Foreign tourists pose for a picture at the Forbidden City in Beijing on Dec 25. WANG XIN/FOR CHINA DAILY
Throughout 2024, China steadily expanded its visa-free travel program, easing entry procedures for international visitors.
The updated policy, which took effect on Nov 30, allows travelers from 38 countries, including 32 European nations, to stay in China for up to 30 days visa-free, doubling the previous limit.
The significant change represents a transformative step in enhancing international tourism, fostering economic collaboration and advancing cultural diplomacy. Experts widely regard the development as a strategic effort to position China as a more accessible and appealing global destination.
The nation's visa-free policy has simplified travel to China by removing obstacles that have traditionally deterred potential tourists as well as business travelers.
Oliver Sedlinger, CEO of tourism consultancy firm Sedlinger & Associates, lauded the initiative as "wonderful news for the global travel industry". He noted that visas often act as barriers to international travel, adding, "Removing these obstacles will undoubtedly boost tourism and make China more appealing to travelers worldwide."
Statistics from the National Immigration Administration highlight the policy's early success. In the third quarter of 2024, foreigners made 8.186 million inbound trips to China, representing a 48.8 percent increase year-on-year. Of these, 4.885 million trips — an impressive 78.6 percent year-on-year rise — were facilitated by the visa-free policy, according to data released by the administration in mid-October.
During the first half of 2024, inbound trips totaled 14.635 million, marking a staggering 152.7 percent year-on-year growth. Among these, 8.542 million entries, reflecting a 190.1 percent increase, were made under the visa-free policy.
Altogether, foreign travelers made 22.821 million inbound trips to China during the first three quarters of 2024. Of this total, 58.8 percent — or 13.427 million trips - were facilitated by the visa-free policy, based on NIA data calculations.
"Introducing favorable visa policies is a smart move by China," Sedlinger said. "Many countries have implemented similar measures to great effect. These policies act as crucial levers for developing local tourism industries and maximizing their potential."
While awareness of the changes may take time to spread, Sedlinger remains optimistic: "With all the cultural and natural attractions that China has to offer, I am convinced there is a huge, sustainable potential for further development, and this potential is now being unlocked by removing the visa hurdle."
China's visa-free policy is enhanced by its 240-hour visa-free transit option, which allows travelers from 54 countries — including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada — to explore major transit hubs like Beijing and Shanghai for up to ten days without a visa, as they transit to a third country. This combined approach makes China especially attractive to foreign travelers looking for shorter or more spontaneous trips.
The local delicacy of boiled meat keeps the chills away on an ice-covered lake in Xilin Gol League in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Jan 19. WANG ZHENG/FOR CHINA DAILY
Amrita Banta, managing director of Agility Research & Strategy, shares a similar sentiment. She noted: "The visa-free scheme removes one of the significant barriers that discourage potential tourists. It shows China is genuinely interested in welcoming more international visitors, which will strengthen both economic and cultural ties."
Banta also highlighted the policy's diplomatic implications, suggesting that it serves as a strategic effort to boost international partnerships. "This move fosters not only tourism but also goodwill between China and the participating countries," she added. "It encourages deeper connections, smoother interactions, and provides the world with an unparalleled opportunity to explore China's rich culture and heritage."
For business travelers, the streamlined entry process simplifies logistics, enabling more efficient networking and meetings. Sedlinger highlighted the broader appeal, saying "These policies, combined with more convenient payment solutions, make China a more accessible and attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers."
Tom Harper, a lecturer specializing in China's international relations at the University of East London, noted, "The move will help facilitate exchanges between China and the world, making travel easier and more attractive".
However, Sedlinger pointed out that immediate growth might be tempered by limited direct flight capacity between Europe and China. Despite this, the long-term potential remains immense, as more suitable travel products are developed and awareness grows.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the average daily expenditure of foreign tourists in China amounted to 3,459 yuan ($477.32) in 2023, directly driving up consumption by more than 100 billion yuan.
"The return of international guests will have a distinct positive economic impact," Sedlinger explained. "Sectors such as hospitality, retail, and food and beverage will directly benefit, while the ripple effect will extend to other industries." He also emphasized the policy's role in maintaining existing infrastructure, such as international flight connections, which support both inbound and outbound travel.
Banta concurred, adding, "By attracting more tourists, China is promoting high-quality exchanges that can foster better connections and mutual understanding between nations".
The visa-free policy is also a testament to China's commitment to deepening global integration. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning has stated that the initiative aims to "facilitate high-quality development of Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges and high-level opening-up to the world".
Harper said: "The policy is very much in line with China's efforts to promote opening up, which has become imperative in recent years. It underlines China's commitment to globalization and its role in fostering international partnerships," he explained.
Jochum Haakma, chairman of the EU-China Business Association, applauded the policy for enhancing bilateral relations. "The increase in foreign entries is factual proof that this works. It fits perfectly within China's broader opening-up drive," Haakma said. He believes that high-level exchanges across sectors -from education and research to tourism and trade — will foster mutual trust and understanding.
Experts are optimistic about the policy's potential to inspire reciprocal arrangements. Haakma advocated for greater reciprocity between China and participating countries, arguing that mutual visa-free travel could further enhance bilateral relations.
This sentiment is echoed by Sedlinger, who believes that easing visa restrictions is a benchmark for developing tourism industries worldwide. The policy not only benefits China but also provides a model for other nations to follow, fostering a more interconnected and accessible global tourism landscape.
The South Putuo Temple in Xiamen, Fujian province, attracts foreign tourists on Jan 12. DU LIANYI/CHINA DAILY
The policy's impact is also felt on a personal level. Malte Poppensieker, a German national living in London with his Chinese wife and children, praised the change for making travel to China more convenient. Germany was among the first countries granted visa-free entry to China in December, 2023. For him, the change represents a step forward in simplifying international travel and moving away from restrictive reciprocal agreements.
"Visa processes are cumbersome and often a major obstacle," he said. "This new policy makes travel much easier, even without being part of a bilateral arrangement. I hope it becomes a permanent measure."
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Poppensieker traveled to China two or three times a year to visit his in-laws. In the past, he found the visa process frustrating — plagued with paperwork, long waits at application centers, and additional trips to collect passports.
With the visa-free policy in place, his recent experience was starkly different. Flying into Chengdu, he was initially concerned about procedural hiccups, given the policy's novelty and limited international flights to the city. However, the process was "super smooth", requiring only a simple arrival form before breezing through customs, he said.
For Poppensieker and his family, the visa-free policy has made visits to China more accessible and stress-free. It's a change he hopes will continue, allowing for more frequent and hassle-free trips in the future.
Simone Trazzi, chief operating officer and executive director of UFI Group Asia Pacific Region, echoed this sentiment. Recently awarded the 2024 Shanghai Magnolia Silver Award, Trazzi credited the visa-free policy for enabling his parents-in-law to travel from Italy to attend the ceremony.
"This policy is incredibly beneficial for individuals coming to China, particularly to cities like Shanghai," Trazzi said. "It's an important initiative to attract more international tourists, as well as businesspeople and professionals traveling from Europe to visit companies, factories, or explore new opportunities. I believe this policy plays a crucial role in re-attracting international companies and revitalizing international business here."
Reflecting on his own journey, Trazzi shared, "I came to Shanghai in 2008 as a young manager, relocating with my wife for a job opportunity. Over the years, I've grown professionally, taking on greater responsibilities, and eventually becoming CEO for Asia Pacific at UFI Group. During this time, I've witnessed Shanghai's remarkable transformation — advancing in sustainability, becoming a global hub for commerce, logistics, and finance, and establishing itself as a center for innovation."
Trazzi highlighted Shanghai's ability to attract talent and foster development. "We've set up both our R&D center and production site here because we believe this is the right place to be. Shanghai offers unparalleled opportunities, and our company continues to invest in this vibrant city."
Pi Wei contributed to this story.
