China’s new visa-free travel rules and how it is making it easier for foreigners to visit
China has made it easier for people from many countries to visit, as it looks to bring back more tourists and improve how it is seen around the world.
Citizens from 47 countries, including Germany, Australia, and Japan, can now visit without a visa for up to 30 days.
People from 55 other countries, such as the United States and Indonesia, can get a short-term visa when they arrive.
The change marks a big shift from China’s usual strict visa rules, which often required visitors to apply in person before travelling.
The move comes after years of low visitor numbers during the pandemic and is part of China’s plan to support its economy and change global views of the country.
In 2024, China welcomed 130 million international visitors and earned over $94 billion from tourism. In the first half of 2025, international visits to Shanghai rose by 40% compared to the same time last year.
More than 840,000 people entered Beijing without a visa, double the number from early 2024.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
