China Expands Visa-Free Travel to Tourists from 74 Countries

In a significant shift in its tourism policy, the Chinese government announced that citizens from 74 countries can now enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This policy, effective from July 16, 2025, is part of China's broader strategy to rejuvenate its tourism sector, which has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement comes as China prepares for an anticipated influx of international tourists, particularly during the summer holiday season. The National Immigration Administration reported that in 2024, over 20 million foreign tourists entered China visa-free, a remarkable increase of more than double compared to the previous year. "This really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process," said Georgi Shavadze, a Georgian national residing in Austria, who recently visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

Historically, China's visa policies have been quite restrictive; however, since reopening its borders in early 2023, the government has progressively relaxed these regulations. In December 2023, the initial list of countries eligible for visa-free entry included France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, with subsequent additions from Latin America and the Middle East. This expansion signifies a commitment to enhancing China's soft power by boosting tourism and economic recovery.

Travel agencies are already feeling the positive effects of these changes. Jenny Zhao, managing director of WildChina, a boutique travel company, reported a 50% increase in business compared to pre-pandemic levels. "We’re quite optimistic; we hope these benefits will continue," Zhao remarked. Additionally, the Shanghai-based Trip.com Group has noted that bookings for travel to China have doubled in the first quarter of this year, with 75% of visitors coming from visa-free regions.

Despite the positive trends, some regions remain excluded from the visa-free policy. Notably, no major African nations are included, which raises questions about China's diplomatic relations with the continent. Furthermore, travelers from countries not on the visa-free list can enter China for up to 10 days if they are in transit to another destination. This policy applies to 60 ports of entry and includes countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, which are also affected by the broader visa requirements.

The implications of these relaxed visa policies could be profound, not just for China's economy but also for international relations. Experts believe that increased tourism could lead to enhanced cultural exchanges and stronger diplomatic ties. Dr. Samuel Chen, a professor of International Relations at Tsinghua University, noted, "This move could serve as a catalyst for improved relations with various countries, especially those in Europe and Latin America."

As China looks to revitalize its tourism sector, the international community will be closely observing the outcomes of these policy changes. With the potential for increased economic benefits and cultural exchanges, the future of China's tourism landscape seems poised for growth. However, the exclusion of certain regions from these benefits may also necessitate a reevaluation of China's foreign relations strategies to ensure balanced diplomatic engagement moving forward.