China expands visa-free entry to 74 countries in bid to boost tourism
Tourist taking selfie at the Temple of Heavens (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
In a bold move to revive international tourism and stimulate economic growth, China has extended visa-free entry to 74 countries, allowing eligible travelers to visit the country for up to 30 days without a visa. The sweeping policy change is designed to attract more foreign tourists and reposition China as a global travel hotspot after years of COVID-19 disruptions.
Visa-Free Travel: A Game-Changer for Global Tourism
According to the National Immigration Administration of China, over 20 million foreign visitors entered China without a visa in 2024 — more than double the figure from 2023. The visa-free policy has been introduced on a one-year trial basis for most participating countries, including many across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The expanded list now includes:
- France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia
- Five Latin American nations and Uzbekistan
- Four countries from the Middle East
- Australia (visa-free stay extended from 15 to 30 days in 2024)
On July 16, 2025, Azerbaijan will become the 75th country added to the list.
Travel Industry Reacts to Soaring Demand
The tourism industry is already feeling the impact. Trip.com Group, a major online travel agency based in Shanghai, reported that bookings for travel to China doubled in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Impressively, 75% of travelers came from visa-free countries.
“I’m practically overwhelmed with tours,” said Gao Jun, an experienced English-speaking guide in Beijing. “I had to start a training business to meet the demand.”
WildChina, a luxury and boutique tour operator, also reported a 50% increase in bookings compared to pre-pandemic levels. While the U.S. remains their top source market, European travelers now account for 15–20% of business, up from less than 5% in 2019.
Visa-Free Entry Makes Travel More Accessible
For travelers like Øystein Sporsheim from Norway, the policy shift is life-changing. “It was a hassle applying for a visa, especially with two kids,” he explained. The new rules eliminate the need for embassy visits, saving both time and money.
Georgian tourist Georgi Shavadze, who visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, shared a similar sentiment:
“This really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process.”
Not on the List? Try China’s 10-Day Transit Policy
While 74 countries now enjoy visa-free entry, 10 countries — including Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Sweden, and Russia — are not eligible. However, travelers from these countries may still be able to visit under a 10-day visa-free transit policy, as long as they enter and depart through different countries using one of 60 approved ports of entry.
Learn more about the policy at the National Immigration Administration.
Note: Sweden’s exclusion is likely due to ongoing diplomatic tensions with China.
China Eyes Pre-Pandemic Tourism Levels
China welcomed only 13.8 million foreign tourists in 2023, far below the 31.9 million visitors in 2019. The new visa policy is part of a broader strategy to restore — and potentially surpass — these numbers.
“We’re optimistic. We hope these benefits will continue,” said Jenny Zhao of WildChina.
What Travelers Need to Know
- Visa-free entry is valid for up to 30 days for most eligible countries.
- The policy is largely on a one-year trial basis.
- Transit travelers from select countries can stay up to 10 days without a visa.
- No major African country is included in the visa-free list as of July 2025.
Planning Your Trip to China?
Make the most of your visa-free journey with these trusted resources:
- Trip.com – Book flights, hotels, and tours
- WildChina – Luxury and boutique travel experiences
- Lonely Planet: China – Guides and cultural insights
Final Thoughts
China’s expanded visa-free travel policy signals its readiness to welcome the world again. For global adventurers, business travelers, and cultural enthusiasts, the new rules eliminate barriers and open the door to one of the most exciting destinations in Asia.