Independent portal ChinaVisaCheck updated its database on 10 October, confirming that citizens of 79 countries can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days, while another nine nationalities qualify for limited visa-free or transit-only schemes. The update follows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 29 September notice extending the bilateral visa-waiver pilots to 31 December 2026. Key business hubs benefiting from the waiver include most EU member states, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Travellers from the United States, Indonesia and Vietnam still need visas but remain eligible for 144- or 72-hour transit exemptions via select cities. For multinationals the broader waiver simplifies last-minute trips for problem-solving and sales: executives can now fly in, hold meetings and exit again within one month without visa-center appointments. HR teams should note that the waiver does not cover work, journalism or long-term assignments, which still require the relevant Z, J or residence permits. The site cautions that rules can change without notice and urges users to verify with their local Chinese embassy before departure. Mobility managers may wish to bookmark the checker or embed its widget in internal travel portals to give staff real-time visibility on entry rules. Looking ahead, analysts expect Beijing to review the waiver in mid-2027. Companies sending frequent visitors should keep copies of boarding passes and invitation letters as proof of compliance in case authorities tighten the policy again.
Source: ChinaVisaCheck
