Jon
Time node
In December 2023, China took the lead in implementing a visa-free (15-day) policy for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, and gradually expanded it to the whole of Europe and Asia.
In 2024 and the first half of 2025, five Latin American countries, Uzbekistan, and four Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) were included.
As of July 16, 2025, after Azerbaijan joined, the total number of visa-free countries increased to 75.
Coverage and duration of stay
Provide citizens of 75 countries with short-term visa-free entry for up to 30 days;
In addition, a 10-day transit visa-free policy is set for countries not on this list (such as the United States and the United Kingdom).
The number of visa-free tourists in 2024 will exceed 20 million, more than double the previous year.
The number of international tourists in Shanghai increased by about 45%, and the overall number of visitors has recovered to 70-80% of the pre-epidemic level.
In conjunction with the "Belt and Road" and bilateral summit forums, China further promotes international exchanges and enhances cultural influence through visa-free.
Faced with the tightening of US visa policies, China attracts international tourists and business travelers with an open attitude.
Duty-free business in mainland China has expanded exponentially; data from platforms such as Ctrip show that bookings have doubled, and visa-free tourists contribute more than 75%.
The tourism industry, tour guide training and surrounding industries in various places have ushered in a boom: some tour guides said that they were "almost overwhelmed by various tour groups."
Tourist perspective
For example, a Georgian tourist living in Austria said: "It is really helpful for travel, because applying for a visa is too troublesome."
Tourism industry attitude
Travel companies such as WildChina and Ctrip have said that their business has skyrocketed, with an average growth of more than 50% in many places.
The demand for tour guide training has surged, and one tour guide lamented that he was overwhelmed, which has also led to a boom in English tour guide training.
Europe: Most Schengen countries have been included, and almost all EU countries are visa-free;
Asia: Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Uzbekistan and other countries have been included;
Middle East and Latin America: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and other Middle Eastern countries, as well as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay and other Latin American countries have benefited; Kia Azerbaijan joined on July 16;
Africa and South Asia: Still not covered, such as major African countries and Pakistan have not implemented visa-free policies.
In general, China's increase in visa-free countries to 75 has not only significantly promoted the tourism boom after the epidemic, but also become a key measure to enhance the country's image, promote international exchanges and regional economic development. This policy adjustment is expected to become an important fulcrum for China's further opening up, and will also profoundly affect the decision-making of global tourists to travel to China.