The Chinese government has decided to extend the unilateral visa waiver for nationals from 45 countries, including Germany, until 31 December 2026. This means that travellers from these countries can continue to enter China without a visa - for business, tourism or cultural trips. The stay is limited to a maximum of 30 days.
This decision makes it easier for German companies to initiate business and strengthens the exchange between China and Germany. A total of 27 participations are planned for 2026 as part of the foreign trade fair programme. Under the umbrella brand "made in Germany", small and medium-sized companies in particular will present themselves at the German Pavilions. The extended visa waiver offers these exhibitors additional flexibility when preparing and organising their trade fair appearances.
Conversely, Germany remains an attractive trade fair location: in 2024, more than 20,000 exhibiting companies and around 120,000 visitors from China came to trade fairs in Germany. However, visas are still required for Chinese business travellers. Entry is only possible if an appointment to apply for a visa has been made sufficiently in advance, the visa procedure has been completed and a visa has been issued.
AUMA has long been in favour of fast and digital visa procedures to facilitate participation in trade fairs. AUMA recently published a statement on this topic entitled "The most international trade fair centre needs fast and digital visa procedures".
