China removes visa requirement for 75 countries

13-07-25

China has taken a decisive step toward making international tourism one of its major engines of economic growth and global influence: starting in mid-July, citizens of 75 countries will be able to visit the country without a visa for up to 30 days. This landmark measure is part of a renewed strategy aimed at reviving tourism after the strict lockdowns imposed during the pandemic, while also reinforcing the nation’s cultural, economic, and diplomatic appeal.

The opening began with the inclusion of key European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain—alongside several Asian countries such as Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. It has since gradually expanded to South America, welcoming Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, as well as Uzbekistan and various Gulf states. On July 16, Azerbaijan will also join the list, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 75. With this move, China effectively ends years of restrictions that severely limited foreign travel, marking the most significant shift since the “zero-COVID” policy was lifted.

The figures speak for themselves: in 2024, more than 20 million international travelers entered China without a visa—double the figure from the previous year and accounting for nearly 30% of all foreign visitors. In Shanghai alone, visa-free travelers reached 1.3 million in the first half of 2025, representing a 45% year-on-year increase in international arrivals to the city, which has become a tourism and business hub.

Travel agencies and local tour operators are reporting immediate results. Trip.com noted that bookings for flights, hotels, and other tourism services doubled in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the year before, with 75% of those travelers coming from countries now enjoying visa-free access. Companies like WildChina attribute a 50% surge in business to the policy, especially in luxury travel and premium cultural experiences.

But the policy is not only a boost for tourism—it is also part of a broader government strategy known as “people-to-people diplomacy,” designed to improve China’s international image and encourage more meaningful cultural exchange. After years of investments in public infrastructure, upgraded airports, high-speed railways, and global shopping centers, Chinese authorities believe that an influx of foreign tourists will contribute to a more positive narrative about the country, helping bridge political divides and reduce tensions with other powers.

The plan also includes a visa-free transit program of up to 10 days at 60 entry points, available to travelers from countries not yet included among the 75. This option can be used on connecting flights to third countries, opening additional opportunities for North American and European travelers alike. As a result, citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and even Sweden can still benefit from the policy under specific conditions.

It is particularly notable that, for now, major African countries are absent from the program, despite their preferential relationship with Beijing. Likewise, no Mexican or Nigerian nationals are currently among the 75 eligible countries, although diplomatic sources suggest that this may change in future policy reviews.

The initiative aligns with recent studies that identify tourism as a key factor in China’s economic recovery. In 2025, the sector is expected to generate up to 13.7 trillion yuan in revenue and support more than 83 million jobs. Current figures already show a steady growth trajectory, with cities like Shanghai surpassing pre-pandemic levels in terms of foreign visitor numbers.

With this diplomatic-tourism push, China is not only reinforcing its domestic economy, but also offering a soft, cultural alternative to the rising protectionism and migration restrictions seen in other countries, such as the United States. The contrast between these approaches is becoming increasingly clear, and countries across Europe, Asia, South America, and the Gulf are responding with renewed interest in traveling to China.

The removal of visa requirements for 75 countries marks a historic moment for Chinese tourism—not just in terms of scale and volume, but also in the potential impact this influx of visitors could have on global perceptions of the country. After years of isolation, China now presents itself as an open, modern, and welcoming destination, determined to reclaim its place on the global stage.

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