China Visa-Free Travel: Expanding Opportunities for Tourists
With China’s increasing efforts to promote unilateral visa exemptions and mutual visa-free policies, the expanding visa-free “circle of friends” is attracting more foreign travelers to China. Recent official data highlights the growing impact of these policies on tourism.
Significant Growth in Foreign Travelers
Border inspection agencies in Shanghai have inspected over 4.75 million inbound and outbound travelers and more than 30,000 vehicles at the Pudong and Hongqiao international airports since July 1. Additionally, from January 1 to August 30, the border inspection authority in Mohan, Yunnan Province, has inspected over 1.66 million travelers from 101 countries and regions. This represents a yearly increase of 81.32 percent, with a significant rise in the diversity of origins.
Moreover, among the travelers inspected in 2024, foreign visitors totaled 676,000, marking a year-on-year increase of 153.71 percent. Most of these visitors came from Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia, reflecting the success of China visa-free travel policies.
Expanding Visa-Free Entry Ports
Furthermore, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced in July that the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has expanded to three more entry ports. These include Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan. This expansion brings the total number of Chinese ports covered by the policy to 37.
In addition, in the first half of 2024, China welcomed 14.64 million foreigners, a year-on-year increase of 152.7 percent. Among them, 8.54 million entered through visa-exemption, recording an annual growth of 190.1 percent. Consequently, these statistics underscore the growing appeal of China visa-free travel.
Facilitating the Travel Experience
While expanding the visa-free “circle of friends,” Chinese authorities are also implementing measures to facilitate travel for foreign visitors. For instance, the Hongqiao border inspection station now includes the “Temporary Entry Card for Foreigners” for transit travelers, simplifying customs clearance.
Earlier in August, China’s State Council issued a guideline to promote high-quality development in the services sector. The plan includes streamlining border entry policies, enhancing the consumption environment, increasing flight numbers, and expanding visa-free countries. Additionally, cultural tourism year activities are being enhanced to attract more visitors.
Improving Payment Convenience for Tourists
Moreover, in recent months, Chinese authorities have focused on streamlining payment processes for overseas travelers. A recent survey conducted by Beijing Foreign Studies University among 714 foreign tourists from 103 countries found that 86 percent believe the payment experience in China has become more convenient. The vast majority of these tourists used mobile payment methods.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Visa-Free Travel Experience
As China continues to enhance its visa-free travel policies and support services, the country is set to attract even more international visitors. The combination of expanded entry ports, streamlined procedures, and improved payment options will likely contribute to further growth in tourism and cultural exchange.