China has significantly broadened its visa‑free entry policy, granting citizens from 74 countries the ability to stay up to 30 days without a visa—a move designed to stimulate inbound tourism, enhance economic growth, and amplify its global soft power. The expansion to 74 countries follows initial pilot schemes launched in late 2023 and early 2024, which included select European nations, Southeast Asian states, and a few Latin American and Middle Eastern countries.
The unprecedented relaxation comes on the heels of China’s post‑pandemic reopening. In 2023, the country saw fewer than 14 million international visitors, roughly 43 percent of its 2019 pre‑COVID peak of 31.9 million arrivals. However, visa‑free entrants surged to over 20 million in 2024—accounting for nearly one‑third of total inbound visitors and more than double the figure from 2023.
The 74 countries newly added to the visa‑free program span much of Europe—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and others—with extensions also reaching five Latin American nations, Uzbekistan, and several Middle Eastern states. On July 16, Azerbaijan is slated to join the list, bringing the total to 75. Roughly two‑thirds of these visa‑free arrangements are trial schemes lasting one year.
Industry leaders report tangible benefits. WildChina, a boutique luxury tour operator, saw a 50 percent boost in business compared to pre‑pandemic levels, with European customers now constituting up to 20 percent of bookings—up from less than 5 percent before 2019. Trip.com, a Shanghai‑based booking platform, noted that air and hotel reservations doubled in early 2025 relative to the same period last year, with 75 percent coming from citizens of visa‑free nations.
North Americans and certain other nationalities not covered by the 30‑day visa‑free provision still benefit from a 10‑day visa‑free transit option. Eligible travelers may stay up to ten days if arriving from one country and continuing onward to a third destination. This transit policy operates through 60 designated ports and applies to citizens of 55 countries. It’s a continuation of prior extensions—from a 3‑day to 6‑day window—that now provides a more convenient 240‑hour stay to tour, especially in regions like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou.
Tour operator Gao Jun, an English‑speaking guide, described the summer of 2025 as “practically overwhelming” due to surging tour demand. He has even opened a training service for aspiring guides to keep pace. Meanwhile, international tourists express relief over the simpler protocols. A Georgian visitor to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven described the move as “a major relief,” calling out the old visa‑application system as burdensome.
However, the initiative isn’t universally encompassing. Several major African countries remain outside the visa‑free arrangement, and some nationals face restricted transit privileges . Nonetheless, Chinese authorities are pushing forward by offering domestic vouchers, funding cultural tourism projects, and promoting family‑friendly and senior‑focused travel experiences.
In sum, China’s visa policy overhaul marks a strategic pivot aimed at revitalizing tourism and recuperating economic momentum. As businesses report increasing foreign interest, and travelers describe smoother entry and richer experiences, this policy signals China’s intent to rebuild its global tourism stature and foster stronger international ties.
