Visa Free Deals Ending 31 December 2026: Full List of Countries

Planning a trip for January 2027 or later? Check the date carefully. Several popular visa free deals are temporary, and many of them are set to end on 31 December 2026.

The biggest is China's 30 day visa free entry for 48 countries. South Korea's exemption from its electronic travel authorisation for 22 countries, and Malaysia's visa exemption for Indian and Chinese visitors, also run to the end of 2026. As of October 2026, none of these had been extended.

Short on time? Here is the quick answer.

The Full List

China: The 48 Countries

Brunei's arrangement has no end date. Many other countries, such as Malaysia and Singapore, have mutual visa exemption agreements with China, which are separate.

South Korea: The 22 K-ETA Exempt Places

Exempt travellers still submit an electronic arrival card before arriving.

How to Plan 2027 Trips

1. Check whether your trip starts after 31 December 2026.
2. Watch official announcements in November and December.
3. If no extension is announced, apply for the visa or authorisation in time.
4. Book refundable travel until the rules are clear.

Why These Deals Have End Dates

Many visa free deals start as trials. A government opens its doors for a set period, checks the results for tourism and business, then decides whether to continue. China’s policy began as a 15 day trial in December 2023 and has been extended several times since.

Because of this pattern, an end date does not always mean the deal will stop. But you cannot count on an extension until it is announced. If you book a trip for early 2027 now, choose refundable tickets and have a plan for applying for a visa if needed.

China’s 240 hour visa free transit policy is a separate option. It lets travellers from 57 countries pass through China for up to 10 days on the way to a third country, at set ports and in set provinces.

Words You Will See

New to these terms? Here is what they mean in plain English.

Before You Rely on Any Figure

The dates above come from official announcements and reliable summaries as of October 2026. Extensions are often announced late in the year. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

Several visa free deals end on 31 December 2026, led by China's 30 day entry for 48 countries. They may be extended, but nothing is confirmed. Plan early 2027 trips carefully and check official news.

Key takeaways

• China's 30 day visa free entry for 48 countries is set to end on 31 December 2026, unless extended.
• South Korea's K-ETA exemption for 22 countries also runs to 31 December 2026.
• Malaysia's visa exemption for Indian and Chinese citizens runs to 31 December 2026.
• No 2027 extensions had been announced for these as of October 2026.