In a move to further boost tourism, China has significantly expanded its visa-free transit policy, permitting eligible travelers to stay longer in the country before leaving for their final destinations. The policy now permits travelers from 54 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Russia, to stay in China for up to 10 days (240 hours) without a visa, provided they are transiting to a third country. The policy is available at 60 ports of entry across 24 provinces.

Since opening borders after strict Covid-19 measures in 2023, China has been loosening travel restrictions to encourage visits to the country. As of November this year, a total of 38 countries were granted visa-free travel privileges, without the requirement of transiting to a third country. People from these countries, which include Australia, Malaysia and Japan, can stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, family visits, and business purposes.

In the third quarter of 2024, China recorded 8.2 million inbound trips, marking a 48.8% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, more than half of these arrivals made use of visa-free policies, representing a 78.6% year-on-year increase. 

Further data underscores the effectiveness of the visa-free initiatives. Between January and November 2024, China welcomed nearly 29.22 million inbound foreign visits, an 86.2% increase year-on-year. Of these, 17.45 million entries were visa-free, reflecting a significant 123.3% growth compared to the previous year. 

The policy’s success is also mirrored in the travel industry’s performance. Chinese online travel agency Qunar reported that bookings by foreign passport holders for domestic flights have nearly tripled compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, over 10% of these international tourists were repeat visitors, indicating sustained interest in China’s diverse attractions. 

China’s strategic expansion of visa-free access is part of a broader effort to rejuvenate its tourism industry and strengthen international ties. The positive trends in inbound tourism not only contribute to economic growth, but also enhance cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and other nations. 

As the global travel landscape continues to evolve after the coronavirus pandemic, China’s proactive measures in facilitating easier access for foreigners are poised to yield long-term benefits for its tourism sector and, potentially, overall international relations.

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