China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published an updated list of 50 countries whose citizens can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. The list includes nations from Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America, but notably excludes the entire African continent. This policy, effective as of February 17, 2026, allows ordinary passport holders from these countries to stay in China for tourism, business, family visits, exchange programmes, and transit purposes.
The 50 countries benefiting from this arrangement include major European nations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Smaller European states like Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and North Macedonia are also included. Outside Europe, countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Brunei Darussalam, and the Russian Federation are part of the list.
The 30-day permitted stay is counted from midnight on the day after a traveller arrives in China. This policy aims to facilitate travel and promote exchanges between China and the listed countries. However, the exclusion of Africa from this visa exemption scheme is particularly notable given the significant trade and diplomatic ties between China and the African continent.
China is Africa's largest trading partner, with millions of Africans travelling to Chinese cities like Guangzhou, Yiwu, and Beijing for business each year. Despite this, African travellers, including those from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, must still apply for visas through Chinese embassies and consulates in their home countries before departure.
The omission of Africa from the visa exemption list highlights the complexities of China's visa policies. While China has been strengthening its ties with Africa, the country's visa policies seem to be favouring travellers from other regions. This may have implications for African travellers and businesses that rely on travel to China.
In a related development, China has a 240-hour visa-free transit policy that allows citizens of 55 countries to stay for up to 10 days while travelling to a third country. This policy, which spans Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Asia, provides an alternative option for travellers.
The Chinese government's decision to introduce a visa-free travel policy for 50 countries is seen as a move to boost tourism and economic exchanges. However, the exclusion of Africa from this policy has raised questions about the country's approach to visa policies and its relations with the African continent.
Key points
- China's visa-free travel policy excludes Africa, despite being the continent's largest trading partner.
- The policy allows citizens of 50 countries to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa.
- African travellers must still apply for visas through Chinese embassies and consulates before visiting China.
