. The extension gives multinationals planning certainty, slashes lead times for site visits and is already boosting load factors on Europe–China flights. Companies should adjust approval workflows but continue monitoring the 30-day stay cap and local registration rules.
May 18, 2026
