China has extended the cancellation of mandatory fingerprinting for short-term visas until December 31, 2026. Find out which types of visas are eligible for the simplification and who is not affected

China continues to ease entry rules for foreigners. The country’s authorities have officially extended the temporary waiver of the requirement to provide fingerprints when applying for short-term visas until December 31, 2026.

This means that tourists, business travelers, those visiting relatives, and transit passengers will be able to apply for visas without the mandatory biometric procedure, significantly simplifying and speeding up the process.

Planning a trip to China? Visit World’s travel guide will help you prepare for your trip without unnecessary stress – from visa nuances to practical tips for travelers.

What exactly has changed for travelers in China?

According to an update from the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, from December 17, 2025 to the end of 2026, applicants for short-term visas with a stay of up to 180 days will be exempted from the requirement to provide fingerprints.

In practice, this means:

- fewer steps when submitting documents;

- no mandatory visit for biometrics;

- a faster and more convenient visa process.

Which visas are subject to the simplification of rules in China?

Applicants for the following types of visas are exempted from the requirement to provide fingerprints:

- tourist visas;

- business visas;

- family visit visas;

- transit visas.

It is important that the new version of the rules also applies to multiple-entry visas, while previously the simplification applied mainly to single- and double-entry visas.

Who will still have to undergo biometrics to enter China?

The requirement to provide fingerprints remains mandatory for applicants for long-term visas related to residence or work in China. In particular, this applies to:

- D visa;

- J1 visa;

- Q1 visa;

- S1 visa;

- X1 visa;

- Z-work visa.

These categories involve the issuance of residence permits, so biometric data remains part of the procedure.

Chinese embassies are already implementing the new rules

Chinese embassies and visa centers around the world have already confirmed the implementation of the changes at the local level. Notices of the cancellation of biometric appointments for the relevant categories of applicants have been published in countries in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.

In many cases, applicants can apply without an appointment for fingerprinting, which saves a lot of time.

Why is China taking this step?

Fingerprinting for most foreigners aged 14 to 70 was introduced in 2019 as part of a tightening of immigration controls.

However, since the pandemic, China has been gradually easing entry rules in an effort to resume international travel. The first temporary waiver of biometrics for short-term visas came into effect in August 2023. Since then, it has been extended several times, each time expanding the list of visas and applicants.

Extending the exemption until the end of 2026 fits logically into this policy of openness.

Additional facilitation for travelers

In parallel, China has extended the visa-free regime for citizens of 46 countries, including France, Germany and Japan, also until December 31, 2026.

In addition, the country is introducing a digital arrival card, which is gradually replacing paper questionnaires and helps to pass immigration control at airports faster.

What do China’s policy changes mean for travelers?

For those planning a short-term trip to China in the next two years, visa processing will become simpler and more convenient:

- Fewer documents;

- No biometric procedures;

- Faster application submission.

At the same time, travelers planning a long-term stay, study or work should prepare for a full biometric check. For short trips, China is sending a clear signal: the country is open to guests and seeks to make the entry process as simple as possible.

Simplification of visa rules makes traveling to China more affordable, but careful preparation is still the key to a comfortable trip. The travel guide from Visit World is a convenient tool for travelers planning a short-term visit to the country.

In the guide, you will find up-to-date information on visa requirements, entry rules, transit, features of stay, as well as practical tips that will help you avoid common mistakes and save time. This is the solution for those who want to travel independently, confidently and without unnecessary formalities.

Order a guide on the Visit World portal and plan the perfect trip to China!

Reminder! South Korea has extended the exemption from K-ETA until the end of 2026 for citizens of 67 countries. We have already told you who can travel without permission and what tourists should know.

Photo - generated by Gemini

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.