CHINA – Visa-free access is granted to select Latin American countries 

May 16, 2025


By: Fabio Frauches, Director, Client Relationship Management, Newland Chase Brazil

Effective June 1, 2025, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will join the growing list of countries whose citizens may enter China visa-free for short stays. Under a new pilot program announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eligible travelers may enter for tourism, business, or transit purposes without obtaining a visa in advance. This exemption applies to stays of up to 30 days and is valid until May 31, 2026.

Key details for travelers.

  • The exemption is granted only to holders of ordinary passports.
  • Entry is allowed for tourism, business, or transit for up to 30 consecutive days.
  • Travelers must present a passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry.
  • Individuals intending to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days must still obtain the appropriate visa through regular consular channels.

Strategic significance.

This policy reflects China’s ongoing efforts to deepen ties with Latin America, building on its broader diplomatic outreach and infrastructure commitments in the region. By lowering administrative barriers to entry, China aims to promote bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity with key South American partners.

The visa exemption is expected to boost business visits, educational exchanges, and tourism flows—further reinforcing China’s economic footprint in the region.

Part of a broader liberalization trend.

This pilot follows a series of similar measures introduced over the past 18 months. Since late 2023, China has extended visa-free travel to multiple European nations, including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries. In March 2024, Newland Chase published guidance on these developments, highlighting the impact on corporate travel programs and global mobility planning.

Latin America’s inclusion brings alignment with China’s recent visa waivers for Uzbekistan and Samoa, reflecting a diversified and inclusive foreign engagement strategy.

Action points for mobility and compliance leaders.

 To maximize the benefits of this change, companies should:

  • Update internal travel guidelines for eligible employees and business units.
  • Communicate eligibility and limitations clearly, especially around permitted stay duration and purpose.
  • Ensure travel readiness, including valid passports and documentation for entry.
  • Monitor future developments, as China may expand or revise the policy based on the pilot’s performance.

Newland Chase continues to monitor visa policy trends and will provide updates on global developments as they happen. Contact our immigration specialists today for a personalized consultation.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.