China further eases visa requirements for Swiss citizens

China continues to ease travel requirements. Swiss citizens have been able to travel visa-free to China since March 2024, and this policy has now been further extended and expanded.

Travellers from a total of 38 countries, including Switzerland, Germany and Austria, can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa until 31 December 2025, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This measure aims to promote international tourism and exchanges between people—a strategic step to strengthen relations with key partner countries.

The regulation was originally only valid for stays of up to 15 days and was limited to 30 November 2024. However, due to its great success and positive response, the time-frame has been extended and the list of countries has been expanded.

Visa-free entry is valid for tourism, business trips, family visits and, for the first time, for cultural and academic exchange programmes. The extended duration of stays of up to 30 days makes it even easier for travellers to discover the diverse country.

When visa-free entry for up to 15 days was introduced, Swiss Asia specialists criticized it, noting that many of their customers travel in China for more than two weeks. As a result, the relaxation of visa requirements offered little benefit. This is now changing.