Thinking about visiting China? Now is the best time to go—especially if you're tired of the visa paperwork. In a big move to revive global tourism, China has thrown open its doors to travelers from 74 countries with a new visa-free policy that lets you stay for up to 30 days. That’s a game-changer for millions of potential visitors.
Let’s unpack what this means for you—and why tourism in China is about to explode.
China’s New Visa-Free Policy: What Changed?
Until recently, getting a Chinese visa was a time-consuming process. You had to fill out forms, make multiple embassy visits, and wait. Now, travelers from dozens of countries, including most of Europe, can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This is a sharp expansion from the previous rules.
The goal? Boost tourism, support economic recovery post-pandemic, and increase China’s global appeal.
According to the National Immigration Administration, more than 20 million foreign travelers entered China without a visa in 2024—double the number from the year before.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
As of July 16, 2025, 74 countries are on China’s visa-free list. That includes:
- Most of Europe – France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and nearly all other EU members
- Several Latin American countries – including Argentina, Chile, and Brazil
- Middle Eastern countries – like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
- New additions – Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan (joining July 16)
The visa-free stay is capped at 30 days for tourism, business, and family visits.
➡️ Important: About two-thirds of these visa waivers are on a one-year trial basis, meaning they could be renewed or revised after review.
Who’s Not on the List?
While most developed nations are included, a few notable countries are still left out:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Mexico
- Russia
- Indonesia
- Ukraine
- Sweden
- Lithuania
- Czech Republic
For citizens of these 10 countries, visa-free transit options are available—but with tighter rules.
The 10-Day Transit Option: An Alternative for Non-Eligible Countries
If you're from a country not eligible for the 30-day visa-free scheme, you can still enter China for up to 10 days under a transit visa waiver, provided:
- You're traveling to a third country (not back to the one you came from)
- You enter through one of 60 designated Chinese ports
This policy applies to 55 countries, including those already on the 30-day list. For the 10 not included in that broader scheme (like the US and UK), the transit visa is a small consolation.
Why China Is Doing This
China's tourism sector took a major hit during the pandemic. In 2023, only 13.8 million international visitors entered the country, less than half the 31.9 million in 2019.
Now, the Chinese government is making up for lost time.
The visa-free expansion is part of a larger push to:
- Revive inbound tourism
- Attract international business
- Project soft power globally
And it’s working.
Travel Industry Booming Once Again
Tourism businesses are already seeing the effects. English-speaking tour guides, travel agencies, and hospitality operators are overwhelmed by the surge in interest.
“I’m practically overwhelmed with tours and struggling to keep up,” says Gao Jun, a veteran Beijing-based guide. He recently launched a training program for new tour guides to meet the growing demand.
Meanwhile, online travel agency Trip.com Group reported that bookings for air travel, hotels, and experiences in China doubled in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. A whopping 75% of the travelers came from visa-free countries.
European Travelers Leading the Comeback
Europeans, in particular, are driving the rebound.
“The new visa policies are 100% beneficial to us,” says Jenny Zhao, managing director of WildChina, a luxury tour company. She says her business is up 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Before 2019, Europeans made up less than 5% of her clientele. Today, that number has jumped to 15–20%. The U.S. still leads as her biggest market, but the rapid growth from Europe is hard to ignore.
Real People, Real Relief
For many travelers, skipping the visa process is more than just a convenience—it’s a relief.
Take Øystein Sporsheim, a Norwegian dad of two. Before the policy change, traveling to China meant two round-trips to the Chinese embassy in Oslo. With kids in tow, that’s a hassle and an added cost. Now, he can just book and go.
“They don’t very often open, so it was much harder,” he said.
And for expats like Giorgi Shavadze, a Georgian living in Austria, it means spontaneous travel is back on the table.
“It’s such a hassle to apply for a visa and go through the process,” he said while visiting Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.
What About Africa?
Despite strong political and economic ties between China and Africa, no major African country is yet included in the visa-free policy. This exclusion has raised eyebrows and may be addressed in future expansions of the program.
Final Thoughts: Should You Book That Trip?
If you’re from one of the 74 eligible countries, China just became one of the easiest long-haul destinations to explore. With rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities—from Beijing and Shanghai to Chengdu and Xi’an—it’s an unbeatable value.
And now, without the headache of a visa, planning your trip is simpler than ever.
