China extends visa exemption for Chileans until December 2026
The Government of the People's Republic of China announced the extension of its visa exemption policy for Chilean citizens until December 31, 2026 , a measure that consolidates the Asian country's openness to the world and strengthens its relationship with Latin America .
The provision, officially announced on November 4, 2025 , is part of a broader program that benefits 45 countries , including Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Peru , as well as numerous European, Asian and Oceanian nations.
According to current regulations, holders of ordinary Chilean passports may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days , provided that the purpose of the trip is tourism, business, family visits, academic exchanges or international transit .
Those who do not meet the requirements of this exemption must obtain the appropriate visa before entering the country.
Global projection for China
The initiative is part of China's international opening strategy , implemented after the pandemic to revive the flow of travelers, boost tourism and strengthen economic and cultural cooperation .
The plan began in 2023 as a pilot project involving European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Malaysia . Its initial success prompted Chinese authorities to expand the program's geographic and temporal scope , which now encompasses nearly fifty nations.
Furthermore, the Chinese government has introduced technological improvements aimed at optimizing the experience for foreign visitors. These include updates to the WeChat Pay and Alipay digital payment systems, which now accept international bank cards , eliminating one of the main barriers tourists previously faced.
Chile and China: An expanding relationship
The announcement is part of a process of deepening bilateral ties between Chile and China. Since June 1, 2025 , both countries have been implementing a one-year pilot visa waiver program , initially valid until May 31, 2026 .
This pilot phase aimed to evaluate the impact of the measure on mobility, tourism, and economic cooperation . Following the positive results, China decided to extend its implementation , thus consolidating mutual trust and Chile's importance as a strategic partner in the region.
List of beneficiary countries
The visa exemption includes the following countries:
- South America (5): Chile , Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru
- Europe (32): France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia
- Oceania (2): New Zealand, Australia
- Asia (6): South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain
For inquiries or additional information regarding entry requirements, citizens can contact the Chinese Consulate in Chile via email: [email protected] .
What to see in Beijing
Traveling to China without a visa not only represents a diplomatic convenience, but also an opportunity to discover the cultural and historical treasures of its capital, Beijing , a city that combines imperial grandeur with the dynamism of modernity.
During your visit, you will see Beijing's most iconic landmarks , such as Tiananmen Square , one of the largest squares in the world and a symbol of the country's contemporary history. Nearby is the majestic Imperial Palace , also known as the Forbidden City , the former residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Another must-see is the Summer Palace , a stunning complex of gardens, temples, and lakes. And to complete the experience, don't miss the excursion to the Great Wall , one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World , where you can walk along its ancient sections and admire the panoramic views that encompass mountains, valleys, and centuries of history.
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