Visa-free entry to China will be extended until the end of 2025 for citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. In the announcement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the extension of unrestricted travel for passport holders of the mentioned EU countries is aimed at fostering exchanges. Similarly, the suggestion implies that China aims to attract more visitors from the EU by maintaining visa-free entry.

Under China's visa-free policy, citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland can travel to China for up to 15 days without obtaining a visa. However, it's important to note that this privilege is strictly for tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, and transit purposes as emphasized by authorities.

Passport holders from the 11 EU countries intending to stay in China for more than 15 days or for purposes beyond those specified in the statement will need to apply for a visa. China initially waived the visa requirement for passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain in December of the previous year to encourage tourism and simplify travel. Subsequently, in March 2024, China also eliminated the visa requirement for nationals of Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

While China has waived the visa requirement for nationals of the 11 EU countries mentioned earlier, Portugal remains excluded from the arrangement. Portuguese authorities have reiterated their request for inclusion in China's visa-free travel program. Pedro Reis, Portugal's Minister of Economy, stated last month that the country has expressed its desire to be added to the list of nations whose citizens can enter China without a visa. However, Chinese authorities have not commented on the issue, stating only that they are open to bilateral negotiations with Portugal regarding relations.