TravelChinaGuide, reflecting updated notices from Chinese consulates, confirmed on 14 July that Beijing has prolonged its unilateral 30-day visa-free entry programme for 17 countries—including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and Canada—through the end of 2026. The decision removes near-term uncertainty for companies planning fiscal-year-2026 travel budgets and rotational assignments. Foreign nationals holding ordinary passports may continue to enter Mainland China for business, tourism, family visits or transit without paying visa fees or submitting fingerprints, provided each stay does not exceed 30 days. The policy, initially launched in late 2025 to jump-start inbound tourism, was due to expire on 30 September 2026. HR departments should note that the waiver does not replace work authorisation: employees still require Z-visas and residence permits for gainful employment. Nor does it cover journalists, students on long-term programmes or applicants from countries outside the designated list. Those categories must follow standard procedures via the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. Nevertheless, the extension simplifies short-term trip approvals. AmEx GBT estimates that corporates saved an average of US$185 per traveller in consular fees under the waiver in the first half of 2026. Airlines are already marketing additional European frequencies for the winter IATA season expecting continued demand. Compliance teams should update automated pre-trip approval tools and traveller comms, while reminding staff that overstays incur fines of CNY 500 per day and may jeopardise future entry privileges.
Source: TravelChinaGuide
