China visa-free entry is drawing global attention as the country loosens its visa rules on an unprecedented scale. Tourists from 74 countries can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, a massive leap from earlier requirements. This bold move by the Chinese government is aimed at reviving tourism, enhancing its economy, and amplifying soft power globally.
According to China’s National Immigration Administration, over 20 million foreign tourists entered the country visa-free in 2024 more than double compared to 2023 and accounting for nearly a third of all foreign entries.
Why the Visa-Free Policy is Game-Changing
For international travelers, the China visa-free entry policy removes a major barrier: the hassle of visa applications. Georgi Shavadze, a Georgian living in Austria, praised the change while visiting Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. “It really helps people to travel without dealing with visa processing,” he said.
Travel guides and companies in China are also feeling the surge. Gao Jun, a tour guide with over two decades of experience, shared, “I’m practically overwhelmed with tours.” He recently launched a new venture to train aspiring English-speaking guides, thanks to the increasing demand driven by the China visa-free entry program.
China reopened its borders to international visitors in early 2023 after lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions. But only 13.8 million visited in that year — less than half the 31.9 million in pre-pandemic 2019. The new China visa-free entry initiative is part of its plan to return to and exceed those numbers.
Countries Included in Visa-Free Access
Citizens of countries from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are now eligible. Some notable additions under the China visa-free entry scheme include:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Malaysia
- Uzbekistan
- Five Latin American countries
- Four Middle Eastern countries
By July 16, Azerbaijan will also be added, bringing the total to 75 countries. For many of these, the China visa-free entry policy is on a one-year trial.
Norwegian tourist Øystein Sporsheim noted how much time and effort the new policy saves, especially with kids. “Now we don’t have to make double trips to the embassy,” he said.
Travel Industry Boom
Jenny Zhao, Managing Director of WildChina, a luxury travel firm, described the China visa-free entry changes as “100% beneficial.” Her business has grown 50% compared to pre-COVID times. European clients now make up 15–20% of their clientele, up from less than 5% in 2019.
According to Trip.com Group, a Shanghai-based travel platform, airline, hotel, and service bookings have doubled in the first quarter of compared to the same period in 2024. About 75% of these bookings are from countries benefiting from China visa-free entry .
Countries Left Out & Transit Visa Options
Surprisingly, no major African country is yet part of the China visa-free entry plan, despite China’s strong diplomatic and economic ties across the continent.
However, travelers from 10 countries not eligible for 30-day visa-free entry can still benefit from a 10-day transit visa option if they are en route to a third country. This includes the U.S., U.K., Russia, Canada, Indonesia, and others via 60 designated ports.
Still, some nations like Sweden have been excluded, possibly due to diplomatic tensions, such as the 2020 sentencing of Swedish bookseller Gui Minhai by Chinese authorities.
What’s Next for China’s Tourism?
With China visa-free entry, the nation signals its intent to reclaim its spot on the global tourism map. This sweeping reform is already energizing travel businesses, reshaping global itineraries, and setting a new benchmark in international tourism policy.
As more countries consider bilateral visa waivers, the success of the China visa-free entry program could inspire similar strategies worldwide.
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