In an unprecedented move to revitalize its tourism industry and enhance its international image, the Chinese government has expanded its visa exemption policy. As of July 2025, 75 countries are eligible for visa-free entry for up to 30 days, leading to a surge in visitors, particularly from Europe and Asia.
According to the National Immigration Administration, over 20 million foreigners entered China visa-free in 2024, more than double the previous year. This is considered part of a national strategy to strengthen soft power. In December 2023, major EU countries like France, Germany, and Italy were included, followed by nations in Latin America and the Middle East. In July, Azerbaijan was also added, bringing the total to 75 countries across five continents. The aim is twofold: to build diplomatic trust and boost tourism revenue.
The tourism sector is seeing a rush in demand. Veteran English-speaking guide Mr. Gao Jun in Beijing noted, “Requests are flooding in, so I started a new English tour guide training program.” Travelers also express positive feedback. Norwegian tourist Øystein said, “Eliminating embassy procedures has reduced the cost and time burden.” This simplification of visa procedures significantly impacts tourism psychology, lowering the mental barriers to travel.
According to Shanghai-based Trip.com Group, bookings from visa-exempt countries doubled year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. Particularly, air tickets and hotel reservations increased sharply, showing how the digital travel ecosystem contributes to the surge in foreign visitors.
Meanwhile, some countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden — remain excluded. Citizens from these nations can still enter China for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country. However, this policy is limited to 60 designated ports of entry and comes with restrictions. Diplomatic relations between China and Sweden have cooled since the disappearance of Gui Minhai in 2015, and tensions between the Chinese Communist Party and some European countries remain a backdrop to the policy decisions.
The visa waiver expansion is not just a tourism strategy but also a diplomatic and national branding initiative. There is growing expectation that China will extend the policy to more African nations, India, and North America, marking a significant step in becoming a “global tourism powerhouse.”
Observers will be watching closely how this tripartite collaboration between travelers, businesses, and the government will evolve China's tourism recovery and soft power strategy in the coming years.
This article is based on information available at the time of publication. National policies and travel conditions may change without notice. For the latest updates, please refer to official announcements from the relevant embassies or the National Immigration Administration of China.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or administrative advice.
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