China has significantly expanded its visa-free travel policy in an effort to reinvigorate international tourism and reposition itself as a globally accessible destination. Following the end of its stringent COVID-19 restrictions in early 2023, the country has made sweeping changes to its travel entry rules. The most prominent among these is allowing passport holders from 74 countries to enter China without a visa for short stays of up to 30 days.
This decision comes amid the Chinese government’s broader strategy to revive economic activity, promote people-to-people exchanges, and counter perceptions of isolation. In 2023, inbound tourism to China recorded a substantial rebound with over 20 million visitors entering the country without visas, more than doubling the previous year’s total. Encouraged by this momentum, Chinese authorities see visa liberalization as a powerful tool to further accelerate that recovery.
The new visa exemption policy does not only benefit the travel industry but also supports hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors. Officials are optimistic that the open-door approach will enhance China’s image as an international hub and restore its appeal as a prime destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Expanded Access For Dozens Of Nations
Among the countries included in the 30-day visa-free scheme are most European Union member states, several countries in South America, and a number of Asian and Middle Eastern nations. Recent additions such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait have brought the total number of eligible countries to 74. Azerbaijan is expected to be added to the list starting July 16, 2025, further expanding the program’s reach.
These exemptions are mostly being granted on a one-year trial basis, with the potential for extension depending on mutual diplomatic outcomes and traveler behavior. Chinese officials have indicated that if inbound travel continues to rise in an orderly manner, the visa waivers may be extended or made permanent for some nations.
However, not all countries have been included. Notably, citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Mexico remain excluded from the 30-day exemption. Nonetheless, travelers from these and ten other nations may still take advantage of a 10-day visa-free transit policy available at 60 designated Chinese airports and seaports, provided they continue their journey to a third destination.
This transit option offers a more limited but still valuable pathway for short visits and business connections, and it reflects Beijing’s strategic attempt to balance openness with national security and reciprocal visa policies.
Travel Industry Sees Surge In Demand
China’s expanded visa-free travel policy is already having a tangible impact on the tourism and hospitality industries. Travel operators are witnessing a notable uptick in both inquiries and bookings. According to industry insiders, the number of foreign tourists using the new visa waiver has surged dramatically since early 2025. One major travel platform reported that 75 percent of recent bookings were made by citizens from newly eligible visa-free countries.
Veteran Chinese tour guide Gao Jun described the influx of foreign travelers as overwhelming. “I’m practically booked out every week,” he said. Tour companies such as WildChina have seen business volume rise by more than 50 percent, and major online platforms like Trip.com Group reported that airline and hotel reservations have more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
The enthusiasm is also being felt on the ground. Foreign visitors have expressed appreciation for the simplified entry process, especially those who had previously found Chinese visa procedures time-consuming or cumbersome. One tourist from Georgia, interviewed while visiting Beijing’s iconic Temple of Heaven, remarked that the change “really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process.”
With the summer holiday season underway, China’s major cities and historic destinations are bracing for a large influx of tourists. Local authorities have stepped up translation services, hospitality training, and digital infrastructure to accommodate the rise in international visitors. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites are being encouraged to adapt their services to meet a more diverse, global clientele.