In a decisive step to revive its tourism sector, the Chinese government has expanded its visa-free entry policy to include citizens from 75 countries, a strategic change designed to stimulate international travel, boost economic activity, and rebuild global ties following the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Historic Shift in China’s Travel Policy
For decades, China maintained strict visa requirements for most foreign nationals. However, as of July 2025, the country has dramatically liberalized its visa regime, now allowing tourists from a broad spectrum of Europe, Latin America, Asia, and West Asia to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days.
This policy shift is not just a bureaucratic adjustment; it represents a fundamental transformation in China’s approach to international tourism. According to government reports, this is the largest expansion of visa-free travel in China’s history, reflecting an ambitious drive to welcome millions of foreign visitors and reshape China’s global image.
Post-COVID Tourism Recovery: From Crisis to Comeback
When China reopened its borders in early 2023, it expected a surge in tourist arrivals. However, the numbers told a different story—only 13 million tourists visited China in 2023, compared to over 30 million in 2019, a stark reminder of the long-lasting effects of pandemic-era restrictions.
Recognizing the need for bold action, Chinese authorities launched a comprehensive tourism revival campaign in 2024. Visa-free access became the cornerstone of this strategy. Within a year, 20 million foreign tourists entered China without visas, a surge that has already surpassed 2023 figures by more than 50%.
Visa-Free Entry: A List of the Included Countries
China’s visa-free policy initially began in late 2023 with select nations, including:
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Malaysia
As of July 2025, this list has dramatically expanded to 75 countries, now encompassing:
All members of the European Union
Five Latin American nations
Several countries in West Asia
Uzbekistan
Azerbaijan (effective from July 16, 2025)
This liberalization is currently being implemented as a one-year pilot program for most participating nations, with the possibility of permanent extension based on performance and reciprocal diplomacy.
Economic and Strategic Objectives Behind the Move
China’s decision to eliminate visa barriers is driven by multiple strategic goals:
Reviving the tourism sector, which supports millions of jobs and contributes billions to GDP.
Stimulating local economies, particularly in provinces heavily reliant on tourism, such as Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hainan.
Strengthening diplomatic relations by enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
Expanding China’s soft power by positioning the country as an accessible and welcoming global destination.
Officials have openly acknowledged that visa-free travel reduces friction for tourists, encouraging longer stays, higher spending, and positive cultural exchanges.
Tourist Reactions: Less Bureaucracy, More Adventure
International travelers have enthusiastically welcomed the change. Many highlight the removal of the visa application burden as a key reason for choosing China over other destinations.
For tourists from countries like Italy or Argentina, this means no embassy visits, no processing delays, and no application fees—just book a ticket and explore. Whether it’s the Great Wall in Beijing, the pandas of Chengdu, or the karst landscapes in Guilin, visitors now enjoy seamless access to China’s rich cultural tapestry.
China’s Tourism Offerings in 2025: A Modern Renaissance
With the return of foreign tourists, China has also revamped its tourism infrastructure to match global expectations. Key upgrades include:
High-speed rail connectivity linking major cities with scenic regions.
Multilingual support services at major attractions and transport hubs.
Smart tourism tools powered by AI and 5G for personalized travel planning.
Eco-friendly initiatives in national parks and heritage sites.
Cashless payment compatibility for foreign debit and credit cards.
These developments are part of a larger vision to position China as a top-tier global travel destination.
Projected Growth and Future Expansions
Analysts forecast that China could surpass 30 million inbound tourists by the end of 2025, reclaiming pre-COVID benchmarks. If current visa-free pilot programs succeed, additional countries may soon be added to the list, especially those in Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has hinted at ongoing negotiations with several countries to expand mutual visa waivers, which could pave the way for longer stays, multi-entry permits, and group travel packages.
Regional Competition: China’s Advantage Over Asia-Pacific Rivals
In a crowded tourism market, China’s new policy gives it a competitive edge over regional rivals like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, who continue to require formal visa applications from many travelers.
By removing the red tape, China is positioning itself as Asia’s most accessible cultural and historical destination, offering a mix of ancient heritage and futuristic urban experiences.
Soft Power and International Perception
Beyond tourism revenue, China’s visa policy also serves a broader geopolitical aim—rebranding China as an open, connected, and cooperative global player.
As more international citizens visit and share firsthand experiences, the narrative surrounding China could shift, aligning with Beijing’s aim to build cultural bridges and counter negative stereotypes abroad.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Global Travel
With 75 nations now eligible for visa-free travel, China has made it easier than ever for the world to experience its history, innovation, and diversity. This unprecedented openness signals a new era for Chinese tourism—one defined by ease, exploration, and economic optimism.
As global travel rebounds, China is not just reopening its gates—it’s rolling out the red carpet.
