China has extended its visa-free entry policy for South Korea and other countries by one year.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced Monday that the visa exemption for 45 countries will now remain in place until December 31, 2026, and will expand to include Sweden.

The extension covers 32 European countries, two in Oceania, five in South America, and six in Asia, including South Korea, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

The policy had been set to expire at the end of this year for many countries.

Under the policy, citizens of eligible nations may enter China for business, tourism, family visits or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.