China promotes 30-day visa-free entry at Brussels Airport

Why it matters: China dropped visa requirements for short visits in stages from late 2023, and the scheme now covers most of the EU, so a European holidaymaker or business traveller can book a trip without paperwork or fees. The campaign is one sign of how countries are competing for post-pandemic tourist spending. For travellers, the main catch is that the exemption is time-limited and does not cover work, study or journalism.

The Mission of China to the European Union opened a four-week campaign at Brussels Airport on 27 October, placing images of China in the airport's departure areas to encourage European travellers to visit.

Under the scheme, holders of valid ordinary passports from 25 EU member states can enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The exemption covers tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit, and removes both the application and the visa fee.

The 25 countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Czechia and Lithuania are not included, and the exemption currently runs until 31 December 2026.

Travellers still need an ordinary passport valid for their stay, and Chinese authorities recommend carrying hotel bookings, flight tickets or invitation letters. Entry remains subject to border checks, and the exemption does not cover employment, formal study or journalistic assignments.

"Through this campaign, we hope to encourage more European travellers to discover China and experience its cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and hospitality," said Cai Run, head of the Chinese Mission to the European Union, according to the mission.

China began the unilateral scheme in December 2023 with 15-day stays for six countries, including France, Germany and Spain. Belgium was added in March 2024 and the permitted stay rose to 30 days in November 2024.

Brussels has also gained direct routes: Cathay Pacific resumed Brussels–Hong Kong flights in August 2025, Hainan Airlines added Chongqing later that year, and Air China began services to Beijing and Chengdu in March 2026.