Expanded visa-free policy fresh move in high-standard opening-up

Reform and opening-up have been pivotal in making China what it is today and instrumental in helping it make giant strides to catch up with the times. In the process, high-standard opening-up has proved essential for the country as it advances on the path to modernization.

China's announcement on Monday that it will extend unilateral visa-exemption arrangements to more than 40 countries until Dec 31, 2026, and include Sweden in the visa-free scheme from Nov 10, 2025, to the end of 2026, is a timely, concrete step.

This move follows the conclusion of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee and reflects the country's firm commitment to advancing high-standard opening-up.

Under the extended policy, holders of ordinary passports from countries such as France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland will be exempted from visa requirements for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges or transit for up to 30 days. The move underscores that China is willing to broaden the circle of trust and cooperation.

China has also expanded the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to 65 ports across 24 provincial-level regions, including newly added hubs such as Guangzhou, Hengqin in Zhuhai, Zhongshan, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. This is part of the latest measures rolled out by the National Immigration Administration to make inbound and outbound travel smoother for both Chinese and foreign nationals.

The results of such visa-free policies are evident. In the third quarter of 2025, foreign nationals made 7.25 million visa-free visits to China — a 48.3 percent year-on-year increase — accounting for 72.2 percent of all foreign entries. Since the first trials of visa-free entry for several European countries and Malaysia in late 2023, the policy has been repeatedly expanded. It now covers over 150 countries through mutual visa-exemption agreements and more than 40 countries unilaterally. The easier entry provided by the policy encourages people to experience the real China for themselves, countering biased narratives and increasing understanding.

Businesses also benefit. More convenient travel leads to faster decision-making, stronger partnerships and deeper integration into global supply chains. Cities such as Yiwu, a hub for the small commodity trade, have witnessed a surge in face-to-face negotiations and orders placed on the spot.

Amid rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainties, China's visa-free policy is an indication of a different path: one of cooperation, connectivity and win-win outcomes. As one of the world's largest markets and manufacturing hubs, China's openness creates opportunities for global businesses, stimulates tourism flows and enhances people-to-people ties.

Moreover, the policy aligns with China's ongoing efforts to build a world economy characterized by openness, innovation and collaboration. It complements other recent steps, such as lifting restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, expanding digital payment accessibility and improving services for foreign visitors.

By extending visa-exemption policies and facilitating travel, China is sending a clear signal: it is ready to deepen cooperation with the world and share the dividends of its development. It puts into practice the spirit of the Confucian saying, "It is such a joy to have friends coming from afar".

Such measures will help create a community with a shared future for humanity, where connectivity paves the way for trust, and openness drives common progress.