China has announced a significant move to boost international tourism and simplify travel for foreign visitors by allowing visa-free entry for citizens from nine additional countries: South Korea, Norway, Finland, Slovakia, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, and Liechtenstein.
Effective November 8, nationals of these countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit without a visa for up to 15 days. The visa exemption program is expected to remain in place until at least December 31, 2025, making China more accessible to international travellers in the years ahead.
China’s tourism sector has seen a significant recovery recently, with the latest data highlighting a remarkable growth in international travel. During the third quarter of this year alone, China received approximately 8.186 million inbound foreign travellers, representing an impressive 48.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
This resurgence in international visits can be partially attributed to China’s existing visa-free entry programs, which played a crucial role in easing travel for millions. Recent reports indicate that around 4.9 million travellers who visited China entered through visa-free channels, showing the impact such policies have had on boosting tourism numbers.
In addition to expanding visa-free entry, China has also introduced several new measures aimed at further facilitating entry and travel for foreign visitors. These measures include reducing wait times for inspections at entry points and making the entry process quicker and more convenient.
Moreover, China has introduced options for travellers to use overseas bank cards to pay subway fares, which will significantly enhance the accessibility of local transportation systems for international tourists. By streamlining these services, China is positioning itself as a traveller-friendly destination, one that is attentive to the needs of its international visitors and eager to offer a more seamless travel experience.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently reiterated its commitment to further optimizing travel policies and entry procedures for foreigners, with the intention of creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for international visitors. The timing of these initiatives could not be better, as the holiday season is fast approaching and global interest in travelling to China continues to grow. The expansion of visa-free access is expected to drive an increase in international arrivals, not only boosting tourism revenue but also allowing more people to experience China’s rich culture, history, and modern attractions.
Visa-free entry is a significant advantage for travellers, as it eliminates the need for lengthy paperwork, long waits, and additional expenses associated with visa applications. It allows people to plan trips spontaneously, without the stress of navigating complex visa processes. This convenience makes international travel far more appealing and accessible. By extending visa-free access to travellers from more countries, China is enabling an environment where people can simply book a flight, pack their bags, and visit the country with ease. Such initiatives contribute to making China a prime destination for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
The combination of visa-free travel policies, improved accessibility measures, and streamlined entry processes will likely boost China’s appeal to foreign visitors, promoting it as a top travel destination. With its historical landmarks, diverse landscapes, and rapidly evolving cities, China has much to offer, and these new policies will make it even easier for people from across the world to explore all it has to offer. The move reflects China’s efforts to reinvigorate its tourism industry post-pandemic and strengthen ties with a broader international community by making travel smoother, more convenient, and hassle-free.