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China’s New Visa-Free Travel Policies

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    November 17, 2025 8:43 PM EST

    In 2024, China made its first significant effort to open its borders to international travelers by expanding its visa-free entry policy. This move demonstrates the country’s intention to strengthen international relations, as well as promote tourism and business exchanges.To get more news about china visa-free countries 2024, you can visit meet-in-shanghai.net official website.
    Citizens from specific countries can now enter China without a visa for short-term visits, helping to enhance China’s international outreach and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
    Countries Included
    By the end of 2024, China had expanded visa-free entry to 32 countries across Europe, four from Asia, and two from Oceania, which are:
    Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, and Luxembourg among a few others.
    Asia: Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Brunei.
    Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

    Moreover, in July 2024, China announced visa-free entry for 15 countries, which include Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, and Poland. Then, in November 2024, 9 more countries were added including Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan (Chinadaily.com.cn).

    Duration and Conditions
    Most travelers from the mentioned countries can stay in China for 15 or 30 days, depending on the agreement, and the visa-free entry is for the following purposes:

    However, longer stays or work-related visits still require a visa application.

    Impact on Tourism and Business
    The reintroduction and expansion of visa-free policies in 2024 had an immediate effect on tourism and international business. In the first months of 2024, the number of trips to and from China more than doubled compared to the previous period. The effect of the policy was to attract a large number of international travelers and business professionals.

    For the tourists, the policy provided an easier way to arrange a trip to China and at a reduced cost. The policy made available China's rich cultural and historical heritage, along with its diverse and modern cities. The policy also provided greater opportunity for businesses to enhance international business relations with China, and to conduct meetings and negotiations more efficiently in China.

    Diplomatic Significance

    Besides traveling and finances, the Visa-free expansion carries diplomatic weight. Including countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, China aims to strengthen its bilateral relations. Officials from the newly included countries welcomed the move and described it as a milestone in cooperation, and cultural exchange.

    This policy also aligns with China`s broader strategy of positioning the country as a desirable participant in international collaboration. it reflects the balance China is seeking to achieve between national security and geopolitical openness as China works to attract global talent and investment.

    Looking Ahead

    China's Visa-free policy in 2024 is not a temporary measure. Extending the number of countries, and simplifying the entry requirements reflects China's willingness to embrace globalization while protecting its cultural and economic interests.

    Travelers from the newly included countries will now have the opportunity to visit China's cultural and natural sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City as well as China's modern cities, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Individuals and businesses will also benefit from improved access to one of the world's largest economies, and governments will enjoy improved cooperation resulting from increased people to people contact.