China has significantly expanded its visa-free access policy, now allowing citizens from 75 countriesto enter the country either unilaterally or through mutual agreements, according to Wang Zhizhong, Director of the National Immigration Administration of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Wang said the initiative is part of China’s broader effort to streamline visa regulations and enhance international exchange under the nation’s ongoing 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025).
As Xinhua News Agency reports, the number of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-free transit through China has also climbed to 55, with the maximum duration of visa-free transit extended to 240 hours.
“These policies have greatly facilitated visits by foreign nationals for tourism, business, and other purposes,” Wang noted, emphasizing that travelers now have more convenient options to experience a “real and multifaceted China.”
Infrastructural improvements have paralleled these policy shifts. The number of ports of entry permitting foreign access has grown to 60, covering 24 provinces and major cities, streamlining customs procedures and reducing processing times.
“China’s border clearance system has become one of the most efficient in the world” Wang added.
Record Numbers Reflect Surge in Cross-Border Mobility
According to official statistics, Chinese border control authorities have processed over 1.556 billion entries and exitsduring the current Five-Year Plan period, while inspecting more than 98 million transport vehicles, including aircraft, ships, trains, and automobiles.
The visa reform has already had a tangible impact on tourism and global perception. Data from China’s National Immigration Administration shows that international travel bookings—flights and hotels—doubled in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year. Notably, approximately 75% of inbound travelers came from visa-exempt regions.
“This policy not only boosts tourism but also enhances China’s global image,” said a spokesperson from the National Immigration Administration.
Previously, visa-free access had been granted to 38 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. The expanded list represents a new phase of openness, aligning with China’s ambition to play a more active and inclusive role on the world stage.
Opening Doors to Global Talent
The reforms are not limited to tourists. Wang Zhizhong noted that China is also prioritizing the attraction of high-level international talent. The immigration agency is working to build an integrated support system for entry visas, temporary residence permits, and long-term stays.
“Many top-tier professionals from around the world are now coming to China to participate in its modernization process and contribute to key sectors,” Wang concluded.
The move signals China’s strategic pivot toward greater global engagement, potentially reshaping how the world sees—and accesses—the rising Asian powerhouse.
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