Home » Canada Travel News » France Joins Canada, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Sweden And More In Simplifying Travel To China As Fingerprint Exemption For Short-Term Visas Is Extended Until 2026
Published on
December 27, 2025
France joins Canada, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Sweden, and more in benefiting from China’s extended fingerprint exemption for short-term visa applicants, a move that significantly simplifies the visa application process for travelers worldwide. This policy, which now applies to tourists, business travelers, family visitors, and transit passengers, eliminates the need for biometric appointments, making travel to China faster and more accessible. By extending the waiver until December 31, 2026, China is signaling its commitment to streamlining entry procedures and encouraging more international visitors, all while maintaining its efforts to boost tourism and business exchanges post-pandemic.
In a significant move to simplify international travel, China has announced an extension of its fingerprint exemption policy for short-term visa applicants. This development, which is expected to last until December 31, 2026, brings relief to tourists, business travelers, family visitors, and those in transit, by eliminating the need for biometric appointments for many short-term visas. With this policy in place, travel to China has become even more accessible, saving time and reducing the complexity of visa applications.
What Does the Fingerprint Exemption Mean for Travelers?
Starting from December 17, 2025, until the end of 2026, Chinese authorities have confirmed that applicants for short-term visas, which include tourist, business, family visit, and transit visas, will no longer need to provide fingerprints as part of their visa application process. This applies to travelers whose stay in China is 180 days or less. The exemption also covers multiple-entry visas, expanding the benefits beyond single and double-entry visas, which were previously the only types covered under the initial exemption.
This is a major relief for frequent travelers, as biometric data collection, which became standard in 2019, was considered a significant time-consuming process. By removing this requirement, China is not only making travel easier for visitors but is also signaling its commitment to revitalizing tourism and business exchanges, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Which Visas Are Affected by the Exemption?
The fingerprint exemption applies to a range of short-term visa types, making it easier for a variety of travelers to visit China. These include:
- Tourist Visas (L)
- Business Visas (M)
- Family Visit Visas (Q2)
- Transit Visas (G)
- Short-Term Study Visas (X2)
Additionally, multiple-entry visas for these categories are now included in the exemption. This ensures that travelers who regularly visit China for business or tourism will benefit from the streamlined process for each trip, as long as their stay does not exceed 180 days.
However, long-term visas, such as the D Visa (for long-term stays), J1 Visa (for foreign journalists), Q1 Visa (for family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents), S1 Visa (for those seeking to accompany a family member working or studying in China), X1 Visa (for long-term study), and Z Visa (for work purposes) still require biometric data. These types of visas are linked to residence permits, and biometric collection remains a necessary step for these longer-term arrangements.
Global Impact: China’s New Visa Policy Extends to All Countries
This extension of the fingerprint exemption policy is not limited to specific regions or countries. Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide are implementing the exemption, ensuring that short-term travelers from across the globe can benefit. Among the countries where this policy is now in effect are:
- India (New Delhi Embassy, Kolkata Consulate)
- United Kingdom (Embassy, Manchester Consulate)
- Canada (Ottawa, Toronto, and other centers)
- Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore
- Sweden (Gothenburg), Federated States of Micronesia, Jordan, Algeria
This global implementation ensures that travelers from diverse regions are all able to apply for their Chinese visas without the hassle of fingerprint appointments. Whether you’re applying from Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, or Oceania, this change simplifies the visa application process and speeds up travel plans.
Why is China Extending the Fingerprint Waiver?
China initially introduced fingerprint collection as a mandatory procedure in 2019, in line with global trends in tightening biometric security. However, the pandemic forced many countries, including China, to reconsider their entry protocols. China’s temporary waiver of the fingerprint requirement in August 2023 was a first step towards easing travel restrictions. As part of its continued efforts to stimulate international tourism and business activities, China has extended the fingerprint exemption until December 31, 2026.
This extension aligns with China’s broader strategy to encourage more travelers, streamline immigration processes, and boost its post-pandemic recovery in tourism. By making the visa application process less burdensome, China is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for both short-term travelers and business visitors.
No Fingerprint Appointments Needed for Eligible Travelers
For those eligible for the exemption, applying for a short-term visa to China has never been easier. Travelers can now apply directly without the need to schedule a biometric appointment. This is especially beneficial for tourists, business professionals, and families who might find it difficult to find time for fingerprint appointments amid busy schedules.
The waiver also has a major advantage for those looking to travel on short notice. Previously, the need for biometric appointments could add delays to the visa processing time. Now, with the removal of this step, travelers can expect faster visa processing times and smoother entry into China.
Travel Restrictions Remain for Long-Term Visitors
While the exemption is a major step forward for short-term travelers, long-term visitors will still need to undergo the full biometric process. Long-term visas are still linked to residence permits, and biometric data remains a part of the application process for these types of visas.
These visa types include the D Visa (for long stays), J1 Visa (for journalists), Q1 Visa (for family members of Chinese citizens or permanent residents), S1 Visa (for family members of foreign workers or students in China), X1 Visa (for long-term study), and Z Visa (for work-related travel). Travelers applying for these visas should expect to go through the full biometric screening process.
China’s Extended Visa Relaxations: A Step Toward Open Borders
In addition to the fingerprint exemption, China has introduced other visa relaxations to make travel easier. The country has extended visa-free travel for citizens of 46 countries, including France, Germany, Japan, and several others, until December 31, 2026. This extension allows citizens of these nations to visit China without needing a visa for short stays, further enhancing the ease of travel.
Additionally, the introduction of a Digital Arrival Card has replaced paper forms for travelers arriving in China. This new system helps speed up immigration processing at major Chinese airports, making it easier for travelers to enter and leave the country without unnecessary delays.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
The impact of these new visa policies is significant. If you’re planning a short trip to China, you can now expect a much simpler, faster, and less cumbersome visa application process. With the fingerprint exemption, travelers no longer have to worry about scheduling and attending biometric appointments, making the visa application process more convenient.
Whether you’re visiting China for tourism, business, family visits, or transit, this change will make the entire experience smoother. Short-term stays, including those involving multiple entries, can now be completed with fewer steps, reducing overall travel time and stress.
A Welcoming China for Global Travelers
With these changes, China is actively encouraging both leisure and business travelers to visit. By simplifying the visa application process and offering extended relaxations, China is reinforcing its status as a prime travel destination for both tourists and business professionals.
France joins Canada, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Sweden, and more in benefiting from China’s extended fingerprint exemption for short-term visa applicants, making travel easier by removing biometric appointments. This move, effective until December 2026, aims to streamline the visa process and encourage more international visitors.
As travel regulations continue to evolve worldwide, China’s progressive approach to easing entry procedures stands out as a significant step in the right direction for international travel. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a business trip, or a visit to family members, China’s new visa rules are designed to make your journey easier and faster.
