Beijing – China has expanded visa-free access to citizens from 74 countries, a sweeping shift in its border control policy aimed at reviving inbound tourism, fueling economic recovery, and extending its soft power influence globally. By July 16, Azerbaijan will become the 75th nation added to the list.
Under the policy, travelers can now enter China for up to 30 days without a visa. This marks a significant change from pre-pandemic rules, which required formal applications for nearly all short-term visitors. The updated visa regime has already proven impactful: more than 20 million foreigners entered China without a visa in 2024, according to the National Immigration Administration—double the figure from the previous year.
The timing is strategic. As global travel rebounds post-pandemic, China is seeking to reposition itself as a key destination for international tourism and business. The shift also reflects a broader recalibration of China’s public diplomacy, offering a more open image to travelers from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
“This really helps people to travel because it is such a hassle to apply for a visa,” said Giorgi Shavadze, a Georgian citizen visiting Beijing. For many travelers across Europe and Asia, bypassing the consulate is both a financial and psychological relief.
China first launched the expanded visa-free policy in December 2023 for France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. In subsequent months, nearly all of Europe followed, along with five Latin American nations, Uzbekistan, and several Middle Eastern states.
Yet not all countries are included. No major African nation has received 30-day visa-free status, despite China’s considerable infrastructure and trade ties across the continent. Observers see this as a missed opportunity for diplomatic reciprocity.
In North America, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Mexico remain outside the visa-free list. However, travelers from these countries can still enter China under a 10-day visa-free transit policy—so long as they depart to a third country. This option is only available at designated entry ports and applies to 10 excluded nations, including the U.K., Sweden, and Russia.
Sweden’s absence from the 30-day list is notable. Once considered a key European partner, relations soured following the 2020 sentencing of Swedish citizen Gui Minhai, a publisher detained under controversial circumstances.
Despite selective exclusions, the overall economic impact is clear. Trip.com Group, a leading Chinese travel agency, reported a doubling of bookings to China in early 2025, with three-quarters of customers originating from visa-free countries. WildChina, a luxury tour operator, noted a 50% business increase year-on-year. European travelers now represent up to 20% of its clientele—up from under 5% pre-pandemic.
Tourism operators on the ground are struggling to keep up. “I’m practically overwhelmed with tours,” said Gao Jun, a veteran English-speaking guide in Beijing who recently began training others to meet the surge in demand.
China recorded only 13.8 million international arrivals in 2023, less than half of the 2019 pre-pandemic figure. Officials now expect a strong rebound, especially during the 2025 summer travel season.
Ultimately, analysts say China’s visa-free policy is more than a logistical shift—it is a calculated step in redefining its global engagement narrative. By welcoming travelers more openly, Beijing signals a desire for renewed cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and diplomatic reach—on its own terms.
