China Extends Visa-Free Entry to More than 70 Countries to Draw Tourists
- China expanded visa-free entry to citizens of 74 countries, allowing visits of up to 30 days as of July 8, 2025.
- Following the lifting of strict COVID-19 measures, China reopened its borders at the start of 2023 and has since expanded visa-free access to include travelers from Europe, Latin America, Uzbekistan, and several Middle Eastern countries.
- In 2024, over 20 million international travelers entered China visa-free, representing roughly one-third of all visitors and more than doubling the number from the previous year.
- Jenny Zhao, managing director of WildChina, expressed strong approval of the recent changes to visa regulations, describing them as highly advantageous for the company, while early 2025 saw a doubling of bookings for travel to China compared to the previous year.
- The policy shift has boosted tourism, business increased over 50% from pre-pandemic levels, and travel companies anticipate a larger influx, especially during summer holidays.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Tourists from THESE 74 countries can enter China without a visa
While most tourist sites are still packed with far more domestic tourists than foreigners, travel companies and tour guides are now bracing for a bigger influx in anticipation of summer holiday goers coming to China.
China sees foreign tourists return as visa-free policy expands to 74 countries
Foreign tourists are starting to return to China as the country eases its visa rules to record levels, allowing visitors from 74 countries to enter visa-free for up to 30 days. The move is part of Beijing’s push to revive tourism, boost the economy, and improve its global image after years of strict COVID-19 controls.
China's visa-free policy pays dividends as overseas entries soar in 2025
China's expansion of visa-free entry to nationals from dozens of countries appears to have yielded substantial results, with tourists arriving in droves from overseas and providing a much-needed boost to the country's consumption in the first half of the year.
China's Loosened Visa Policies: Boost in Tourism and Economic Growth
China's relaxation of its visa policies is encouraging a resurgence in foreign tourism. Citizens from 74 countries now benefit from visa-free entry, propelling economic growth and broader global engagement. While European visitors notably increase, major African nations remain excluded from the program.
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